Fly fishing is a hobby that you have probably seen as a passed-down tradition in the family. This is one activity that is crafted through constant practice which calls for skillful manipulation of tools and equipment down to the expert way of casting out the fishing rod. Not only that, you have to be knowledgeable about your catch, the best season to fish, what part of the water to fish for, and how to match our flies.
For the best part, you get to learn from watching the best guys around you, but the majority of it is through trial and error and consistent exposure to the sport. Fly fishing is a fulfilling hobby for a lot of people who practice it because it is not something you can successfully do by chance. When you catch a fish, it means that you were able to perfect the combination of selecting the proper fly, skillfully putting it on the rod, and perfecting its drift in the water. This is something a lot of enthusiasts are proud of. Seven of the most essential pieces of equipment that you will need if you want to go Fly Fishing. Take a look at this list of Fly Fishing.
Unlike other forms of fishing, fly fishing is more calculated and much more prepared for. It is not enough for you to know how to cast a fishing rod alone. Although learning it for the first time can be overwhelming due to technicalities you have to take note of, you would be able to enjoy it once you have mastered the basics. As much as it is a skill, it is also a matter of having the right tools and equipment with you.
Investing in the best fly fishing gear for beginners will ensure you have curated equipment that will optimize your skill for making that first catch. And it may not be as expensive as you think – you can find coupons and codes for Bass Pro Shops on this page that could unlock some serious savings on new gear.
These equipment should already be fitting professionals, but still friendly for beginners to use while still learning and training. It would be a great start to have these as you go into the sport.
Fly Rods
This is the equipment most indicative of this sport. It isn’t any type of fishing without a rod. You can learn a thing or two with just a fishing rod and you can even try to catch a fish with just this equipment by using the classic bait of worms and other insects. Sure, this is not exactly fly fishing but it is a great practice that you can surely use once you go well in the sport. The price range of various types of fishing rods varies from the most affordable ones to a hundred dollars. It all depends on the materials used, weight, and length. For beginners, any mid-action rod is perfect for you because it is easier to cast.
A good size to start with is any nine feet long and weighs about four to six weight fly line. The lighter-weight rod is basically used for smaller fishes. The bigger ones are more versatile as you can use them to catch various fishes of different sizes, they can be an all-around rod used for any kind of fishing you intend to. There are also rods that come in two to five pieces which are assembled when used. This depends on your lifestyle and how you like to fish. If you like hiking and trekking to a river or stream and need a rod you can easily fit in your bag, the easier rods to pack are those that can be broken down into more pieces. You shouldn’t worry about any impact caused by having more sections, this has greatly been improved over time and now can be as reliable as any other rod there is.
Fly Lines and Backing
This is the string that you see in fishing tools. This is what you put on the end of the line and what you feed on the fly reel. The type you buy and use should complement and correspond with the weight of your other equipment. There is always a matching line for every fishing rod there is. Remember that all of these components go hand in hand so it is wise to keep in mind the details of these tools so you will always buy the correct one. For beginners, you may want to start with weight forward line tapers or floating lines because these are the easiest ones to learn how to cast.
A fly line backing serves the purpose of its name. It is used as a backing for when your fly line runs out when a fish keeps on pulling the line further and further away. This ensures that you will not run out of a line holding that most coveted fish of the season. This is the tool that will help you in fighting that strong catch that wants to get away.
Fly Reels
This is a fishing tool that wouldn’t make a lot of difference for you if you go fishing in freshwater or if you just want to go for smaller species of fish. It becomes essential if you are already seasoned in fly fishing and want to go to a tougher environment to catch more variety of bigger fish. Reels can be made from various materials but the common ones are made out of graphite, aluminum, and the more expensive end which is titanium. For beginners, you may want to start with the less expensive one. Depending on the kind of environment you want to fish in, you also might want to look into compatibility. For example, if you prefer fishing in saltwater, then have a reel that is saltwater proof.
Fly reels are the primary holder of the fly lines. You need this to control the length of the fly line and retract it once you are able to get hold of a fish. It should be hardworking enough to hold the line, especially when you are able to get a bigger catch. When choosing a fly reel to go with your rod, you have to remember that they should match in weight and proportional with the size so that you make enough room for the back of the fly line. There are a few considerations when choosing a fly reel. The most important aspect is the drag system which should be strong enough to withstand any pressure while trying to hold your catch and prevent any breakage from happening to your leader.
