For 20 years, I have fished a remarkable body of water not far from the drumbeats of the modern world. Long Island Sound, with its western end in the shadows of New York's skyscrapers, extends eastward over 110 miles. It has several large tributary rivers on its northern shore, each with fine fishing, and over 1,000 square miles of water in which to wet a line. Most of it is shallow (gently sloping to about 40 feet) and protected--ideal for fly fishing. It holds an array of charged gamefish that can weigh from 5 to 20 pounds or more. After all these years, I am still continually amazed by the Sound and its fish.

In the Sound, fly rodders focus on four principal species--striped bass, bluefish, Atlantic bonito, and little tunny (false albacore). These "favorite four" are migratory fish that come and go with the seasons. Overall, they add up to eight months of action. And if that is not enough, some bass stay the winter, particularly in the rivers on the Connecticut side, giving diehard fly fishers a reason to tie on a fly in winter.

Although it is one body of water, the Sound has many faces. There are beaches, bays, flats, points, reefs, river mouths, and islands to explore. Fishing from shore can be highly productive, but public access is limited and often difficult to locate. Still, there are excellent places to fish on foot. Local tackle shops can help you locate them, as well as find the numerous public boat ramps available to boaters.

You don't need a big boat to fish the Sound effectively. In all but the worst weather, well-designed hulls as small as 18 feet are adequate. During calm conditions, many anglers use small tin boats, kayaks, rowing dories, and even canoes to fish in sheltered bays throughout the Sound.

In general, the Sound's western half is dotted with numerous bays and harbors, many of them urbanized and less than postcard perfect. Nevertheless, they are easy to reach, sheltered from the wind, and home to some large bass and bluefish. The eastern half has the scenic water. More open to the sea, the strong tidal currents there surge in and out of the Sound, creating powerful rips and clear water. Along with this increased openness comes a touch more wind and wave, but the eastern Sound is still fly-rod friendly and has excellent fishing.

I'll describe the favorite four species and a few other Sound fish that eagerly take flies. Then I'll provide a season-by-season look at the fly-fishing opportunities in Long Island Sound.