Think like Fish

To think like a fish is still one of the most fundamental rules for catching any kind of fish on a fly. In order for you to think like a fish you need to find out how the fish perceive the enviroment it lives in including it likes and dislikes and what it feeds on. Here are a couple of interesting facts about fish which you need to take into consideration and use in your overall fly fishing strategy.

Every fish species have their own behaviour patterns that includes the following:

• Preferred living conditions (ecological surroundings)
• Preferred water conditions (some are more active depending water temperature)
• Preferred food forms (what they prey on)

Fish Senses

Fish can feel vibrations through its lateral line on the side of its body. It utilize this lateral line to detect any low frquency movement from other fish or animal in and around its surroundings.

In short, if you walk alongside any water that holds fish, the fish would be able to pick up the vibrations of your footfall - so be carefull when you approach your fishing or target area!

Fish Taste and Smell

Most fish have very well developed senses to smell, they use it for detecting the scent of their prey and also dangerous predators - a built-in protection system! - wash your hands in the water before touching the flyline or fly, the fish would be able to detect the smell on your hands!

Fish Sight

Fish have almost 360 degrees or all-round vision and can see to certain degree in 3D. Most fish normally will react to quick or jerk-like moving prey and ignore slow moving objects. - be carefull when moving around the waters, sudden movement can scare the fish away!

Fish also have no eyelids which makes them sensitive for very bright sunny days which will make them move into areas with shadow or into deeper water where the sunrays gets better deflected - If you fish on bright sunny days, your chances of catching a fish near the surface, in the open are very small.