Smoking fish is as old as fishing itself. Some techniques, and of course equipment, have evolved since our ancestors first tied a line to a stick, but some universal truths remain as relevant as ever.

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.

Learn the best baits, rigs, and hotspots to catch one of the hardest-fighting fish in a lake or river near you. They wouldn’t be among the prettiest fish. In fact, some folks would say common carp are ...