Besides purchasing a fly fishing rod, a fly fishing reel, and fly fishing line, there is other essential beginner fly fishing gear required before the novice fly fisherman can start with the sport of fly fishing. This guide to essential beginner fly fishing gear will give an overview of the essential fly fishing tools and equipment required for the beginner angler (such as fly fishing flies), and also suggest some non-essential fly fishing gear (such as waders and a fly fishing vest) that makes fly fishing a lot easier.
Once you have purchased the correct fly fishing rod, reel and line for the type of fly fishing you are intending to do (e.g. trout fishing with a 5-weight rod using 5-weight floating weight forward line), the next thing you need to get are fly fishing flies. Its important that the flies you buy are suited to the type of fish species you are intending to catch, and often must also match the geographical region you intend fishing in. As the beginner you best bet is to purchase a fly selection, which is normally a selection of flies packaged for a specific region or specific fish species. This is far more cost effective than purchasing flies individually.
Its also a good idea to get a fly box to store all your flies in. A fly box normally consists of various compartments so that you can organize you fly collection. You can purchase a plastic fly box relatively cheaply.
The next thing you need to purchase is a leader and a spool of tippet line. 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 (using a Nail Knot) 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, and can buy a leader for under $5.
A tippet is tied onto the leader (using a Double Surgeons Knot), and is used so that whenever you replace a fly on your line, you don’t have to cut your leader line down. Tippet is fishing line, and it comes in different diameters and breaking strengths depending on the size of the fish you intend catching. You normally use between 1 to 3 foot of tippet, and your fly is tied onto the end of this tippet (using the Improved Clinch Knot). You normally match the tippet line you purchase to the tippet (the thin end) diameter of your leader (e.g. purchase 5X tippet line if your leader has a 5x tippet), and you can purchase a spool of 25 to 30 foot of tippet for under $5.
Waders are waterproof gear that allow fishermen to stand in relatively 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. Waders are not essential when fishing in warm climates where you don’t mind getting wet, and you can just wear a pair of wading boots or sandals. In colder climates, waders are essential, and you can get waders with an insulating layer for extra warmth. The two main types of waders are stockingfoot or bootfoot waders. Bootfoot waders come with the boot built into the wader, and stockingfoot will require that you buy separate wading boots or sandals.
There are several fly fishing accessories that every fly fishing angler should have. The first of these are clippers, which are essential and are used to cut the line – nail clippers can be used. Another essential item is a pair of fishing pliers, or a hemostat, which are used to get the hook out of a fish’s mouth or to mash down the barbs on hooks. Also handy item is a hook file used to keep your hooks sharp.
With fly fishing you can spend extended periods in the sun, so its essential to wear a hat (preferably wide brimmed), and sunglasses to reduce the glare you get off the water reflections. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you see whats happening above and below the water to judge the exact location of a fish.
You can do fly fishing without a fly fishing vest, but 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.
And that just about covers the essential beginner fly fishing gear requirements for the fly fishing angler starting out in the sport.
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