Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is the outdoorsman’s answer to golf: an old, refined and often frustrating sport that many practice but few perfect. However, proponents of the pastime will tell you that relaxing with friends and family while communing with nature—and, of course, bagging a big one—make it worth the work and wait.

Fishing with artificial flies can be traced at least back to the 2nd century, although modern fly fishing developed in the UK. The practice involves tying “flies” (that mimic insects) onto a heavy line and then casting the line, which takes some skill to do correctly. In “dry-fly” fishing, the bait rests on the surface of the water, while in “wet-fly” fishing the fly is submerged.

Montana, Idaho, Alaska and British Columbia are excellent spots to fly-fish, although Ireland and the UK offer serious fishing as well. For southern destinations, try Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego for huge brown trout or Turneffe Atoll in Belize for the prized bonefish.