Fly fishing is an outdoor activity that is relaxing and challenging at the same time. It entails skills in casting lines and in other fishing techniques to catch fish. It also requires patience and a bit of knowledge about where the best fishing spots are.
Learning about fly fishing can be an intimidating task but only if you let it. This guide talks about what equipment you will need to start fly fishing. The details are geared towards teaching you about fly fishing equipment and making it as simple as possible for you to understand. The most basic equipment you will need is listed below:
- Rod – A rod or a fly rod is made of aluminum or PVC and is classified according to weights. These weights are compatible with the weights of a fly line. The weights range from 1 as the lightest and thinnest fly rod to 15 which is the heaviest weight of rod. For everyday fly fishing a 3-weight or a 5-weight will suffice. A good rod is bendable enough to be able to handle a good struggle with a fish but sturdy enough not to break.
- Line – A line or a fly line is also classified by weights. These should match the weight of your fly rod. A 5-weight rod should have a five weight Floating line. A fly line is made of PVC nylon cord. Lines are thicker on the head or the part of the line that you cast first and gets thinner as it goes to the backing.
- Reel – A reel should be able to hold 100 yards of floating fly line and backing. A floating fly line is length of line that is cast. The backing is the remaining line in the reel.
- Leader – A leader is a thin line called monofilament that is attached to the head of the fly line. It is thicker where it is attached to the fly line and it gradually gets thinner towards the tippet.
- Tippet – A tippet is what attaches the leader to the lure. Since the fly line contains different colors, they scare fish away very easy. The tippet is usually transparent to the fish's eyes and will not be noticed. This is the key to holding the lure, by ensuring that the fish will not be scared away by the colorful nylon fly line.
- Flies or Lures – Flies come in a variety of size and appearance. Choose the best flies that are appropriate for your fishing expedition.
- A hat and some sunscreen – Things that will protect you from the harsh rays of the sun are important. Expect to stay on the fishing ground for a long period of time so it is best you have these kinds of protection.
These are just the basic gear you will need to start fly fishing. There are more fishing gears available that you might need to buy later on. For now, these will enable you to start fishing. v
