The anglergeek analogy

How to fly fish on rivers.
First the anglergeek's or 'tackletart's' version:
Hardware -
For small streams a 2.3 ATFM 4 or 5 rod with a tip action for tight situations, or for larger waters a 2.8 ATFM 7 or 8 with a mid action for distance casting.
A large arbour reel with disc drag.
A matching double taper line for delicate presentation.
A tapered, 3m copolymer of flurocarbon leader with a 6x point.
A selection of artificial duns, spinners, nymphs and bugs.

Civilian version:
Equipment -
For small streams a short, light rod that allows you to cast short distances amongst restricting, bankside vegetation. For larger rivers a longer rod with the strength to cast further.
A fly reel to keep the line on.
A line with a reference number matching that on the rod handle. The line needs to have a gentle, gradual taper so that the fly will land on the water gently and not scare the fish.
A nylon type line attachment of 10ft, gradually stepping down from 8lb to 3lb breaking strain.
Some dry flies to imitate surface hatching insects or egg-laying insects and some wet flies to imitate sub-surface insects.

Yes, the second version uses more words - but why not?
The weird thing is; as I wrote the first version it all made perfect sense to me! But, you see, I'm on the INSIDE.
Software writers - know your audience.