Fly fishing is considered a gentleman's sport, where patience holds the same importance as fishing skills. If anyone sees fly fishers on a large running river waiting for that illusive trout to bite the bait, one would get the impression of peace and serenity. And that is exactly what this sport is all about.

Modern fly fishing is said to come from the pebble-strewn rivers of Scotland and Northern England with a book attributed a Juliana Berners who wrote a manual on rod, line and hook making as well as making baits for certain types of fish for certain times of the year. By the 19th century, with the invention of fishing clubs, the sport spread to the United States and dry and wet fly fishing became popular.

Methods Used

Fly fishing is also called fly angling where the angler uses rods between 2 meters to 4.5 meters depending on the angler's needs and the type of fish being caught. Casting is one of the most important techniques in fly fishing. The forward cast is the most common cast where the angler, using his forearm throws the rod back over his shoulder and into the water forming a straight line. A long distance is good but it would depend on the waters.

Another technique is called the basic roll cast where the line is made into a loop and dropped into the water surface. This is usually used in short distances or you can use it to prepare for a longer cast. The curve cast is similar to the forward cast, only you have to "curve" your cast to 45 degrees on the side. This method is popular with dry fly fishing. Other casts include single and double haul cast and tuck casts.

Patience is the Key

If you have mastered the types of casts that you can use, you can now start catching fish. You have to consider that some fish are harder to catch than other fishes. For example, bass is harder to catch than trout. You also have to consider the seasons when fish are likely more plentiful and in which area. Fish depends on three things that will help you find them easily: the right temperature, food and protection.

Some areas with adequate cover are more likely to have more food for fishes and therefore more fish to catch. Of course, patience is one of the most important virtues that a fly fisher must have to succeed in the sport. It can also be a form of meditation that helps ease stress and worry.

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