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Article by: Roy Sencio - 12/11/2007

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Fly fishing is a great hobby! In fact fly fishing is one of the most popular fishing hobbies, that lead countless fishing enthusiasts to many running streams.

Aside from actually catching a real live fish, it is one of the best ways to relax; allowing you the opportunity to cut away from the stress of city living and break the monotony of the usual daily work routine. What could you possibly want more than breathing some fresh unpolluted air? There is nothing as soothing as the occasional hushed sway of distant trees in the breeze, and the sound of a running stream. So in a way, the catch is actually just the bonus.

But how do you get started in fly fishing?

If you are planning on taking up fly fishing you will need the right equipment and you will have to learn how to use it the right way. What you would need are as follows:

1. A Fly Fishing Rod
A proper fly fishing rod weighs around 5 ounces and is usually about 9 feet in length, however this may depend on how small or how big the river is, where you intend to use it. The best place to get advise on the right equipment to use is the local fishing tackle store; not only will they be able to tell you what equipment would be appropriate for a particular stream, they'll give it to you without costing you extra.

2. Fly Fishing Line
The line used for fly fishing is actually much thicker than a normal fishing line. It needs to have enough weight to achieve that whipping action used to move the fly around the surface of the stream.

3. Flies
This is not a real fly, but an artificial fly lure. Artificial fly lures vary and depend on the type of fish or fish specie you intend to catch. Another fact to take into consideration are the insects that are common in the particular stream. Sometimes you may need a fly for working the surface of the water, and other times you'd need a lure that sinks a little bit. The look of the lure would also depend on the insects that thrive on the stream's edges. The more experience you get in fly fishing, the more you would want to try out different fly lures, some even eventually make their own fly lures. Nothing could be more rewarding than the experience of catching a nice sized fish using your own handmade fly lure.

Like any other hobby, it may take some time to master fly fishing. You need to practice on the technique, but if you have the right equipment and you keep at it long enough to learn how to really use it, you will be an expert in no time.

The fly fishing technique is actually simple. The idea is to mimic the behavior of insects that the fish feed on. It is also important for you to observe the river for the type of insects around, as this will help you choose a fly lure that looks similar to these insects. You also need a rod with the right type of action that allows you to work the fly well enough to be able to mimic the insects' actions on or below the surface of the water.

Just as important as knowing how to use the fly fishing equipment and choosing the right lure is knowing the best time to fish. The most ideal time would be when the fish are most active and that can vary from one stream to the next. Dawn and dusk are typically the best times since the sun isn't bright enough for the fish to see you, and the insects that the fish feed on are also usually very active.

With just a little preparation, learning about the right equipment and learning how to use it; fly fishing can be an exciting and rewarding hobby.

The fly fishing technique may take time to master however, and the catch may not come in the numbers you would have hoped; the greater reward would probably be the opportunity to leave the city for the exciting experience of actually catching a fish out in nature.