Beginner Fly Fishing Gear Checklist

Besides having you fly fishing rod, fly fishing reel, and fly fishing line, there are other beginner fly fishing gear that you should get before you can start fly fishing. This article gives an overview on the essential fly fishing tools and gear for the novice angler.

Fly Fishing Flies

An essential part of fly fishing – you won’t catch any fish with the wrong fly fishing flies. You need to match the types of flies that you buy to the species of fish you want to catch. When starting out, a fly selection package is a cost-effective way of building up your fly collection. A fly selection package is a selection of flies packaged for a specific region or fish species. Its also a good idea to get a fly box to store all your flies in. A fly box consists of various compartments so that you can organize you fly collection.

Leader and Tippet Spool

A leader is a length of tapered nylon line that sits between the fly line and the tippet. Your fly is separated from your fly line by the leader. When your fly line is cast, the leader ensures that there is not a disturbance in the water nearby your fly. As the leader is made from clear see-through material, it is invisible to the fish. A leader tapers, and the thick end is tied to the fly fishing line. Leaders come in different break strengths and lengths (normally between 7 to 9 feet), and you normally buy a specific leader to match the type of fish you intend to catch.

A tippet is tied onto the leader, and is used so that whenever you replace a fly on your line, you don’t have to cut your leader line down. The species and size of fish you intend to catch will determine what tippet line you need to buy – tippet line is available in different diameters and breaking strengths. Your tippet length is normally between one to three feet in length, and you attach your fly to the end of this tippet. The diameter of your tippet line must match the diameter of the tippet (thin end) end of your leader line. For example, you will need a 5X tippet line if your leader has a 5x tippet diameter.

Fly Fishing Waders

Waders are waterproof gear that allow anglers to stand in deep water without getting wet. You can get chest-height, waist-height, and hip-height waders according to the water depth you plan to go fishing in. Waders are not essential when fishing in warm climates where you don’t mind getting wet, but in colder climates waders are essential. Stockingfoot and bootfoot are the two main types of fly fishing waders. Bootfoot waders come with the boot built into the wader, and stockingfoot will require that you buy separate wading boots or sandals. The breathable Simms waders are reputed to be the best waders available today.

Fly Fishing Accessories

There are essential fly fishing accessories that all anglers should have. To be able to cut your fishing line, a pair of clippers is essential – you can also use nail clippers. In order to get a hook out of a fish’s mouth (and to mash down the barbs on a fishing hook), a pair of fishing pliers, or a hemostat will prove to be very useful. In order to keep your hooks sharp, another useful item to have is a hook file.

Sun Protection

You will be in the sun for extended periods, so its essential to wear a hat and sunglasses to reduce the glare you get off the water. Polarized sunglasses will help you see what is happening above and below the water.

Fly Fishing Vest

A fly fishing vest is recommended, and is extremely useful to keep all your fly fishing accessories and tools organized without losing items. Vests can also be used to keep you warm and dry. Here is a guide to help you select the best fly fishing vest to suit your requirements.

That covers the essential beginner fly fishing gear that you will require in order to get started with fly fishing.

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