Fly fishing is an awesome way to get into the water and experience the sport for yourself. It is also a great introduction to fishing for those not yet experienced. Many times, fly fishing coaches will introduce new fishinfters to fly fishing by using bait and tackle.
By using these tips and tools, new fishinfers are able to start learning how to use the water and find unseen insects, present themselves as good trout targets, and most importantly, cast their line into the stream and out toward where you want to catch your trout.
This article will go into detail on some of the more common beginner gear pieces.
Contents:
Fly reel
Flys are one of the most fundamental techniques in fly fishing. There are many types of flies, and every fly fisherman needs some kind!
Fly fishing is most prevalent in deep water, where you can experiment with different drags and fast flows to find your favorite go-to fly.
There are several ways to store your flies, the most common being tumble dryer drying sheets, which is how I store my flies. Just make sure to keep the edges of the dried-on material smooth so they do not get snagged when you cast!
A good way to learn how to lay yourflies is by using a hack-sawing technique. Start by cutting a small piece of fabric from one side, then cut a long leg out of the other.
Leader and tippet
Your fly should have a strong leader and a heavy tippet to hold it on. A light leader will not keep your fish in the water and a heavy tippet will not break under water. Both of these materials must be present for fishing!
The leader can be made out of durable material such as nylon or silk. These are the most recommended because they will last longer than the lightweight synthetic leaders. If you are going to use heavier lines and heavier fish, then invest in some stronger materials.
Your tippet can be made out of wire, rubber, or some kind of foam. These materials do not retain heat so do not overbuy these! There are two types of tippets: foam and wire. Wire tippers will save your fishing partner from falling underwater while using this article as a buffer.
Fishing hooks
How many fishing hooks you will need per fish
Bullet point: Numbered locations on a fish
Intentional or not, leaving too many hooks in a fish can cause it to choke and stop breathing. This can result in a bad start to your session and should be avoided!
To prevent this from happening, place a small amount of bait on one of the side chains of the hook. This will help it to pull through the skin and into the fish. Once caught, remove any remaining hooks and throw them away.
Using less hooks will reduce the chance of breaking or cutting them off.
Barbless fishing hooks
Barbless fishing hooks are becoming more common as engineers develop better technology to match with fashion. Many anglers now opt for the more traditional looking fishhooks due to their preference.
While not all barbless hooks are created equal, many times the difference is in presentation. Some look better protected than others!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!??!
Some barbless hooks have a washer or ring around the base that is placed onto a post or something similar to hold it in place. These may not be as effective in getting a good hold as a solid piece of equipment such as an 8-12 feet of line, a sinker, and a weight will do the same job.
Barbless fishing hooks come in different styles and shapes including: round, flat, sculpted,Point Inserted, Pointed End Inserted, and Threading tips.
Waders or boots
These are key to being able to move around in the water. Without being able to access your lines or fishtails, you will be sitting in one spot for a long time. This can be scary if you are not experienced in the water!
For beginner fly fishermen wading may be helpful. The ability to get right on top of the fish and comfortably walk away with it is helpful.
Boots are a good way to keep your feet warm and comfortable while fishing in chilly waters. Having warm socks and strong shoes is important so that you do not lose sensation when walking on soft mud, grass, or other surface material.
Gloves
There are two major things that affect the feel of your fly fishing line: temperature and flex. Line temperature will determine how well your line will hold its shape under pressure. Hotter temperatures will require thicker line and more flex in the line to maintain its shape. If you are unsure which features of the line you need, try using a warm tip to cool down the line first!
To determine if a Line is glove friendly: Use Your Fingers To Feel Whether The Line Is Warm Or Cold. If It Is Warm, Then It Is Not Required For The Gloves To Be Used As An Overclocker Can Make The Hook Very Cold To Hold And Fish, So Only Needed With A Warm Tip!
Using a cold tip does require some work in order to put it on correctly and hold it there. First, measure your finger length to make sure the length of the longest finger is longer than the shortest. Then, place About A Fourteenth Of A Pencil Thin Cardstock Between Your Fingers And firmly press down to insert the cardstock into the center ofthe hook. This requires some work and makes sure that it is seated firmly onthe hook.
Hat
A hat is an important piece of fly fishing gear. While gloves can be removed, a hat prevents your hands from becoming raw and dirtied up from the fish removal process.
Standard Fly Fishing Gear Checklist includes a hat, sunglasses, and a warm jacket or sweatshirt. All of these items are easy to get in bulk sets, so you do not have to worry about spending money every time you want a new hat or jacket.
Most beginner fly fishers do not wear their hats all the time, so getting a good quality hat is worth the price. Some people prefer hats over others, so having some that are different but good enough for every situation is helpful.
The big benefit of a hat is shade control. When exposed to the sun while wearing no protective clothing, your skin can turn red and burned looking.
Visor or sunglasses
Without a visor or sunglasses, your fly will get caught in your hair or eyes. These aids can be bought as separate items or included in a fly pack.
A visor can range from free-flowing to fully sealed. Most quality fly Fishers recommend a semi-sealed visor for beginners. Semi-sealed means you can remove it if you need to, but will most likely leave the flies looking natural.
Some people use fleece hats as vissors, but those do not always stay on well enough when fishing with wet flies. With the right person, the right situation, and with some practice, it can work!
With the loss of visibility that happens when using a vissor, it must be addressed.