Robert Rankin owns and operates the Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Robbinsville, NC. When not working, he enjoys fly fishing, which differs from traditional fishing by using specialized rods up to 9 feet long, weighted for different fish sizes. Fly fishers also use specialized reels to cast fly lines with attached artificial flies mimicking prey to attract fish.

1. Robert Rankin, Robbinsville, NC

2.  Robert Rankin owns and operates the Snowbird Mountain Lodge in
Robbinsville, NC. When not serving guests at his Robbinsville, NC,
hospitality business, Robert Rankin enjoys pursuing outdoor sports
such as fly fishing.
Fly fishing differs from traditional or “spin” fishing in that it requires a
whole set of specialized equipment and relies on a different bait
strategy. Specialized fly fishing rods are usually nine feet long and
vary in terms of weight depending on the size of the fish sought by
the fisher, with greater weights necessary for bigger fish.
The reel, which is connected to the rod, holds the fly line, an
essential component of fly fishing, which requires that fishers throw
or “cast” the fly line with proper distance and accuracy. Choice of fly
line weight depends on the rod’s weight.

3.  At the end of the line attaches the “fly” from which
fly fishing gets it name. The fly is basically a hook
camouflaged to resemble prey invertebrates that
attract fish. When a fly fisher casts the fly line
across the water, they may rely on a number of
varying techniques, including two stroke, open
loop, and roll casting methods.
Fly fishers find waters to practice their sport
throughout the United States and especially in fly
fishing “hot spots” such as North Carolina.