Traditionally the line used was made with braided natural silk. Today synthetic lines are often more practical but the name has been retained.

Casting in fly fishing uses a rapid acceleration motion resembling a whiplash. So we often speak of 'whip' to cast the fly and the fly rod can also be called 'whip'.

Lines and rods are characterized by a number generally between 2 and 9 which is also called weight or force and which is not directly linked to the actual weight of the rod or line on the scale. It actually characterizes the ability of the rod+line assembly to cast flies of varying size and weight. A high number allows casting heavy flies or coping with poor casting conditions (wind for example). The number of the line and the rod must be matched even if a certain tolerance (+/- 1 number) is often possible. Numbers 2 to 4 correspond to fine and discreet peaches. Numbers 4 to 6 are standards suitable for a wide range of situations. Numbers 6 to 9 allow heavier fishing (large nymphs, streamers) often in lakes, reservoirs or at sea.

Fly casting requires a precise acceleration movement that takes place during a short period of time of the entire casting movement. It is all the more effective (and thus promotes a long throw) as the time during which the acceleration occurs is short. A fast rod requires a short time while a slow rod allows a longer acceleration time.

The acceleration movement must be all the more lively and precise as the rod is fast. Casting beginners will find it easier to progress with a moderate to slow speed rod.

The experienced caster practicing long distance fishing will be better equipped with a fast rod. The same goes for casting large nymphs.

The acceleration time is quite linked to the way the rod reacts by bending to the action of the fisherman (but not only). A fast rod often bends little, only on its last tip. We then speak of “peak” action.

A moderate or slow rod will bend over a greater length (up to the handle for a slow action): we then speak of moderate or even parabolic action.

Other parameters such as the type of carbon used and the construction affect the action and speed, we have chosen in our descriptions to indicate these two parameters separately.

The greater stiffness of tip action rods also often allows you to bring in big catches without fearing for your rod. However, more moderate action rods naturally tire the fish, which is often easier for the fisherman and offers more sensation.

Many short and medium distance fishermen prefer moderate action rods that are more flexible, protecting thin leaders well from violent bites of beautiful fish and offering a superior feel.

Personal preference quickly becomes the rule of choice for the experienced fly fisherman.

Action and speed are not to be associated with a quality of rod: there are good and bad quality rods in all types of action and speed.

The flies imitated in this fishery are most often aquatic insects which are born in the water and then have a brief life outside the water during which they reproduce. We then distinguish:

• Dry flies which are imitations of winged 'adult' insects and which float on water;
• Nymphs which are imitations of juvenile insects in the larva stage called 'nymph', and which sink.

Traditional fly fishing used dry flies; Nowadays, 'nymph' fishing has also developed to adapt to changes in the aquatic environment and fish behavior, particularly in Europe.

The fishing technique is quite specific for nymph fishing and is made easier by suitable equipment.

Many types of fish can be caught with a fly. Trout is the best known as well as salmon. White fish 'cyprinids' are also fished very well by fly (sandfish, chub, bleak, etc.) as well as renowned predators such as perch, black bass or even pike. Sea fly fishing is also practiced, including for very large tropical fish such as tarpon.

In many of these fisheries the artificial baits used keep the name of flies and are thrown with a line but are rather imitations of fish!

Almost everywhere: rivers, lakes and sea! River fishing is often practiced by 'wading', the fisherman having entered the water well, the water level in the river should therefore not be too high. Note that very congested rivers with very heavy plant cover are particularly difficult to fly fish and require perfect mastery of casting. There are also 'reservoirs' which are small lakes managed to maintain a very large population of fish, often of good size: they offer in particular a great opportunity to practice PALM during the closure of first category fishing.

'No-kill', also called 'gratiation' in French, simply consists of immediately returning the caught fish to the water. As fishing is increasingly a leisure activity without food, no-kill is increasingly practiced voluntarily by many fishermen and contributes to maintaining and developing populations of beautiful fish. There are sections of river where no-kill is mandatory.

The pardoned fish must be handled with great care so as not to endanger its survival: use of barbless hooks, do not struggle for an excessively long time to bring it back, touch the fish as little as possible and only with wet hands, avoid remove the fish from the water and gently release it.

Minimum equipment includes:

- A fly fishing rod
- A reel
- A silk adapted to the rod
- One or two leaders
- Fine nylon thread to make the leader tips
- A fly box with several types of flies. A well-chosen basic assortment is enough to get started and will then be supplemented according to the fishing styles practiced.
-A thread cutter
-A forceps pliers to remove the fly from the fish
-A grease to make the fly float
-Sports glasses with plastic or unbreakable glass: to protect your eyes from a possible return of the fly.
-A fine mesh landing net (essential to avoid damaging the fish), size to adapt to the fish you are looking for of course.
-Don't forget your valid fishing license!

It is often completed with:

-A fishing vest or a 'chest pack', small belly bag and/or backpack: to have all your equipment at your disposal
-A wader (fishing waders) allowing you to go deep into the water
-Polarized glasses give better visibility
-A wading stick which is a real safety element for wading as soon as the water level and current are a little high