Defining Your Necessary Fly Fishing Gear

Fly fishing gear is all the equipment, clothing and other items needed in order for you to indulge in your pastime of fly fishing. Some people deal in the bare basics of just a rod, reel, fishing line and a few hand made flies while others outfit themselves with the latest and greatest fly fishing gear and gadgets.

Just the Basics

When it comes to fly fishing gear, no matter what your budget or involvement is, you must have the rod, reel, fishing line and flies. Newbies should likely shoot for a middle of the road rod – nothing too light or too heavy – so as to be able to use it in several situations like catching small perch in the pond to 20 inch trout in a river.

Experienced fly fisherman will often choose their fishing line and leaders first before choosing the rod and reel as the line is very important when it comes to casting. Next in purchasing fly fishing gear for the experienced would be the rod and factors such as weight, length and action are taken into account.

Bringing up the rear is the reel which is sometimes overlooked in fly fishing gear in terms of its usage. You will want a reel that has more responsibility than just a fishing line holder and does not lock up when a fish runs off with the line. The flies are also an important facet of fly fishing gear in that they should closely resemble the natural food source that the fish enjoy. If you are in a small stream or river hoping to catch trout, then the flies should resemble minnows or larvae.

The Extras

The fly fishing gear that is important to the more experienced fishermen includes the vests, waders, boots, fly boxes, creels and even boats. The vests are great for the fishermen to store extra flies, fishing line, leaders and more and save trips to the banks of the stream or river they are wading in. Creels are those little wicker-type baskets that house the fish you catch during your casting and angling time.

Wade boots and hip or chest waders are great fly fishing gear for the fisherman who likes to become one with nature and wade right out into the waters. The boots are best for shallow waters and protect you from slipping and twisting your ankles on the slippery rocks. The waders are perfect for keep you dry as you wade out into deeper water in the hope of catching some fish.

Boats are great for taking your fly fishing experience out on the open waters of a large river, lake or even ocean. Fly boxes are perfect for cataloging and keeping your flies in order, based on their appearance and use. All in all, there is quite a bit of fly fishing gear to choose from but as long as you have your rod, reel, fishing line and flies, you are in business.