Mending in fishing is a technique used primarily in fly fishing to adjust the position or drift of the fly line and leader on the water after the cast has been made. The goal is to achieve a natural presentation of the fly by controlling the movement of the line and leader in relation to the current. When fishing on moving water, such as rivers or streams, the current can affect the position and drift of the fly line, potentially causing unnatural drag that can spook fish or make the fly appear unnatural. Mending allows anglers to counteract these effects by repositioning or reorienting the line to achieve a drag-free drift. There are two primary types of mending: upstream mend and downstream mend. An upstream mend involves lifting or flipping the line upstream of the fly after the cast to create slack and allow the fly to drift naturally downstream without drag. A downstream mend involves moving the line downstream of the fly after the cast to eliminate drag and achieve a natural drift. Mending requires careful observation of the water and an understanding of current dynamics to anticipate where adjustments are needed. It's an essential skill in fly fishing, particularly in situations where achieving a natural presentation is critical to enticing fish to strike.
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