There are probably three main attractors to this sport. There is no order of importance because each participant will find a primary attraction of their own, and it may well be none of the three that I have identified. From discussion with a lot of fly fisherman, I would say one of the most common answers its, "It takes you to beautiful places; a peaceful, relaxing, pristine spot, to get away from it all." That is often how we get started, but once engaged the psychological aspects soon become captivating.

The most challenging part of fly fishing is the problem solving. You come face to face with a series of unknowns; where are the fish holding, on what and how are they feeding. What do I have that will imitate that food, and how do I present it so it looks and acts like the naturals on which they are feeding? Once you answer those questions then the skills of casting and presentation arrive in the mix. If any one of the questions is answered incorrectly then you probably won't catch fish, or at least not many. But that is what makes it so challenging. Change a variable by recalculating.

The other key ingredient of successful fly fishing is the hunting aspect. Most really good fisherman are utilizing the hunting instinct that mankind has had from the beginning of time. It is a survival tool, and fly fishing keeps it honed and sharpened. If you look at a stream with the eye of a hunter, seeking the fish as you would prey, you will be a better fly fisher. Remember these are wild fish, and camouflage is their key to survival. Most often you cannot see them, but you had better see that they do not see you. Quick movements, bright shirts, white hats, splashing water, are all giveaways to the trout that they are being pursued. If you forget that you are hunting, you will spook fish, or at the very least, put them on guard, which gives them the edge instead of you.

Make the first cast count. Do your thinking, stalking, observing, and then when you think you have it all figured out, then cast. Once the line is on the water you will disturb the surface in many ways. The second cast may be a good one, but the window of optimum opportunity is closing.

If I do not catch a fish within 15 minutes of arriving on what I consider good trout water, then I rethink the variables. Change the fly, alter the presentation, observe what is happening in or on the stream and make a new plan. It is this problem solving, thinking part, that I like the best. It is not for everyone. I had a student once that went through our Fly Fishing School and at the end of the last day, she said. "You know to be perfectly honest, I don't think I will ever do this." I was astonished and ask, "Why?" She replied, "It takes to much concentration. When I fish I want it to be a totally relaxing, no brainer. Just toss out the bait, and if a fish takes it fine, and if not that is OK too." So I knew then, "Different strokes, for different folks."

Fly fishing can be engaged in at many different levels. It can be enjoyed by someone whose primary interest is just being out and participating or communing with nature. A few casts, one fish, and they are happy to finish the day with a hike or picking flowers. Others of us go to the opposite extreme, where catching fish, lots of fish is paramount, and walks and flowers are for days when you can't get to a stream. Is either one more of a fly fisherman than the other? Not really.

The formula for successful fly fishing is to find a beautiful place, a place for reflection, approach it carefully, observe the total environment, draw on previous experiences to make a plan, and then finally stalk the fish and make the cast. Using this formula should bring you to a fuller participation in this "quiet sport." It should also ultimately make you a more successful fisherman.