Fly fishing is a very old form of fishing and requires finesse and accuracy to catch fish, although fly fishing in no way limits you to catching small fish. It is possible to catch nearly any type of fish by fly fishing, but the majority of anglers use flies for salmon and trout fishing.

The best that historians can tell, the first record was in the second century AD in Mesopotamia. Flies were tied using rooster feathers and were cast using a six foot pole with line that was about as long. Modern day fly fishing setups are actually somewhat similar, although they have definitely progressed.

Fly fishing rods are typically longer than a normal fishing rod and very light. The line is heavier than you might expect, and the weight aids in casting. For the most part, the reel is a line holder and does not spool line out when you cast, as with many other rod and reel combinations.

When fly fishing, the angler releases a portion of line and essentially whips it back and forth, trying to place the fly in front of a fish to entice it to strike.

There are a large variety of different flies, but most of them are very small and lightweight. They can float, sink, or be designed to suspend a few inches beneath the surface. More so than most types of fishing lures, flies are made to resemble the food the fish actually feed on.

The main types of flies, although there are many subgroups, are dry flies and emergers, nymphs, streamers, wet flies, saltwater flies, bass and panfish flies, and salmon and steelhead flies. These basic types of flies can be modified for different fishing situations and color patterns and combinations are nearly endless.

One of the most popular uses of their gear is trout fishing. Although you do not need a fly fishing setup to go trout fishing, many accomplished anglers eventually go down this road. Fly fishing for trout works well because the tiny flies resemble the trout's actual food source.

Trout fishing guides recommend that you look at what kinds of insects are active where you are fishing and use flies that resemble them. The local insect population will help you determine not only the type and color of fly to use, but also whether to use a fly that will float or sink.

The sport of trout fishing and fly fishing in general has a reputation of being hard on the wallet, but many sports stores offer fishing gear for beginners at a reasonable price. While beginner gear will eventually need to be exchanged as the level of skill of the angler increases, choosing low cost equipment to start means the fisherman can save for upgrades.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_SelvonThe weather is turning warm, which means a fishing trip is in order. A Bahamas fishing vacation is a blast for you and the family.

The Islands of the Bahamas have been associated with travel and vacation in the American mindset for many years now. It is an independent and English speaking country that consists of over 2000 small islands and keys located in the Atlantic Ocean east of the United States and north of Cuba. The mention of the name Bahamas usually conjures up images of sun drenched beaches where bikini clad women stroll over pure white sands while crystal clear or brilliant blue water laps on the shore in gentle waves.

However, for the fisherman, the word has a different image. It conjures up an image of a Bahamas fishing vacation usually consisting of a quest for one of the most elusive and exciting game fish in the world, the bonefish. Although deep sea fishing is also popular here, fly fishing for the bonefish is almost the national sport. Two bonefish can even be found swimming around on the surface of the Bahamian ten cent coin.

It is hard to pin down just why fishing for the bonefish is almost a vision quest for so many fishermen. The fish, which is a close relative of the tarpon, does not grow to monster size. The largest recorded specimen of the species weighed in at just over 16 pounds. The average size ranges between three and five pounds. It is a fighter though and that is certainly part of the attraction, but most fishermen will argue that pound for pound, it puts up no better fight than many other game fish.

It may very well be the setting that makes the difference. Bone fish like shallow waters. They come in from deeper water to the shallows around the Islands to feed. The normal way to catch them in the Bahamas is to go out on a small skiff between the keys and catch them with a fly. The clear shallow water and the coloration on the fish gives a visual thrill as the fish can be clearly seen as they knife through the water and engulf the fly.

The blue skies, the clear blue water, and the warm tropical climate are all part of the Bahamas fishing vacation. It is an experience that is never forgotten. Almost all of the beach resorts will be able to make arrangements for guides that can take you to the bonefish feeding grounds. This is one of the few places where you can leave the wife behind to go fishing and not expect to hear a single complaint.

Nomad Fishing Journals make great gifts for dad and you can get them at NomadJournals.com.