A Guide to Beginner Fly Fishing Gear
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You will need other beginner fly fishing gear besides a fly fishing rod, fly fishing reel, and fly line in order to begin 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 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. 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. Leader line has varying breaking strengths, and is available in different lengths (lengths between 7 and 9 feet are common). You normally buy leader line to match the size and species of fish you want 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 normally use between 1 to 3 foot of tippet, and your fly is tied onto the end of this tippet. 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 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. The two main types of waders are stockingfoot or bootfoot waders. 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. To be able to cut your fishing line, a pair of clippers is essential – you can also use nail clippers. A pair of fishing pliers, or a hemostat, which is used to get the hook out of a fish’s mouth or to mash down the barbs on hooks. In order to keep your hooks sharp, another useful item to have 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. Polarized sunglasses will help you see what is happening above and below the water.
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 news feed for Fly Fishing Elite(Feedest.com).
