Fly fishing is an exciting and fast growing sport in all over the world, and especially here in the U.S.A. The reasons for the increasing popularity of fly fishing are obvious. Fly fishing is enjoyable, relaxing, and rewarding in many different ways. Perhaps the most rewarding element of fly fishing is the variety of beautiful natural surroundings in which anglers often find themselves; a secluded stream up in the mountains, a peaceful meandering river deep in the forest, or a tranquil blue lake somewhere out in big sky country. For some, it may be the opportunity to test ones’ individual skill against nature - in an intricate game of cat and mouse (but in this case, man against fish.) These are just some of the compelling reasons why many thousands of people enjoy the challenges of fly fishing every year.

For beginning fly-fishermen, however, learning fly fishing can be difficult. We have compiled this e-book to give anglers, especially new anglers, some guidance on how to get the most out of the exciting sport of fly fishing. While there are many other resources available about fly fishing on the internet, few of them touch on the techniques, tactics and strategies commonly used in fly fishing. If these topics sound interesting, then you’re in the right place because this e-book was written just for you.

Fly Fishing. A sport for the crafty and gifted and a form of recreation for the patient. Throughout the years many have claimed that they have discovered the secrets and have yet to unveil more. Yes, they have shared tons of these secrets and we have read about them, more than once.

As I have discovered myself, these secrets have been repeated countless of times by different people too, claiming they themselves discovered it. We don’t pass judgment, we applaud them. We have learned and applied what little we have known about the sport itself (or on the contrary – my apologies to the small percentage that are considered experts on this field. This statement does not apply).

This is not one of those moments where I claim my 15 minutes of fame. Just a simple aficionado of the sport hoping to add a little grain to your sack of rice. I promise I wont be overtly original. You have to expect I will mention the secrets we have all discovered. It may not be so secret anymore but still an effective tip to fish. Let’s start where everybody usually does, from the beginning. What do you usually do the day (or night) before going fly fishing? You prepare the things you need! What do you need? The basics, your fly fishing gear. Rod, reel, line, and bait (live or imitation-fly fishing flies). Of course you need not forget your personal requirements, so to speak. Sunblock, bug repellant and shades for example.

When you get to the water, just remember these tips: Dont scare the fish away! You dont want to scare them away, you want to catch them. What’s the purpose of all this when its NOT? Stay as close to the bank where they most probably are hangin’ around. The ripples may make them uneasy but only for a short period. Take note also that the sight of any moving objects may also cause them to move away. That would be you, so lay low and camouflage your clothing to your current environment. Then your set. Have your favorite rod and cast away!

When you’re finished with you day, please remember to completely dry out your gear. You could transfer parasites or diseases to whichever fishing spot you go next. You can apply whatever cleaning solution you want but remember, it has to be eco friendly. You dont want to poison the fish or pollute the next fishing spot you want to visit.

Dont say that there are no excuses for NOT catching any fish. YES THERE ARE! Conditions like, they are not feeding, the temperature is just too hot, its not your day, bad luck or maybe your wife just left you are all valid reasons. Dont beat yourself up because you’re a bad fisherman…well, maybe you are (tip top shape, remember?). The important thing is, HAVE FUN! Its not worth the trouble if your not having any fun!

We'll explore in detail the various fish most people fish for, we’ll cover casting basics, how to read the water, how to take care of your gear, how to tie knots, dry flies, and fly lines. We’ll also explore hatches, cover insect entomology and much, much more. In short, this e-book will teach you everything you always wanted to know about fly fishing! (maybe even more than you’ve ever wanted to know)

Succumbing to the winter fly fishing blues

The small Central American country of Panama is often over shadowed by it’s neighbor Costa Rica, but if your looking to get away from the crowds and are willing to explore, Panama is the perfect location. I was somewhat overwhelmed when Chelsea and I arrived in Panama City and started pouring over the maps we had of Panama. For being such a small country there is an amazing amount of coastline, lakes, and rivers to explore. We first headed north along the Pacific coast weaving up into the mountainous jungle and back down to the broad Pacific beaches. Most of the Pacific side did not appeal to me for fishing with long featureless beaches. One exception was the small village of Boca Chica where I finally found mangrove islands, lagoons, and feisty fish. I hired a local to take Chelsea and I out in his panga and we fished along the dense mangrove for a few hours in the evening