[fishmaster911]

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at so I'll try two ways.When fly fishing there are flys that immitate actual insects. These can be mayflys, caddis flys, minnows, mice....you name it. Most of the flys I tie and fish are of this variety, to represent actual insects/things at various life stagesThere are also flies that are tied to look buggy, but do not look like any one thing in particular. These are called attractor flys, the royal wulff is a well known attractor dry fly. Fish just hit it for whatever reason (there are many triggers incorporated into the attractor flys).Which type is better? That is a very difficult and personal answer. I prefere realistic flys over attractors for trout. To me it's just part of the fun.Now if you meant an actual alive insect....that is hard to do with a fly rod (but not unheard of). If you mean alive or artificial, I would have to say for ease of use and reduction of headaches go for the artificial fly.Real insects are easily ripped off of the hook unless presented very carefully!