OK, I’m biased. But as far as I’m concerned, fly fishing is far and away the most fun way to fish.

The fly fisher is closer to the fish and the water they live in than anglers who use “regular” fishing rods (spinning, spin-cast or bait casting rods.) Fly casting is an enjoyable activity in and of itself, even if the fish aren’t biting. Fly rods and lines are sensitive, so the battle with the fish is more exciting.

Fly fishing is for everyone – male and female, young and old. And no matter where you live, there are fish nearby that can be caught on a fly.

There’s one important difference between fly fishing and every other kind of fishing with a rod and reel. Using a “regular” fishing rod, you throw the bait or lure to the water, and it pulls the thin, monofilament line behind it. In fly fishing, you cast the line itself – not monofilament, but a thin, tapered nylon cord – and the lure goes along for the ride. This makes it possible to cast the small, virtually weightless lures that are so effective for catching trout and other species.

Equipment is required, but it doesn’t have to break the bank – the quality of lower-priced rods, reels and accessories is improving all the time.

So what do you need to get into fly fishing, besides a little patience while you’re learning to cast?

• A rod. The typical all-around freshwater fly rod is nine feet long and handles everything from small trout to good-sized bass – say, fish up to three or four pounds. The best rods sell for $800 and up (and they’re worth it), but very nice rods can be had for under $200.

• A reel. It’s nothing more than a revolving spool. When fishing for average trout, you may not even use it, instead pulling your fish in with your non-rod hand. However, if a big fish makes a run for it, it’s best to play it from the reel – the smooth-turning spool absorbs the fish’s struggles and allows you to winch it in. Great reels are beautiful, pricey instruments; decent reels start at $100.
• A line. A typical fly line is 90 feet long and tapered so that the “business end” is thicker, to make it easier to cast (more weight to help flex the rod.) There’s usually a couple hundred feet of strong, thin cord known as “backing” on the reel end of the line, in case a fish wants to run more than 90 feet. Fly lines aren’t cheap (around $70), but with a little care they last years.
• A leader. This is nine or 10 feet of monofilament attached to the business end of the fly line. It tapers from thick at the butt to thin at the tip, where you tie on the fly. The taper helps with casting, and also helps conceal the line from the fish.
• A fly. This type of lure takes its name from aquatic insects, primarily the mayfly, but it can also resemble baitfish, terrestrial bugs like grasshopers, or even shrimp or crayfish. It’s made of little bits of feather, fur or tinsel tied to a fishhook. (Making one’s own flies, which is called “fly tying,” is a popular hobby in its own right. But if you don’t want to bother, there are lots of places to buy flies.)

You’ll want chest waders, so you can walk in the water and get close enough to cast to the fish, and a waist pack, chest pack or vest to carry your flies and a few small tools. Useful accessories include a nipper for cutting line and small pliers or a hemostat to help remove hooks from fish. A net is always a good idea – it’s easier on the fish, and prevents them from getting away at the last minute.

After that, all you need is water with fish in it, and a little time to discover what an absorbing and fascinating sport fly fishing can be.