So, you love fishing, but have never picked up a fly rod? Fishing is a wonderful sport, but fly-fishing is a challenge.

Whether your favorite game fish is a bluegill or a pacific salmon, largemouth bass or trout, a fly rod can add a new dimension to your fishing experience. The exaggerated casting motion of the fly rod as well as the wide assortment of flies both wet and dry intimidate many anglers, not to mention leaders, tippets, and the knots that connect them. Below is a simple breakdown of a basic fly-fishing setup.

Pole: Fly rods are rated for the line weight that they will cast with a low number being a light line and typically smaller fish while a higher number indicates a heavy line for larger fish.

Reel: The reel should also be selected based on the type of fishing you will be doing. Large game fish like salmon and steelhead are easier to control on a large capacity reel with a strong drag system. Smaller fish can be controlled easily on a smaller reel with a click pawl or very light drag system.

Fly Line: Determine your line preference by the species you will fish for. If the fish feed on the surface select a floating fly line, if they feed beneath the surface, choose sinking line. Line weight should correspond with the size of the fly you will be casting. Larger flies such as streamers require a slightly heavier line to carry that fly to the target area.

Leaders: A leader is simply an extension of the fly line. It is slightly stiffer than regular monofilament to help you set the hook when a fish takes. Leaders are tapered to help you deliver the fly gently without tangling you line.

Tippet: The tippet is a small length of leader material tied to the end of the leader to prolong the life of the leader. It is typically a few sizes smaller than the tippet to ensure a tapering effect to the fly.

Flies: Don't be intimidated by fly selection. The best way to understand what the fish are biting is to watch the water. In most cases if the bugs on the water are dark, choose a dark fly in a similar size and you should have marginal success. Make notes of the different types of insect you see and visit the tackle shop and try to match what you recorded. In the case of pan fish and bass you can use large poppers that create a wake in the water similar to a top water bass plug with great success.

This information provides a basic understanding of your fly-fishing equipment and should give you a good start on gear selection. There are also several moderately priced fly-fishing combos available on the market today if you are still a bit unsure. Try fly-fishing this season and you may be surprised at how quickly you can consistently catch fish.