In theory, fly-fishing is a simple sport: Pick a body of water, choose a fly-fishing rod, select your “fly” (or bait), tie a secure knot, cast your line and, hopefully, land a fish on the other end.

In the beginning, I had a classic Zebco 202 spin-cast combo, and it was good. At least, good enough for 5-year-old me. But I've owned many types of fishing rods since I was a freckle-faced boy who ...