Essential Beginner Fly Fishing Gear

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 guide describes the essential fly fishing gear and tools required for the beginner angler.

Fly Fishing Flies

An essential part of fly fishing – you won’t catch any fish with the wrong fly fishing flies. The flies you buy must be suited to the type of fish species you intending catching. 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. A fly box is essential to keep all your fly fishing flies safe and sound. 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. A leader separates the fly line from the fly, and does not create a disturbance in the water near the fly when the fly line is cast. 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. Leader line has varying breaking strengths, and is available in different lengths (lengths between 7 and 9 feet are common). You normally buy leader line to match the size and species of fish you want 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. Tippet line is available in different breaking strengths and different diameters to match the size and species of fish you intend to catch. You normally use between 1 to 3 foot of tippet, and your fly is tied onto the end of this tippet. The thinnest (tippet end) diameter of your leader line must match the diameter of your tippet 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 get hip-height, waist-height, and chest-height waders depending on the depth of water you are fishing in. When fishing in warmer climates, where you do not mind getting wet, waders are not really essential. Fishing in colder climates will normally require that you wear waders. 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 choose 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.

For more information about the sport of fly fishing, take a look at the Feedest.com news feed for Fly Fishing Elite.

 

 

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