• Fishing flies, designed to look like bugsfishing fly image by Bruce MacQueen from Fotolia.com
  
  The sport of fly fishing requires precision and preparation to be successful. It is more than just putting a lure or piece of bait on a line, throwing it out, and waiting for a fish to bite it. Fly fishing requires the angler to exactly replicate the appearance of the natural food source of whatever fish they may be after. The rod, reel, line and fly all play an integral role in accomplishing this task.
  
  

Rod

• Selecting a rod depends on personal preference and the type of fish you are after. Rods vary in length from seven to ten feet. Longer rods allow for greater leverage, making your casts go further. The greater cast distance, however, comes at the cost of cast accuracy.
  
  Fly rods also vary in flex. The flex of a rod is also known as its weight. The correct weight depends mainly on preference, but higher weights can make it easier to land larger fish. Saltwater rods tend to be longer and higher in weight; conversely, freshwater rods are usually shorter and more flexible.
  
  Consider the rod action, which is not how much, but where the rod flexes. Action can be fast, medium, or slow. The fast action rod bends mostly in the last third of its length. Fast action rods give greater casting distances and more efficient casting. Medium action rods bend in the final half to two-thirds and provide good cast distance while also offering some whip to the rod. The shaft of the slow action rod flexes in nearly its entire length. They will not cast as far, especially on windy days, but anglers with certain casting styles may prefer slow action rods.
  
  

Reel

• Many companies advertise expensive reels. In reality, for most anglers, the low and mid-price range reels will suit just as well. Reel sizes depend on the length and weight of the line being used. Basic reels have no drag system and no protective coating. These two functions, only slightly more costly, are indispensable to anglers. A drag system allows the angler to focus on landing a fish and not how quickly the line is paying out. Protective coating protects the reel from corrosion. A reel with protective coating will usually last longer than one without, making the small increase in price a worthwhile investment.
  
  

Line

• Line varies in weight, strength, shape, and color. Some lines are tapered; some are weighted more heavily towards the end. The angler can change line color to blend in with the water better, or to make it easier for him to see in the water. At the end of the line comes the leader, a monofilament line. This line is invisible and is essential to a successful presentation of the fly.
  
  

Fly

• The two main types of fly are dry and wet. Dry flies float on top of the water; wet flies run beneath the surface. The fly you choose should mimic the natural food source, which can depend on geographic location as well as time of year.