Fly fishermen are probably the ultimate “ground pounders.” Anglers today enjoy fly fishing all over the country. It will catch all species of fish. Fly fishing is probably the fastest-growing segment of angling. Specialty shops and classes take place year-round via schools, ponds, and tackle shops. They teach everything from fly tying to actual fishing techniques.

In the pro shop, people are anxious to teach novices about the sport for two main reasons. One is that they love the sport and want others to enjoy it. The second is that they depend upon anglers purchasing tackle for their livelihood. Their future depends upon the continued growth of the sport.

Shop personnel can explain and demonstrate equipment. They can cut through some of the jargon and tell you what a “tippet” really is, and its purpose. They will show you a “woolly bugger.” It is a pro’s job to take some of the mystery out of beginning in a new sport.

Helpful in starting are kits marketed by some of the mainstream tackle manufacturers such as Pure Fishing and Scientific Anglers. Kits typically come with rod, reel, line, etc. It matches the tackle to other components and to a particular species of fish that you seek.

There are four basic areas of fly tackle:  the rod, the reel, lines, and lures. In addition, it’s a good idea to take some instruction, read books and magazines, or view a couple of videos. Check fly fishing sections of local tackle shops for advice. With the right equipment and a little practice, you can quickly get into the sport.

Fly rods come in different weights, marked on the rod with numbers from 1 to 13. They run in lengths from about 6 1/2 to 9 feet. Longer rods are usually used for casting large, wind resistant lures with heavier line. Shorter rods are for fishing the tight confines of small streams. Beginners are probably better off with the middle size of 6 or 7 which are good for bass and bluegill.

Beginning anglers should probably stick to an inexpensive rod of fiberglass. A glass rod allows you to cast medium-size bass bugs as well as small panfish lures.

Every rod needs a reel. The reel has nothing to do with casting in fly fishing. It is a simple, single action, line holder. The spool is usually about 3/4 inches wide with friction built in, so the line does not roll off the reel without some pull by the angler. The weight of the reel should balance the rod. Both should also match the species that you plan to catch. For bass and panfish, the reel will only help keep the kinks out of the fly line. For larger fish, a different reel with drag is advisable. A quality reel is a lifetime investment that you can pass on to other generations. Purchase the best reel that you can afford.

Fly lines are of many types and weights. They match the fish species that you plan to pursue. A floating line is the best all-around line for beginners seeking bass and bluegills. Begin by fishing dry flies on the surface. Later, you can graduate to a floating line with a sinking tip, slow sinking, and fast sinking lines to put flies at different depths for fish such as northern pike, catfish, and walleyes.

Fly lines taper toward the leader end, and there is only about 30 yards on the average line. Use weight forward line for casting bulky bass bugs. The extra weight at the forward end of the line helps to deliver bulk, wind-resistant bass bugs through the air on the cast. Most good rods have the size and type of line recommended written on them.

At the end of the line is a 6- to 9-foot leader. Most taper to a small size at the tippet. Knotless tapered leaders are easiest to handle. Tippet strength has an “X” number; 2X (about 2.5-pound) and 3X (about 6-pound) are good leaders for panfish.

Then there is the lure to consider. Begin with small bass surface bugs in plastic, cork, or deer hair for panfishing. Little sinking bugs are for bluegills. Numbers 10 or 12 are good sizes in dry, wet or nymph flies. Numbers 6, 8, or 10 are good for streamers which look like minnows to the fish. As for colors, choose black and browns or grays and white.

Looking for some new fishing techniques to try this season? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.