Here is some basic information.

I am excited you have decided to explore the sport of fly fishing. Fly fishing offers knowledge and excitement on many levels. From understanding the habits and behaviors of fresh and salt water fish of all kinds, to experiencing the sounds and smells of a remote stream or pond at dawn, you will enjoy fly fishing at every moment.

Started in the days of the Roman Empire, fly fishing has spread across the globe with approximately 3.83 million participates in the United States. Currently, it is experiencing 748 million dollars in annual retail sales. This does not account for the 319 million of revenue generating activities just in Maine. From fishing supplies to guide services, Maine’s fly fishing community is vital to the state’s economy.

I started fly fishing over 20 years ago. I learned to cast in K- Mart parking lot in central Maine. A local fly shop owner would swing in when I was practicing and give me pointers and tips. He never asked for compensation or pressured me to buy expensive equipment. It was simply his gift to me. Since those early days of cast in the parking lot, I have become more experienced, but in no means have I learned everything. That’s what I like about the sport, you will never stop learning.

In this series of posts, I will touch briefly on the essential elements of fly fishing. You will learn what basic equipment you need to go fishing, parts of a fly rod, parts of a fly line, different types of fly lines, critical knots, basic fly types and their use, how to select the correct fly rod for your ability and where you will fish, basic casting forms, and how to find fish in a typical Maine stream.

If you become familiar with this information, it will come in handy as you learn and excel in the art of fly fishing.  However, this is just the beginning. If I have one piece of advice it is; read, read, read, practice, practice, practice.