
Fly fishing is the oldest form of fishing with artificial bait. The activity is mentioned in numerous ancient texts, including a second-century text by Roman author and teacher Aelian, who described Macedonian fishermen using "wool . . . and . . . feathers . . . on a hook" as lures for trout. Revolving spool reels were added in the late nineteenth century, and the spinning reel was introduced in 1949. Prior to these inventions, however, fly fishing was the standard method of casting artificial baits. The first artificial lures for bass in the United States were thrown with a fly rod, and it is still a very effective means of fishing for most species.
In the past, most Alabama fly anglers typically fished small local ponds, casting little floating bugs under overhanging willow limbs to catch bluegill or other varieties of sunfish (known as bream in the South) or sometimes largemouth bass (the official state fish). Today, state-owned fishing lakes and larger hydroelectric reservoirs in almost every part of the state offer plentiful fly fishing for these species.

Tactics for the members of the black bass family vary according to location and season more than species. Floating flies that imitate either insects or feeding or struggling fish are often effective. These flies are made from natural feathers, fur, and hair and from synthetic fibers and buoyant foam or cork. Sinking flies are also used to imitate both baitfish and insects. In very deep water, bass may be pursued with sinking fly lines to reach the depths where the fish are feeding.

The striped bass is also becoming a popular quarry for Alabama fly anglers. A saltwater fish that spawns in freshwater, the "striper" has been stocked in many freshwater reservoirs and has adapted quite well to the environment. The striped bass is a favorite up and down the eastern Atlantic coast, but the Gulf Coast variety is less well known. In years past, before most of Alabama's rivers were dammed, many of these striped bass migrated into the state's waters to spawn in the spring. That spawning run today is very limited, but most Alabama river systems now have striped bass from state stocking efforts. The stripers can range up to 40 pounds and will eagerly take a fly imitating small baitfish. Heavier fly tackle, normally used for saltwater fishing, is preferred for these hard fighters.
In addition to the so-called "game fish," some fly anglers enjoy pursuing some of the fish commonly referred to as "rough" fish, or nongame species. These fish include carp, gar, and bowfin, and all will take a fly and provide considerable sport for the nonpurist.

Of the 600,000 plus anglers in Alabama, fly fishers are estimated at between 50,000 and 100,000. Although fly anglers make up a relatively small percentage of those who fish, their numbers continue to grow. Part of this growth is fueled by the trend of fly anglers to pursue not only trout and bass, but almost every species of game fish, in both fresh and saltwater. Alabama ranks second nationally in the number of native fish species that inhabit its waters.
The future bodes well for fly fishing in the state. There has been a resurgence of interest in fly fishing as a result of major advances in equipment and the sharing of information via the internet and other media. Conservation and preservation efforts are increasing fish numbers and protecting habitat. Fly fishing, with its emphasis on sport rather than the harvest of fish, fits perfectly with modern ideals of a renewable resource.