Forget about what you heard about fly fishing in the past. If you believe what you read, fly fishing requires the touch a surgeon, the

body mechanics of Tiger Woods, and the spirit of a Zen master. I know this isn't true because I am an okay fly fisherman and I fit none of those qualifications. But fly fishing has this aura about it that may have more to do with writers than with fishing. A lot of fly fishermen write about fishing, so naturally, they try to make it seem that it is the most demanding and soul improving method of catching a fish. However, for me, I find that angling with a fly rod is far and away the most pleasant way to fish. In fact, I will go even further than that and say that it is my favorite thing to do - period. 

Bait fishing can be as demanding. Spin fishing with lures requires every bit as much knowledge of fish behavior as well as a wide acquaintance with all kinds of lures. So, you really can't defend the position of most fly-fishing snobs that their sport is more demanding and challenging. The real difference between fly fishing and every other form of angling with a rod is that with most conventional rods, the weight of your bait or sinker or Iure carries the line, whereas in fly fishing the weight of the line carries the fly. This crucial difference requires that the fly rodder learn to cast in a special way, moving the line through the air like a very long bull whip. This maneuver calls for a certain amount of timing and a whole lot of practice. Most people cannot pick up a fly rod and begin to cast right away, but they can, after a few flicks, begin to use a baitcasting or spinning rod in short order. But having taught many, many people to fly fish over the years, I promise you that I can have you casting and catching fish on your first day. You may not cast very far, and you may not catch very many fish, but you will be fly fishing. After that, the rest is just practice.

This book is a reference; you don't have to read it from cover to cover. I suggest that you find a topic that interests you in the table of contents or index and go from there. I've peppered the chapters with cross-references to related topics in other chapters (and even other books). If you want to read this book from front to back, feel free, but like I said, skipping around is good, too.

Chapter 1:  What Every Fly Rodder Needs to Know

Chapter 2:  Choosing a Rod

Chapter 3:  Reels

Chapter 4:  Between the Rod and the Fish:  Hooks, Lines, Leaders