When starting your fly fishing the experts agree you must first determine the environment you will be fishing in. This is important to do even before you begin to gather your equipment. Some people prefer salt water fly fishing over the other options, such as fresh water. There are a overabundance of places all over the United States where you can go fly fishing in streams and rivers, which are freshwater flowing environments. There is also the option of fly fishing in ponds and lakes, which still provide flowing water movements and environments.

Fly fishing is, very simple when three things are right: you must have a suitable rod; you must get a line to match it; and you must learn correct casting technique. For people who wish to know some tips on fly fishing, here is a list of some pointers that could help anglers harness their fly fishing skills:

1. Material of the rod

For one of moderate means, and especially for the beginners, hollow glass is advised since it will require less care than bamboo and will not take a set if improperly handled or stored.

2. Line

Your fly casting skill will not progress with a mismatched rod and line. About 99 times in 100, the troubled fly caster has a line much too light to bring out the action of his rod. That is why it is important to know that on any given rod, the fly fisherman should use the same size line for anything from small trout and bluegills up to the largest sea fish. In choosing the size line, anglers should get a C level, an HCH double-taper, or a GBF three-diameter. This choice is based on the fact that a high percentage of fly rods bought nowadays are hollow glass, and that a great majority of these works best with lines of those sizes, almost regardless of lengths or weights.

Note: There are several different rod types, reels, flies, lines, and waders to choose from, so where do you start? If you hate owner manuals and love jumping in feet first you won't want to waste too much time studying the art of fly fishing. I suggest going to the sporting goods department of your local big box retailer and purchasing one of the rod and reel combos they offer. These are typically under $50.00; include a basic rod, reel, line and sometimes a selection of flies to get you started. In addition, they usually have some basic information on casting; knot tying and fishing tips to help you get started. My first fly rod was bought for $5.00 at a local garage sale. eBay, flea markets and thrift stores are also nice places to find used equipment. Expensive gear doesn't make you a good fly fisherman, practice does.

3. The correct casting technique

Practice is the most important thing to do once you have your new fly-fishing outfit in hand. Spend some time at home practicing your casting. Stick with the basics and soon you will be casting like a pro. Don't just rush out to a stream, strip out some line and fling it around like some crazy man swatting at bugs. You'll just end up spending your day getting your fly caught in trees, shrubs and maybe even a fishing buddies ear. I suggest starting at a local pond or small lake with plenty of clear area on the bank. You might even catch a few gills or a small bass to break in your new rod.

As a new person at fly fishing if you take the time to practice, read a few books on fly fishing, and understand the basic mechanics you should develop a great love for the sport. I know this article isn't exactly the how-to-manual on fly-fishing, but hopefully it will nudge you in the right direction.