A Guide to Beginner Fly Fishing Gear

Recommended Beginner Fly Fishing Gear

Once you have purchased your fly rod, fly reel, and fly line, you will require other beginner fly fishing gear before you can start with the sport of 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

The leader is nylon line that sits between the tippet and the fly line, and leader line in normally tapered. 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. Leader line normally tapers, and you tie the thick end of the leader to your fly fishing line. You normally buy a specific leader line to match the species and size of fish you intend catching – leaders come in different lengths (normally between 7 to 9 feet), and breaking strengths.

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. Your tippet line must match the tippet (thin end) diameter of your leader. 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. If you are fishing in cold climates, in cold water, then waders are essential. When fishing in warm climates, it may not be necessary to wear waders. Fly fishing waders come in two main categories – stockingfoot or bootfoot. 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. Its also essential that you have a pair of clippers to cut your fishing line – a pair of nail clippers can be used. A hemostat, or a pair of fishing pliers is extremely useful when trying to get a hook out of a fish’s mouth or when you want to mash down the barbs on a fishing hook. An extremely useful tool to help keep your hooks sharp 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. A pair of Polarized sunglasses will make it easier for you to see what is going on below the water and on top of the water’s surface.

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 buy 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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