Basstrike Fishing Blog

As a beginner fly fisher, you could be overwhelmed by the number of equipment required for fly fishing. To avoid you getting overwhelmed or carrying unnecessary items or accessories while going for fly fishing, this article will discuss the essential equipment that you need as a new fly fisher.

1. Fly Rod

While this post will not discuss how to choose the right fly rod for fly fishing, it is important to mention that fly rod is highly required for fly fishing. Fly rods come in different sizes, models, brands, etc. and you can feel free to choose any. Their prices are also significant. Some people have spent more than $500 to purchase their first fly rods, but unfortunately, most are not using the rods again. Nonetheless, if you can afford it, don’t hesitate to buy.

On a personal basis, a good fly rod should be 9ft in length and 4-5 weight fly line. It is worth mentioning that lighter weight fly rods are used for smaller streams or fish. A lower weight fly rod can be used to make a 6-inch trout to be like a 20-inch trout.

It is advised to start with a 4-5 weight 9ft fly rod because you can use it to fish anything ranging from small panfish to bass. With that size, you can achieve anything with regards to fly fishing.

There are some noticeable options when it comes to the sections of a fly rod. What could be found common these days are 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-piece fly rods. As the piece or section of a fly rod increases, its size after being packed reduces. Hence, if you are a backpacker, it is better to go for the 4-5 piece rod models. In the previous years, sections can have an impact on the ways the fly rod cast; however, with improvements in how fly rods are constructed these days, one has nothing to be worried about.

2. Fly Reel

After a fly rod, the next equipment required for fly fishing is the fly reel. The prices of fly reels could range between $20 and $1000. For freshwater fishing, the fly reel may not be very important as it is only used as a fly hand holder. For fishing larger fish species, the fly reel is very vital. The basics needed for the use of fly reel are one that will match a purchased fly rod’s weight. When this is done, an adequate room is created for both backing and the fly line.

3. Fly Line and Backing

The next essential fly fishing equipment is the fly line. Fly lines are of various types such as sinking, sink-tip, floating and so on. The most recommended basic line for starters is the weight forward line. This particular line seems to be the easiest to use for learning how to cast because most part of the line weight is in the front part of the fly line. Double Taper line is another type of fly line. Double Taper line could also be used by starters, but they tend to be more specialized in the result that can be achieved using them.

Time backing is usually used is the time that the fish takes your fly. Fly lines are usually 80-90ft in length. As soon as the line runs out after being pulled by a fish, the backing starts working, and it adds over 200yards fly line. A vital function of the backing is to make a layer move lower than the fly line. The slick coating of a fly line does not allow the line to be wrapped easily around the hard spool without spinning. Fortunately, the backing is the solution to this.

4. Leader and Tippet

The leader and tippet function as the connector of the fly line to the fly. These two parts are important because they enable the fisher to cast, and after, straighten out the line by moving the energy through the fly line to the fly. For this process to be possible, both the leader and tippet are tapered. If you have previously fished using traditional methods, you would have known about a pound test rating of line. Same applies to leader and tippet, but what makes both different is the introduction of an X system.

For starters, it is recommended to pick up a few premade and ready-to-be-used tapered leaders. The tapered leaders will be joined to the tippet to become one in order to straighten out the casts. A 7.5-9ft tapered leader ending in a 5X tippet is recommended for trout fishing beginner.

5. Flies

To start fly fishing, you need a good collection of basic fly patterns. Packages that contain dry flies, streamers and nymphs are recommended for purchase. More information about flies will be published later, and it will help you in your fly fishing endeavors.