Fly-fishing is a technique that lends itself to the more experienced fisherman, not the green beginner. Not only does the fly fisher use different gear than any other angler, there are other casts and techniques to master. Because the gear is so different, it does take some getting used to, so before heading out to the water for your first fishing experience, make sure that you take some time to get acquainted with your rod and tackle.

A good fly-fishing set up will include the following:

1. The rod itself. A fly-fishing rod is far more flexible and thinner than other rods. Your rod’s length and diameter will be dictated by the size of the fish that you are after and the depth of the waters you are fishing. Smaller fish, shallower waters will equal a shorter, thinner rod.

2. The reel. The reel that you put on your rod should match it for size and should have adjustable drag to accommodate the fish’s fighting level.

3. The line. Putting the wrong line on the reel that you are using makes very little sense at all. Make sure that you are using the right line and you will have less tangles, breakage and slipping.

4. The lures. Fly-fishing gets its name for the tied lures of the same name. Flies are commonly used to catch trout and salmon, but can be used to take a wider variety of fish. Flies themselves can be dry, wet, nymphs, streamers and bucktails. Do your research to find out not only how to tie each type of fly, and when is the best time to use them, at what depth and what species of fish will literally go crazy for them.

Finally, if you are going to be doing any fly fishing, you should make sure that you have at least some mastery of each casting technique before you go. If you cannot find someone to learn from, consider buying a book, a video or doing some research on the Internet for fly-fishing casts.

You will see the cast in action and then have it broken down to easy to follow, simple instructions. With good practice and hard work you will soon be casting your fly-fishing line like a total pro. In fact, for some people casting is easier to learn than tying the lures.