Beginner's Guide to Fly Fishing

Wherever you find a clear freshwater stream or river, you'll also find devoted anglers intent on matching their wits against trout, salmon, and other fighting fish. Here is the perfect instruction book for beginners. Clear, comprehensive charts detail essential information on how to choose appropriate flies, rods, reels, and lines for catching different varieties of fish. With words and pictures, author Peter Gathercole also coaches his readers on fishing skills and techniques, starting with simple basics that include assembling the fishing rod, attaching the fly, mastering casting techniques, and reeling. He takes novice fishermen through the many steps toward proficiency and a pleasurable fishing experience. He also offers refresher chapters for those anglers who have been away from fishing for some time. And even advanced anglers will find advice and tips guaranteed to improve their skills for their next fishing outing. This attractive book is filled with hundreds of how-to color photos.

(back cover):
expert advice on getting started

which rods, flies, reels, and lines to buy

which equipment to use for your particular prey

and your favorite waters

all the essential fly-fishing skills and techniques with advice on improving your practice

(front flap):
Every day the waters of Europe and North America play host to thousands of anglers seeking the thrill of the catch, enjoying the outdoors, and reveling in the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings. The Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing shows you how to get involved in the world’s biggest participation sport.

Clear and comprehensive charts detail essential information on choosing the most appropriate flies, rods, reels, and lines for your particular prey and favorite waters. See how to choose the right rods, flies, and clothing from the vast range of equipment on the market, as well as what to put in your starter kit. Then learn the best skills and techniques, from basics such as assembling your rod and attaching the fly, to casting, reeling, and letting go. Hints, tips, and advice are provided throughout to help you progress, whatever your level of experience.

(back flap): Jim Casada is a son of the Smokies. He grew up in Bryson City, NC, and started hunting and fishing in and around this mountain town. He taught history at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, before taking early retirement to work as a writer/photographer. He is an honorary life member and winner of the Federation of Fly Fishermen’s Arnold Gingrich Memorial Award (for contributions to the literature of the sport) and a recipient of the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s Ham Brown Memorial Award. He is the winner of More than 125 awards for writing and photography.

Jim is Senior Editor and Book Columnist for Sporting Classics; Editor-at-large for Turkey & Turkey Hunting; Contributing Editor for Sporting Clays, Whitetail News, The Hunting Magazine, and Tennessee Valley Outdoors.