Home > The Fly Society > Angler's Glossary

Fly talk confuses and intimidates most rookies (and a lot of non-rookies too). To remove some of the mystery and provide some translation, we've created an angler's glossary. At the very least, it can help you avoid feeling like an ass at your local fly shop.

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

G

Gel-spun polyethylene: A material that is extremely strong for its size. It is often used as a braided fly line backing where large amounts of backing are needed and space on the reel is limited.

Graphite: The material of choice for today's fly rods. It's stronger, lighter, and more flexible than materials used in the past. Of all the things you want to lay down your hard earned dollar for it's this. Your shoulder will thank you for it.

H

Hackle: A fly material (feather) from the neck of a chicken. Imagine...there are chicken farmers around the world focused on raising birds solely for our wacky habits. You gotta love it!

Hauling: Technique that speeds up a cast. Single haul applies to just forward or just backcast, while doublehaul applies to both. Learn the basic mechanics before attempting the doublehaul.

Hatch: The moment when fly larva turn into adult flies and dry their wings to fly. If you time it right, and pick a fly to "match the hatch" you very well could be in business.

Headwaters: Upstream section of the river before the main tributaries join. It is generally smaller and cooler water than the main river after tributaries join.

Hollow Hair: Hair from some animals is mostly hollow, thus holding air and making these hairs float. Ideal for tying dry flies and bass bugs. Antelope, deer, and elk all have hollow hair. Ted Danson, on the other hand, has little hair.

Hook: Steel wire, and either bronzed, cadmium coated, or stainless material to which the fly is tied. Hook designs vary and use depends upon the type of fly being tied.

I

Imitative Flies: Flies tied to match specific bugs. They are best used slow-moving, clear water, where finicky trout have lots of bug options and plenty of time to make a decision. Generally used when fish are smarter than you.

Impressionistic Flies: Flies tied to generally resemble bug families. Impressionistic flies are usually most effectively in medium to fast water, and in water that contains few bugs and options for the fish. Generally used when fish aren't quite as smart as you.

Indicator: Floating object placed on the leader or end of the fly line. Used to "indicate" a bite or "indicate" the drift of the fly. It is used when nymphing and is very effective. Many elitist anglers look down on this method calling it "bobber fishing." We say hey, if you're catching fish on a fly rod more power to you! Be proud, and if it feels good, do it!

K

Knotless Tapered Leader: A fly fishing leader entirely constructed from a single piece of monofilament.

Knotted Leader: fly fishing leader constructed by knotting sections of different diameter leader material to each other to make a tapered leader. Most commonly used knots to construct such a leader are blood (or barrel) knot and surgeon's knot.

L

Larva: The growth stage of a bug's life. Larva is a non-swimming stage when the bug sits on the bottom of the water column. It's like fish pop corn. The grab it when they want it. If it bounces off its lips, no biggie. There's plenty more where that came from.

Leader: The monofilament line that is attached to the main fly line and is also the piece that the fly is tied on. It is usually tapered, so that it will deliver the fly softly and away from the fly line (see knotted leader, knotless tapered leader, turn over, and monofilament).

Leader Material: Clear nylon or other type of monofilament. It can be used for tippets as well as for complete leaders (on light fly lines.)

Level Line (L):- Untapered fly line. It can be tough to cast. It's typically not an all around productive fly line. Avoid it.

Line Hand: The hand not holding the rod. Used to control the line when casting, and the fly when stripping. This hand works overtime and with time will develop a mind of its own.

Loading the Rod: Putting a bend in the rod by using the weight of the line when casting. Wait for the rod to load on both the back and forward casts, and life is good. Don't wait, and you'll be sorry.