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A 'lure' and a 'fly'.
Didn't want to hijack another thread and this subject probably deserves a thread of its own. Without getting into a heated discussion let's see if we can come to an agreement on the definition and distinction(s) between a lure (as in a streamer) and a fly?
Allan
Why is a streamer not a fly? It is more of a fly, if you accept traditional definitions, than, say, a Chernoble Ant. Should Carrie Stevens be known as an early innovative lure maker, rather than fly tyer? Of course, the real question, is what difference does it make?
From Wikipedia, not found in the general dictionary, A ]fishing lure is an object attached to the end of a which is designed to resemble and move like the prey of a The purpose of the lure is to use movement, vibration, and colour to catch the fish's attention so it bites the hook. Lures are equipped with one or more single, double, or treble hooks that are used to hook when they attack the lure.
In modern usage in the USA, I think a lure is generally felt to be an object of sufficient weight, that when propelled by a fishing rod, will have sufficient momentum to pull line from the reel throughout the flight of the lure. A fly on the other hand relies on the momentum of the line to propel it through its flight.
Actually, there may be a 'legal' difference and depend on what state you are in and specifically where you are fishing. Aside from that there are some things that are not the same as other things and to some people the difference(s) matters not one iota. However, to other people that difference is more then semantics and does matter.Quote:
Originally Posted by flyfisher7
Oh, as far as Carrie Stevens: In addition to her lure making abilities as demonstrated by her fantastic streamers, she may have been an excellent fly tyer too.
All things not bait... are lures
Or put another way, All Flies Are Lures, But Not All Lures Are Flies.Quote:
Originally Posted by maodiver
I would agree with that. Lures will yank your string, flies string along.
And a heavily weighted depth-charge type fly would be?Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Jesse
I have used weighted, bead head wooly buggers plenty of times with spin gear, and no other weight.
Indirectly there is a legal definition here. It is illegal to use lead under 1 ounce for fishing, unless it is part of the dressing of a fly. You can put lead on the hook shank as a base for a fly, you can put it onto a tube. You can not put just lead on a hook to use with a tube. That indicates that a fly is a dressing on a hook or other support. Lures usually have the hook fastened to the lure.
The thing that is important to me is that the rules of the fishery are followed. Beyond that I have seen things that I wouldn't use, but take the position that I'm not the person to decide what is and isn't fly fishing for them. Fly fishing is a completely artificial problem that we set ourselves in order to be creative in its solution. In that respect it is an art form. Just because someone else's fly isn't ascetically pleasing to you doesn't mean it isn't art.
One fishing club that I am a member off has banned the use of flies and a bubble float. A traditional method in this area. This came up when a friend asked if he could take the disabled people he works with fishing. Most are not able to cast a fly line, but could use a spinning rod with a bubble float and flies. To me this is just plane wrong. I don't use this method, but why shouldn't someone who is physically incapable of casting a fly line not be permitted to enjoy fishing?
I sum it up as follow the rules, live and let live.
Cheers,
A.
There is very little difference between a flyrod nymph and "Indicator".......and a spinning rig with a small bobber and nymph. Especially when the fly reel also has a hightech disk drag to boot. :) In the Steelhead world....a noodle rod, which early models are basically a spin rod built on a flyrod blank, is used with a clear casting bubble and "Micro-jig" (or beadhead fly). Now, compare that to a Chech rod with a beadhead nymph and indicator. In both instances, the rig is rollcast or flipped within reach of the rod.....virtually no casting is often the case. The only difference is the line. Yet oftentimes the flyrodder never has more than a rod-length of flyline even in play. It's all how you approach things......
Take a car and attach a plow behind it to cultivate a field then the car becomes a tractor. Hitch up a team of horses to a car and pull it around, then the car becomes a wagon. Cut off the top and remove the back seat and trunk lid, then the car becomes a pickup truck.
So it is with the fly. Cast it with a fly line then the fly is a fly. Cast it with a spinning outfit then the fly becomes a lure.
I have seen flies that I called lures and a few lures I called flies. So, I feel it is simply how you cast them. Then again???????? :)
Larry ---sagefisher---