Family-Outdoors Logo: All Rights Reserved

Family-Outdoors

The Basic Gear for Fly Fishing

Fishing Tips

~Fishing Gear~

Bookmark and Share
Altrec Outlet - Save up to 50% Everyday Sales
  CSS Drop Down Menu by PureCSSMenu.com




Custom Search

Learning About Basic Gear for Fly Fishing
Back to Intro Page

The first thing you must look at is the type of rod and reel you will begin with.  As Merwin says in his excellent book Fly Fishing, and here I paraphrase, the beginner can start with a basic setup and stay in a reasonable budget and his skills will not exceed the quality of the setup for quite some time.  However, to begin, some knowledge of rod materials, length, weight, and reel choices are necessary.

ROD WEIGHT
Rod weight is the first concept that must be understood.  Take a moment and read the article "Fly Rods: Determining Fly Rod Weight". 

ROD LENGTH
Next, read the article on rod length, "Fly Rods: Determining Fly Rod Length."  Having read this material, we will assume that the beginner will choose a 6-weight fiberglass rod in an 8 or 9 foot length.  Choose 9' if you are a taller person and 8' if you are 5'8" or less.

REELS
The next choice is for a reel.  First, I suggest strongly that the beginner choose a package set up so that everything matches.  Even still, it is wise to understand the basic types that are available.  A basic discussion of reel types and considerations can be found in the article "Fly Fishing for Beginners - Reels."  After reading the article, again, keep in mind that starting up it is highly suggested you buy a combo package to begin.

LINE
There are actually 3 parts to your line. They are the backing, the fly line, and the leader.  They must match your rod and flies.  Here is a good basic discussion of the types and considerations:  Fly-Fishing Equipment and Fly-Line Basics. There is also a discussion of tippet material.  This is simply material used to supplement leader that you lose as you fish due to snags, tangles, and perhaps even a fish!  We will discuss leaders more in the next section when we go over what you must have to begin the practice of casting.

When it comes time to buy a setup, you have 2 choices.  You can either buy local, or you can buy online.  There are real advantages to buying local.  Getting to know the fella's at your local fly shop can be a huge asset.  Fly fishing is a community that is generally speaking very willing to help the beginner.  The local fly shop is often a great place to begin to get introduced to that community.

Of course that does not mean you must buy your setup there.  You will have ample opportunity to patronize the locals through purchase of a myriad of other gear down the road.  For the smaller angler (5'8" or less), I recommend the St. Croix: Triumph Fly Rod Outfit Model: TK766.2.  Find it in the Family-Outdoor Store by clicking on the link St. Croix Setup.  For taller anglers, I suggest the Redington setup which can be found at Redington Crosswater Outfitter Model.

Another great online source for gear is BassPro.  Follow the link below to go to BassPro and go to Fly Fishing and rod and reel combos.

Bass Pro Shops

Now you have enough gear to begin the process of learning to cast.  This is where you will begin to experience a bit of frustration.  Follow our steps and make your experience a lot smoother!  Follow the link Learning to Fly Cast to begin.

FISHING REPORTS

Bass Pro is a Great Source for RELIABLE and REASONABLY PRICED Fly Fishing Gear

For a one-stop list of the basics you'll need, visit Basic Fly Fishing Set-Up


CONTACT US
Privacy
© 2008-2010
Last Updated 02/08/10