The Modern Sports and Hobbies Encyclopedia http://www.hobbystop.net http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/History_Of_Fly_Fishing:_From_Past_To_Present.html The calm water... the silent air... the peacefulness in the shrubs and trees that frame the waters... these are the quintessential makings of a perfect fly fishing experience. And though an exploration into the history of fly fishing won't likely turn you into a more adept angler, it can provide added flavor to your appreciation of the sport. Despite what many people think, fly fishing has been practiced since the Roman empire ruled much of the globe. Below, we'll take a brief tour through the history of fly fishing, including its gradual spread to the masses and the evolution of the equipment used. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/History_Of_Fly_Fishing:_From_Past_To_Present.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/An_Overview_Of_Fly_Fishing_Methods.html Fly fishing involves casting methods that are a world apart from the techniques used in other types of fishing. Each type of cast has a unique objective. Those objectives can range from how to position the fly on the water, drying a fly when it has been soaked, or the distance of the cast itself. Below, we'll describe a few of the most popular fly fishing methods and the circumstances in which they're used. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/An_Overview_Of_Fly_Fishing_Methods.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Different_Methods_Of_Fly_Fishing_For_Trout.html Trout fly fishing attracts both experienced anglers and beginners. It's a great way for novices to develop their appreciation of the sport while mastering their line control. But, there are many types of trout fly fishing. Much of it is done in a variety of environments. And while the basics of casting may be similar, each environment requires unique knowledge. In this article, you'll discover the different ways of fly fishing for trout. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Different_Methods_Of_Fly_Fishing_For_Trout.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Appreciating_Cold_Water_Fly_Fishing.html Anglers of all ages enjoy fly fishing. Young and old alike find themselves deep in thought and concentration while standing amongst the quiet trees and water. But, there are many different ways to enjoy fly fishing. One of them takes you to chilly waters where trout, salmon and steelhead live. Cold water fly fishing provides a unique environment that many fly fishermen avoid. For those willing to experience it, matching your skills with your prey in the icy waters can be an unforgettable adventure. Below, we'll describe the equipment you'll need when you're fly fishing in cold water. Plus, you'll learn what you can do when your feet don't touch the bottom. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Appreciating_Cold_Water_Fly_Fishing.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Challenges_And_Delights_Of_Nymphing.html Veteran anglers consider nymphing to be one of the most difficult forms of fly fishing to perform properly. Learning to identify the "take" while your fly is underwater requires patience and skill. Though it's extremely productive (as trout do most of their feeding under the surface), it can also be frustrating. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Challenges_And_Delights_Of_Nymphing.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Tackling_Still_Water_Fly_Fishing.html Most anglers prefer to fly fish in moving waters such as streams and rivers. The current drives their flies and the trout tend to inhabit shallower depths. But, many anglers prefer the challenge of still water fly fishing. Moving water tends to be predictable. Trout usually face upstream to catch the food that floats downstream to them. Plus, when fly fishing in streams and rivers, you can easily see obstructions such as boulders and plunge pools. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Tackling_Still_Water_Fly_Fishing.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Playing_Trout:_From_Hook_To_Hand.html Most people who have never experienced fly fishing imagine that the challenges of fishing involve the casting and getting the fish to take the fly. In reality, that's only part of the challenge. While casting requires skill and precision, it's merely the first step. And even though positioning the fly so that it lures trout effectively is a technique that even experienced anglers botch on occasion, the game has just begun. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Playing_Trout:_From_Hook_To_Hand.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Catching_And_Releasing:_Preserving_Trout.html Not all fly fishermen participate in the sport to eat what they catch. In fact, most enjoy mastering line casting, fly positioning and playing the trout more than actually consuming their catch. Plus, trout inventories can often diminish quickly if a certain area attracts a large number of anglers who take their trout with them. Because of these factors, many anglers practice a catch and release routine. Once they've played and landed a trout, they'll release the trout back into the waters. Below, we'll describe the basic technique used for releasing along with the pros and cons of the catch and release practice. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Catching_And_Releasing:_Preserving_Trout.