Fishin The Net By Joe Danzl Publisher and Webmaster of Chicago Fishing Links

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Fly-Fishing
(but didn’t know to ask) ©

For starters, I thought that it would be interesting to use the Internet to learn something new. I didn’t just want to find a new bait or technique. I wanted to learn something more complex and detailed (not that most things aren’t already too complex for me). I wanted something that would give me a challenge and require some serious research. That’s when I thought about fly-fishing. As far as fly-fishing is concerned, I’m about as close to a "newbie" as you’re going to get.

My fly-fishing experience consists of a handful of excursions for panfish a 10-year using -old Shakespeare fly rod. All I know about the rod is that it is a 3 piece, 8ft-fiberglass rod designed for 7/8-pound test line. The only reason I know this is because it’s written directly on the rod. As far as the reel goes, all I can remember is that it came pre-spooled. To tell you the truth, I’ve used the rod more often with a spinning reel than I have the fly reel. As you can see, I make a very good test subject.

As I first sat down to search the ‘net for beginner level fly-fishing tips, I figured that with some time and patience, I’d probably be able to obtain more information than I would ever need. What I didn’t know was that it all within one particular web site. To begin my quest, I utilized the Googleä search engine. Googleä is a true search engine, in that it searches the whole Internet, not just sites indexed within it’s own database. My first keywords were "Fly Fishing", and with that, I was on my way. My search produced 835,000 sites. Although it looked as if I would have my work cut out for me, I didn’t have to go beyond the first site. "FlyShop.com" is the on-line companion to the popular fly fishing magazine "Fly Fisherman". It is also the only web site I needed to obtain all the information I, as a beginner, would need to get me out fly fishing for the first time. Or in my case, the first time with some sort of clue as to what I should be doing.

	I decided that in order for me to truly appreciate fly-fishing, I would have to start by learning proper fly-fishing etiquette, understanding the concept, and making myself familiar with some basic techniques. I was pleasantly surprised to find that "FlyShop.com" didn’t hold back information as a means to sell magazine subscriptions. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I found that they not only archived 100’s of past articles to go along with the current ones, they also broke them down into 13 regional sections. Within minutes, I was browsing through a variety of articles that covered many standard techniques, as well as articles specific to Midwest waters. My next goal was to learn about the equipment. I wanted to know what, as well as why I would need some of the specific equipment that would help me get me started. When I clicked back to the

"FlyShop.com" main page I found a section titled "Improving Your Skills". As far as I was concerned, this would prove to be the equivalent of hitting a gold mine. I found five related subsections. The "Casting" section had 13 articles, the "Hatches" section had 25 articles, the "Tackle" section had 13 articles, the Techniques section had 19 articles, and the "Flies" section had 11 articles. Needless to say, "FlyShop.com" had me hooked.

It took all of 90 minutes for me to get all the information I would need to go out and purchase the right equipment, and try out a few techniques close to home. But it’s not like I would have to go too far to make my purchases. "FlyShop.com" has listed well over a dozen retailers for me to choose from. They also had a "Destinations" page that had a dozen or so trips that are way out of this Angler’s league. But at least for now I can sit back at my desk and live vicariously though others while I fumble though the numerous knots and techniques left for me to learn. Heck, I might even try a little casting practice in the snow this winter.

Other very notable sites worth mentioning:

The Fly-Fishing Report: (www.FlyFishingReport.com) Based out of Lake Forest Illinois, The Fly-Fishing Report is the most comprehensive Fly-Fishing site in the Midwest, and the best overall site not related to an offline magazine. This site offers many articles and reports from around the world, as well as a unique perspective from the eyes of a man who has a tremendous passion for the sport.

The Steelhead Site: (www.SteelheadSite.com) The most popular fly-fishing site in the Midwest. Not only is there a lot to learn on this site, you can also check dozens of message boards for fishing reports and seek advice from fellow Anglers.

Midwest Fly-Fishing Online: (www.MWFLY.com) A Minnesota based online companion to Midwest Fly-Fishing magazine. This site also has dozens of archived articles and a variety of links.

TheFishingGoddess.com: Otherwise known as Angie’s Shrine to the Fishing Goddess: By far the most unique fishing site I’ve come across. What can I say about Angie and her site? Well, there isn’t much that she already hasn’t said. You have to see it to believe it.