Fly Fishing Gear and Tips You Should Know
Last Updated on April 18, 2021 by Bruce
Many trout fishermen never take up fly fishing because they perceive it as difficult or expensive. Although it can take a bit of practice, fishing can be a very rewarding way to catch trout if you know some fly fishing basics. This article will cover some the basics in terms of fly fishing gear and tips.
Fly Fishing Gear
Rod and Reel
While you can buy a rod and reel separately, buying a rod and reel combo is a relatively inexpensive option. There are plenty of rod and reel combos out there that work fine in most situations. Combos are great because they come with line, leader, and tippet material. a 9-9.5 ft. works great in most situations, but if you are fishing really small streams, you will want to get something a bit smaller.
Flies
Books and books have been written about fly selection and hatches, but in general, you want to “match the hatch,” meaning you want your fly to resemble what you see on or in the water. Check out our article on fly selection to get a few ideas. When you are just starting out, having a variety of flies on hand will allow you to experiment a bit.
Waders
You need to have a good pair of waders before you begin to fly fishing for trout. Although you can fly fish from the bank, you will have more success if you are in the water and away from trees and another cover. You are going to be making some long casts, so you want to make sure you have plenty of room to do so. If you are an avid trout fishermen, chances are you already have a pair of fishing waders.
A Fishing Vest
Carrying a tackle box while trout fishing is not really an option. Instead, consider getting a fishing vest to hold all of your flies and other materials you will need while fishing.
A Trout Net
A good trout net is an important piece of equipment when fly fishing, as it will help you safely land any trout you catch. The net can also attach to your vest, so you don’t have to carry it around.
Fly Fishing Tips
Once you have the above gear, you are good to go. Below are a few tips to keep in mind as you begin to fly fishing.
1. Talk With Locals:See if there any fly shops in your area, or search the internet for online forums close to the area where you plan to fish. Nothing beats being able to get fishing tips from those that fish the same rivers and streams.
2. Cast Up or Across Stream: There are plenty of videos out there that will show you how to cast, and generally speaking, they all say the same thing: cast up or across the stream and let your fly drift past the trout. When fly fishing for trout (or any fish for that matter), you want your presentation to be as natural as possible.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice!: Many beginning fly fishermen give up at the first sign of frustration. Make sure you take advantage of every opportunity and continue to practice. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, and practice casting (even when you are not near water) as much as possible. I promise it will be worth it in the end.