If you believe what you read, fly fishing requires the touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Forget about what you've heard about f ly fishing in the past, if you really want to learn how to fly fish all you need are the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential elements you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly fishing in no time. For those of you who have never held a fly rod, you will find enough information here to get you started. You won't be forced to discover everything all at once. If you're already a fly rodder, you'll find plenty of tips and techniques that you can turn to right away without going through the basics all over again. And if you're a master angler, you will find this book a handy reference for all kinds of questions. Fly Fishing For Dummies explores the fun and fundamentals of fly fishing from tying flies to reeling in your catch. Whether you're a novice or a veteran angler, here you'll find all the tips and tricks for choosing the right kind of gear; how and where to catch freshwater and saltwater fish; visual examples of the art of casting; and how to read the water, wade, cast, and (finally) land yourself a whopper. You'll also find out how to: * Identify the best fish to fly fish for from rainbow trout to black marlin * Improve your catch and release techniques * Continue your education through recommended references and online resources * Choose the right rod, reel, and gear to land the fish you are after * Master all the casting styles you'll ever need * Tie your own flies or choose pre-made ones proven to get results With over 150 illustrations and proven advice, Fly Fishing For Dummies is a great primer on fly fishing's essential elements.

Table of Contents

Introduction. PART I: The Basics. Chapter 1: What Every Fly Rodder Needs to Know. Chapter 2: Choosing a Rod. Chapter 3: Reels. Chapter 4: Between the Rod and the Fish: Hooks, Lines, Leaders. PART II: The Fish and the Flies. Chapter 5: Trout and the Bugs They Love. Chapter 6: Great Mayflies (And Why Trout Love Them). Chapter 7: Tying Flies. Chapter 8: Great Rivers for Trout. Chapter 9: Freshwater Fish. Chapter 10: The Beautiful Black Bass. Chapter 11: Saltwater Fish. Chapter 12: Saltwater Baits and Flies That Work. PART III: Fly Fishing Essentials. Chapter 13: Casting and Presentation: The Heart of the Game. Chapter 14: The Right Time and the Right Place. Chapter 15: Catching and (Often) Releasing. Chapter 16: The Fly Fishing Wardrobe. Chapter 17: Knots: A Few Will Do. PART IV: The Part of Tens. Chapter 18: Ten Good Books for Guidance. Chapter 19: Ten Great Reads. Chapter 20: Ten Top Fly Fishing Magazines. Chapter 21: Fly Fishing as an Interactive Sport. Index. Book Registration Information.

About the Author

Peter Kaminsky has written for Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Sports Afield, and the "Outdoors" column in the New York Times.