The History of Fly Fishing
The earliest accounts of fly fishing come from the ancient Romans who mention it in texts as early as the 2nd century when Claudius Aelianus wrote about Macedonians who made fake flies from red wool and feathers. However, modern fly fishing probably developed in England and Scotland using techniques similar to modern techniques in the 15th century. England and Scotland contained a large amount of shallow, weedy rivers making the sport popular and rewarding.
Technical innovations pushed the sport further in the 1800s such as the introduction of bamboo rods and silk lines. Bamboo rods 
were further refined as American rod builders developed advanced rod building techniques that involved cutting the bamboo into strips before gluing the bamboo back together around a solid core. After World War II fiberglass became a popular material for fly rod construction and today they are made from graphite compounds.
Innovation has driven the sport from its humble roots. The fly reel was invented by Lee Wulf who also invented the fishing vest, something a good fly fisherman can’t live without. Another necessity is the artificial fly which has evolved dramatically and many books have been written describing the best ways to make realistic and tempting flies.
Fly fishing in 19th century England was looked at as an elitist sport, but changes in technology have made the sport enjoyable and affordable for a large group of people in search of the perfect fly, the perfect cast, and the perfect stream.
