To start fly fishing you need a fly rod, a line and some artificial flies. The idea is to catch fish by getting them to bite on an imitation of a bug or baitfish on, or just below, the water. Flies are made using thread, wire, beads, feathers, yarn and hair, and are created to look like insects and baitfish at various stages of maturity to attract trout, salmon, panfish and carp, as well as marine species such as tarpon, bonefish and striped bass.

Most people think of fly fishing as a sport best enjoyed in mountain streams with catches of trout and salmon. Though these types of waters are great places to fly fish, you can also enjoy amazing fly fishing in the warm waters of ponds and lakes, and in salt water - and catch a broad array of fish. There's probably a body of water you can use for fly fishing not too far from where you live.