A Guide to Beginner Fly Fishing Gear
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 article gives an overview on the essential fly fishing tools and gear for the novice angler.
Fly Fishing Flies
An essential part of fly fishing – you won’t catch any fish with the wrong fly fishing flies. The species of fish you intend to catch determines the types of flies that you should buy. 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. Its also a good idea to get a fly box to store all your flies in. 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 does not create a disturbance in the water nearby your fly fishing fly when the line is cast. Your your fly is separated from your fly line by the leader. 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. 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.
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 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 Gore-Tex 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. 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. Another useful item is a hook file, which is used to keep your hooks sharp.
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. In order to see clearly what is going on under the water, and on the water’s surface, a pair of Polarized sunglasses are very useful.
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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Tags: beginner fly fishing gear, fly fishing accessories, fly fishing flies, fly fishing leader, fly fishing tippet, fly fishing vest, fly fishing waders