A Guide to Beginner Fly Fishing Gear
October 29, 2009 by admin
Filed under Fishing Boats
Once you have purchased your fly rod, fly reel, and fly line, you will require other beginner fly fishing gear before you can start with the sport of 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 flies you buy must be suited to the type of fish species you intending catching. 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. To store all your fly fishing flies, it is a good idea to purchase a fly box. 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. Your fly is separated from your fly line by the leader. When your fly line is cast, the leader ensures that there is not a disturbance in the water nearby your fly. 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. You tie your fly to the end of your tippet, and your tippet is normally one to three feet in length. The diameter of your tippet line must match the diameter of the tippet (thin end) end of your leader line. 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 can get chest-height, waist-height, and hip-height waders according to the water depth you plan to go fishing in. If you are fishing in cold climates, in cold water, then waders are essential. When fishing in warm climates, it may not be necessary to wear waders. Fly fishing waders come in two main categories - stockingfoot or bootfoot. Bootfoot waders come with the boot built into the wader, and stockingfoot will require that you buy separate wading boots or sandals. 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. A pair of clippers is essential, and is used to cut the line – nail clippers can also be used. 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. An extremely useful tool to help keep your hooks sharp is a hook file.
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. A pair of Polarized sunglasses will make it easier for you to see what is going on below the water and on top of the water’s surface.
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 choose 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.
For more information about the sport of fly fishing, take a look at the Feedest.com news feed for Fly Fishing Elite.
