Fishing is not only relaxing, but it allows you to connect with nature. Many anglers at least attempt fly fishing at some point in their fishing adventures and if you have found yourself on this blog, it is likely because you are new to fly fishing and you want to know what it is you need to get started.
As a beginner jumping into fly fishing, there are some supplies and fishing equipment that you are going to need including a fly rod, a fly reel, fly line, leaders, fly boxes, tipper, and flies.
However, before you dive in, so to speak, you want to make sure that you understand the biggest difference between fly fishing and traditional fishing. In traditional fishing, you utilize lures or baits that sink into the water whereas fly fishing utilizes artificial flies that float on top of the surface of the water.
Ready to learn exactly what it is that you need to start fly fishing? Let’s go!
Fly Rods
One of the most important pieces of equipment you will need for fly fishing is a fly rod. Without one, you won’t get much fishing done.
When looking for a fly rod, there are three main types of rods including fast action, medium action, or slow action. The type of rod you choose will mainly depend on personal preference along with your skill level. As you become more skilled at fly fishing, you can always upgrade to a different rod that meets your needs.
In addition to different types of fly rods, it is important to note that each fly rod comes in varying lengths and weights which will all impact your fishing experience. Most beginners feel comfortable starting out with a nine foot rod. Fly rod weights vary from 0 to 16. In general, most beginners will start with a 5 weight rod as this weight is ideal for both small and large fish. The weight of the rod is crucial to your success as it helps with both control and precision.
As we briefly mentioned, there are three types of rods to choose from including fast action, medium action, and slow action. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between the three:
Fast action: This type of rod is primarily used for casting out long distances, when using larger flies, and when in windy conditions. With this rod, the top one third or less of the actual rod bends and you will find that this rod is more powerful and stiffer than the other options
Medium action: This type of rod is used for a multitude of situations and is a good all around choice. With this rod, the top half of the rod bends
Slow action: This type of rod is ideal for beginners because it is a much more forgiving rod and is ideal for those new or even bad at casting. With this rod, the bend occurs in the lower one third of the rod making it easy to control
Fly Reels
After the rod comes the reel because without the reel, your rod is useless. The fly reel is responsible for holding the fly line in place and allows you to fight fish to ultimately bring in as a catch. Additionally, the reel helps to balance out the rod when you are fishing.
Jut as you have different options with your fly rod, you have different options for the reel too. Reels come in a variety of weights, arbor sizes, drag types, and designs.
Typically, the best way to shop for a reel is to choose one that matches the weight of your fly rod. For beginners, a simple reel will be enough to get you out on the water and fishing.
Fly Lines
What good would your fly rod and reel be without fly line? The answer is no good. The fly line is another piece to the puzzle that cannot be skipped or overlooked.
Fly lines come weighted so it is important for you to make sure you choose line that is rated for the rod and flies that you will be using in the water.
If you have fished traditionally in the past, you will notice that fly line is heavier in weight than traditional fishing line.
Flies
Flies are what you attach to your fly line to attract fish. When speaking about flies, we are not talking about insects but the artificial flies that imitate what the fish like to eat.
There are different types of flies available on the market including dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. The type of flies you use will depend on what it is you want to catch. Different fish will be attracted to different types of flies and sometimes, it comes down to trial and error.
When buying flies to use, you must pay attention to what you are buying because the types of flies you use will directly impact your fishing success. Some key components to keep in mind is the size of the fly, the shape of the fly, and the shade of the fly.
Leaders
Leaders are used in fly fishing to help keep your line from hitting the water, which can ultimately scare fish away as they approach. Leaders are not as thick as the line itself and they sit between your fly and line.
Since leaders are one of the basics you need to fly fish properly, you want to consider some factors before you just purchase any leaders.
First, consider the length of the leader. The type of fish you want to catch, the type of fly you are using, and the water you will be fishing in will all affect the leader’s length.
Some basic things to keep in mind when it comes to the length of a leader is:
- Sinking lines: 3 to 5 foot leaders
- Floating lines: 7 to 12 foot leaders
Secondly and lastly for this section, check the butt section of the leader. You want to make sure the butt is the appropriate size, or you will find that the leader and line do not lay the way they should.
Fly Boxes, Fly Vests, or Fly Fishing Packs
While none of these are necessarily a requirement to fly fish, they will definitely help you out. No matter whether you choose a pack, vest, or box, all of these options will help you store your flies and keep them with you at all times. They also help free up your hands so that you can catch fish over and over without having to juggle the rod and flies at the same time.
Ready to Go Fly Fishing?
The above gear is perfect for any beginner fly fisherman and will help you get off to a good start. If you are simply just trying out fly fishing for fun, you do not have to go overboard and splurge on all the expensive items and you can start out on a budget, which makes this an affordable and fun sport too.