Fly Fishing Leaders and Tippet
The fishing leaders and tippets are the instruments at the end of the fly line which hold your fly. For an easy way of setting everything, especially for beginners, go and buy ahead pre-made tapered leaders that can be used right out of the packaging. These already have the leader and tippet assembled together so you don’t have to manually assemble them yourself. If you become more pro at setting up your own then you can go ahead and buy them separately. This will ensure that you get to have the best to learn with. A seven to nine-foot tapered leader with a 5X tippet is good one to start with.
Choosing a great leader is important as it is instrumental in tricking the fish into taking your fly. This is what prevents the fly line from being seen by the fish.
Flies
Flies are what sets apart fly fishing from other forms of fishing. These are the most fun part of all this equipment and would require you to get to know your fishes in order to get the right fly for them. There are also a large number of assortments in choosing which one to use for particular fishing. A lot of fly fishing enthusiasts become fond of flies that they even have a collection of their favorite ones. This is another reason that makes this sport a unique and exciting one.
There are classic patterns of flies that you can start with while there are also exotic ones which are really expensive and rare. Some of the easy-to-find ones are nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. These can be used to cover the main bases when you go on a fishing trip. These artificial flies mimic the natural food of the fish and lure the fish into the bait. They can either float atop the water or sink in, depending on what fish you are targeting. Choosing the appropriate one will help you catch a fish of your liking.
Wading Gear
Think of wearing wading gear as dressing up for the part. This wearable equipment will provide you with additional storage and protection while you go on fishing. This will also help people identify you from afar to avoid any misunderstanding, especially if you are fishing in a new place. It is also a way to secure yourself when wading in the untamed waters so you can avoid hazardous and dangerous areas.
There are different kinds of waders to choose from made from various materials as well. The main ones are made of PVC, Nylon, Rubber, and some breathable materials. You have to be careful because some of these materials can make you sweat while the cheaper ones are slippery to use on rocks and mossy riverbanks. If your primary concern for getting one is for safety, invest in a wader that is light, breathable, with usable pockets, and has anti-slip properties. You have to take note that the materials primarily used in most waders are stiff which can be difficult for washing so they can result in getting stinky after a while.
Wading Boots
Your wading boots will really complete your outfit together with your wading gear. These boots go all the way deep in the water so you have to be careful that you only get something that will hold you in place whenever you go amidst any body of water for fishing. These often are made with felt or rubber soles which will help you stand on rocks without falling or slipping.
They also work well in tough environments. When you buy one, the size and fitting matter because you cannot afford to have your boots feeling uncomfortable once you submerge them in water. To be safe, choose one size bigger than your standard shoe size. This is especially helpful if you want to wear additional neoprene socks, which are often large and would require a room in your boots.
Other Gadgets
It’s easy to go fancy if you are hobby fishing, especially if you have the means to do so. Aside from these basic tools and equipment, you may also have other gadgets and tools that will make your hobby more lucrative and stylish. These tools can also make everything easier by providing support wherever you go fishing. Some of the common ones which can easily be put in your pockets are clippers. These are used to make necessary cuts for your lines, flies, or any other purposes. Some people use their teeth, but this is not really recommended because you might damage your teeth in the long run or you might cut yourself with the lines. You can save time and make clean cuts with the help of clippers intended for fly fishing. You can put them in a key ring with your keys or simply hand them on your wading gear.
A hemostat is also an additional tool to help you clean out the fish for the fly that you have used. This will get the job done faster and easier, especially when fishes are extra-large that you have to make it swift or else the fish can slip from your arms. It can also be used to put smaller flies onto their tippet. There are plenty of other accessories you can get off the market to include in your fly fishing equipment.
Starting in fly fishing is something you must have picked up while growing up or just wanted out of pure interest. It can be a fun and productive hobby because it can expose you to different skills and knowledge while also getting different fish to eat. Investing in this useful equipment will help you enjoy this sport better.
