The Appeal of Fly Fishing (and the Value of Strong Vision)
Fishing is consistently reported to be one of the largest participation sports in the UK, with people of all ages and abilities able to engage in some way. One of the biggest appeals of fishing is the many different varieties, making it likely that everyone will find a type of angling that suits them.
Take, for example, our expert laser eye surgeon, Mr Glenn Carp. While he enjoys many varieties of the sport, he is an avid fly fisher. While conventional fishing involves casting your line from the water’s edge and waiting for interest from a passing fish – perhaps for hours – Glenn explains that fly fishing is a little different.
Fly fishermen are watching for movement before casting their line where they suspect the fish may be resting. If in a river, this is likely around a rock where there is the least resistance to the water’s current. Another difference is the absence of a reel. Instead, the line is held with one hand while a “fly” bait (which come in a range of styles to resemble different insects) is used to tempt the fish out of its hiding place.
Glenn explains the skills needed for success
Back in South Africa, where Glenn Carp was born, he enjoyed a wide variety of sports, from rugby to scuba diving, as well as heading out into the great African outdoors. But after moving to London with his wife Deirdre, Glenn swapped his passion for the African veld for the verdant pastures of England and Scotland.
It was through their exploration of the British countryside, from the Cotswolds and the Lake District to the Scottish Highlands, that Glenn’s passion for fly fishing took hold.
“I used to make the flies myself – it’s quite intricate and detailed – but the problem with making your own is that each area has its own local fly of choice. These are based on the local insects that the fish normally feed on – so local fishing shops are more reliable and a much easier source.”
Choosing the right fly is just one of the skills involved in successful fly fishing. Others include positioning the fly in the right spot and presenting the fly on the surface of the water with as little disruption as possible, leading the fish to think it is a real insect. Then, when a passing fish – perhaps a salmon or trout – has taken the bait, it’s all about feeding the line and playing the fish in a gentle battle between hunter and hunted.
“You might go for the same fish and play with her twenty times, and there is no interest because you are not presenting the right fly at the right time in the correct place.
“It might be all about changing your stance or position so that the fish cannot see you – or sometimes they are simply not hungry – but that’s the challenge”, explains Glenn. “The point is that you are in the zone, and it helps you clear your mind. You can literally switch off. We all live such busy lives with so many distractions…”
Undoubtedly, there are many skills required to be adequate at any kind of fishing. And having keen eyesight may be among the most important assets.
The Advantage or Sharp Vision
It is often easy to take our vision for granted. Many of us may not realise just how much we rely on it for everyday tasks and errands. Of course, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, this is less likely to be the case. But some activities make any deficiency in our visual acuity all too noticeable – and fly fishing might just be one of them.
After all, fly fishing is all about looking out for the smallest shift in movement, both in the water and of your fly. But while glasses and contact lenses might help to improve your visual acuity, they are not the ideal solution in a wet environment.
Standing in the water, you’re at risk of splashing your face and eyes. This can prove to be a minor annoyance when you have to keep wiping your glasses clean, but for those wearing contacts, there may be a more sinister risk: eye infections.
There’s no wonder Mr Carp decided to go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery. While fly fishing might not have been his priority when he decided to go under the laser, we’re sure it was useful when he headed out in the water after his treatment!
If you’d like to learn how Laser Eye Surgery could improve your vision, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today!