Let’s start with the similarities. Both are effective ways of catching fish. If the intention is to catch fish, why is there a need to use different methods to do the same thing? My opinion on this is; how much fun do you want in the process of catching fish?
Equipment
Normal fishing requires the use of a spinning rod, reel, fishing line (either monofilament or braided line), hooks, sinker, bait or lure.
Fly fishing uses a fly rod, reel, backing, fly line, tippet, leader and flies.
Presentation
Normal fishing depends on the heavy lure or sinker as a weight to be cast out towards the fish.
Fly fishing uses the fly line as the weight to cast the light fly out towards the fish.
Cost
It takes very little to start fishing and for normal fishing, anywhere below RM 150 can get you a decent set up. On the other hand, fly fishing equipment tend to be a little pricier. You can get a fly fishing combo for around RM 600.
Effectiveness in catching fish
Both are effective ways of catching fish and certain skills are required to master both methods of fishing. The learning curve for fly fishing is undeniably steeper but the satisfaction is much more compared to normal fishing.
Final thoughts
Normal fishing with bait or lures are more result oriented and at times can out fish fly fishing. However, fly fishing is considered by many as the purist’s way of catching fish. The core idea is to challenge the fly fisher to be a better angler. It allows you to be more observant of your surroundings as the flies are imitation of the natural diet the fish consume. You become a learning angler and pay attention to your surrounding, enjoying nature as it is intended to be. To understand nature is the first step to loving nature and it will go a long way in the conservation and preservation of our fragile environment.