Fly fishing pants protect you from UV rays, bug bites and scratchy brush as you wade along the beach or shoreline. They also have a habit of collecting interesting objects like these!
Have you ever noticed that fly fishing pants can collect the darndest things? During the heat of the summer months, you won't want to wear a pair of heavy waders, but you should wear a pair of lightweight nylon fishing pants that will keep you cool while protecting your legs from UV rays. The only catch is that the folds and cuffs of nylon fishing pants have a habit of collecting the most curious things.
4 Things Accidentally Caught While Fly Fishing
Seashells
If you go fly fishing for snook or spotted seatrout off the beach in Florida during a steady incoming tide, you will probably feel the bottoms of your pants getting heavier as the day progresses. Upon further investigation, you may find a variety of shells and sand weighing down the bottoms of your pants. Clams, cockles, and conchs love to collect in your pant cuffs!
Fiddler Crabs
Since fiddler crabs live on beaches and mud flats, it's entirely possible that this semi-aquatic species might take up temporary residence in the cuffs or folds of your fly fishing pants. The fiddler crab requires a certain amount of saltwater in order to thrive though, so you won't spot this crustacean if you are fly fishing in a freshwater stream or river. You may also be interested in knowing that fiddler crabs won't typically break the skin if they happen to pinch you.
Mayflies
These aquatic insects are found across with world (with the exception of Antarctica) in freshwater fish habitats; therefore, it stands to reason that if you go fly fishing for trout in a river or stream, you may find a mayfly or a mayfly nymph in your fly fishing pants. There are even fly patterns that you can tie or purchase that mimic the appearance of these insects. The good news is that mayflies do not bite or sting. The presence of mayflies is actually an indicator of a healthy aquatic environment.
Minnows
While minnows and other baitfish will typically swim away from you while you are wading, particularly if you are moving down the shoreline, you may find one or two itty bitty baits stuck in the folds or cuffs of your pants if you stand still for any period of time. At this point, hopefully you are taking the hint that unrolling your pant cuffs before wading might be a good idea.
If you go fly fishing on a regular basis, you've probably had similar experiences of finding odd outdoor objects in or on your fishing or wader pants. Comment on this post and share your funny fishing stories. If you are new to fly fishing, learn more about the best clothing and fly fishing gear for the type of trip you plan to take.