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Basics_Of_Saltwater_Fly_Fishing.html Saltwater fly fishing is a discipline that involves many of the same skills as fly fishing in freshwater. However, there are a few differences. The gear you use, the types of flies you employ to lure fish and your decision to use live bait will play a role in your success. This article focuses on how to get started with saltwater fly fishing. We'll briefly explore the rods and reels that experienced saltwater anglers use. We'll also describe a few of the flies used to attract the various species of fish. Finally, we'll provide you with a quick overview of the types of fish that most saltwater anglers catch. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Basics_Of_Saltwater_Fly_Fishing.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/A_Brief_Overview_Of_Fly_Fishing_Equipment.html Fly fishing is a relaxing way to enjoy pitting your casting precision and line control against the struggles of the fish you're playing. It requires a level of skill and patience. The precision of your cast, position of your fly and strategy for playing the fish have a huge impact on your success. But, even as important as those things are, your success also depends upon the fly fishing equipment you use. Below, we'll describe the pieces of gear in which you'll need to invest to become a proficient and productive angler. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/A_Brief_Overview_Of_Fly_Fishing_Equipment.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Evolution_Of_Fly_Fishing_Rods.html Fly rods have come a long way. Centuries ago, they were constructed of primitive material such as bamboo. These days, they're built from materials that are more durable and allow more action. While the type of fly rods built long ago offered few choices, there are several types available today. Each has a different purpose and is best-suited for particular circumstances. In this article, you'll discover the evolution of fly fishing rods. You'll also learn a few practical tips that you can use today to purchase and care for your fly rod. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Evolution_Of_Fly_Fishing_Rods.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Choosing_The_Right_Fly_Line_For_The_Job.html People who are new to fly fishing are usually surprised by how well-designed fly lines are. Most (non-angling) folks believe that the line's job is merely to pull in the fish. In truth, fly lines are delicately-created for efficiency and durability in a variety of angling conditions. Some lines float. Others help the fly submerge. Still others are designed specifically for playing larger fish. Since the fly is practically weightless, the line is integral to the cast. It must carry the fly to the angler's desired position. Below, we'll describe how fly lines are made, how to select the best line for the job and the difference between 2 popular types of lines. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Choosing_The_Right_Fly_Line_For_The_Job.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Fly_Fishing_Reels:_More_Than_Line_Storage!.html Many anglers consider fly fishing reels merely as units in which to store their fly line. Unlike deep-sea fishing, where the fishermen uses the reel (often called "spinning reels") to pull in the fish, fly anglers have a different technique. They'll pull the fly line from the reel with their free hand while their other hand casts the line. While the reels used by other anglers are intricately-designed, fly reels often look primitive by comparison. But, their construction is perfectly-suited to the methods fly anglers use to cast their line and play their fish. In this article, you'll learn how fly fishing reels are built, the types of reels you can purchase and a brief description of a reel's drag system. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Fly_Fishing_Reels:_More_Than_Line_Storage!.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Learning_To_Tie_Fly_Fishing_Knots.html Learning to tie a variety of fly fishing knots is a critical skill. Many knots are as much a part of an experienced angler's skill set as casting and playing. Some knots are for tying the fly line to the reel's arbor. Other knots are used to tie the leader to the fly. Some fly fishing knots are used to connect lines of similar diameters while others connect lines with different diameters. There's a specific purpose for each type of knot. The greater number of knots you master, the more flexible and able an angler you'll become. In this article, we'll provide you with a brief summary of the most popular fly knots. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/Learning_To_Tie_Fly_Fishing_Knots.html http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Joys_And_Solitude_Of_Fly_Fishing.html One of the first images that fill a person's mind when they think of fly fishing is the tranquil and serene calm of the water and the land which surrounds it. Movies such as "A River Runs Through It" depict fly fishing as much therapy for weary souls as it is recreation and sport. For those who have never experienced it, it offers the opportunity to participate in a sport that others have enjoyed for thousands of years. In a moment, we'll explain the origins of fly fishing, the various methods involved and provide an overview of the equipment used. http://www.hobbystop.net/Fly_Fishing/The_Joys_And_Solitude_Of_Fly_Fishing.html