4 expert tips for fly-fishing from canoes and kayaks

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Fly-line management is one of the biggest challenges

#4  GET ORGANIZED FOR FISHING

The most vexing part of fly fishing from small boats is line management. Fly line has a preternatural ability to tangle around any possible obstacle, and kayaks and canoes bristle with them: ribs, rivets, the tag ends of straps, and even your shoelaces. Snagging any one of those can blow a cast or cause a break-off.

The solution is organization and discipline. Start by storing all your loose gear away from where you dump your line. You can also use a stripping basket—purchased or makeshift—to corral loose line. Another trick is to spread a towel across your lap or at your feet to make a safe landing spot for line. Then you just have to train yourself to dump your line in the designated spot. It takes a little practice, but you’ll be glad you did it—especially when you’ve got a big fish on the line, and it’s running for the other side of the lake.

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BONUS TIP: KNEE NEEDS

If you prefer to fly cast while kneeling in a canoe or kayak, try strapping on a set of tradesman-style knee pads. Your bruised and aching patellas will thank you.

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