When I started fly fishing for trout, I was told to focus on making short, accurate casts. I think it was good advice, for the most part. On many trout rivers, the ability to cast a fly 40 feet is all ...

In theory, fly-fishing is a simple sport: Pick a body of water, choose a fly-fishing rod, select your “fly” (or bait), tie a secure knot, cast your line and, hopefully, land a fish on the other end.

An expert guide breaks down the best fishing rod and reel setups for every environment, from mountain streams to the surf.

BACK IN MAY, I drove to Yarmouth, Maine, to visit the Maine Fly Co. I was there to pick up a custom fly rod they’d made for me and to go fishing with owner and founder Jeff Davis. I expected to find a ...