To preserve the length of the leader, tippet is added to attach the flies. The knot used most often by fly fishermen is the clinch knot, which is used to attach the fly to the tippet. The types of fishing flies themselves are as numerous or more so than real insects and their larva. Lafley explained that fishermen may choose imitative flies, which try to mimic the local insect population, or attractive flies, which may pique a fish's curiosity with shapes and colors unfamiliar to them. Local fly shops, other fishermen and regional websites are good sources for advice on effective flies for specific fishing spots, he said.
Dry flies float on top of the water.
Wet flies and nymphs are reeled beneath the water's surface. Although flies can be purchased, many fishermen spend winter evenings tying their own flies while dreaming of spring fishing adventures. Lafley stressed that a hat and polarized sunglasses are the other two essential items for fly fishermen. The windy afternoon presented a challenge to the new fishermen and gave Lafley an opportunity to demonstrate how they should choose their position so that the wind would be coming from the opposite direction of the cast. As they practiced under Lafley tutelage, their confidence built and they let out more line, their casts becoming more graceful and high arcing despite the wind.