The Difference Between:

[Allan]

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

[flyfisher7]

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?

[Uncle Jesse]

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.

[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?

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.
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.

[maodiver]

All things not bait... are lures

[Allan]

All things not bait... are lures

Or put another way, All Flies Are Lures, But Not All Lures Are Flies.

[Uncle Jesse]

I would agree with that. Lures will yank your string, flies string along.

[sagefisher]

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---