Category Archives: Fly Fishing

Terminal Fly Fishing Tackle – More Important Than You Might Think

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As you might have noticed, I write a lot of articles about fly fishing on this website. The fact is, I absolutely love fly fishing. It is one of my favorite hobbies, and I am absolutely a junkie for anything related to it. If I’m not actually fly fishing, I’m writing about it, tying flies for my next trip, or shopping for some new gear or accessories to try out. I have been lucky enough to have family members who also enjoy it, and have made many friends who will drop what they are doing to go wet their line with me. Below, I will talk a little about the importance of terminal fly fishing tackle to your efficiency on the water.

Efficiency = Technique + Tackle Choice

I have noticed that over the years, my approach to fly fishing has shifted from being obsessed with the technical aspects (casting, retrieving) to being more focused on the fly fishing tackle that I am using. Techniques won’t catch fish alone, and I have found that choosing the right fly and using the right sized tippet will do a lot more for landing a fish than a perfect fly presentation. Fish are more forgiving, I have learned, if the terminal tackle (fly, leader, tippet) is right, even if the presentation might be a bit sloppy.

Delicate Fly Cast

I am not saying that casting techniques shouldn’t be mastered, or you don’t have to be careful when casting to finicky fish. All I am saying is that I believe that choosing the right tackle is more important than just about anything else in fly fishing, including the cast and presentation.

I also believe that choosing the right fly fishing tackle takes more time to learn and master than casting said tackle to a feeding fish. Most anglers refer to this as ‘matching the hatch,’ but tackle refers to more than just the fly pattern. Terminal tackle includes your leader, tippet material, any strike indicator or weight that is used, and the manner in which you apply your fly floatant (to some extent). All of these items need to be incorporated in the most natural way possible, and they will all affect how the fish views your presentation.

Fly Fishing Tackle – Terminal Requirements

Lets look at the leader and tippet, for example, since I have already talked about the importance of matching the hatch with trout flies in other articles. The leader and tippet material provide an even taper from your fly line to your fly. Your leader will start out thick at the junction with the fly line, and taper down to a specific diameter, which depends on the size. These sizes are given a number with an ‘X’ designation, such as 3X, 4X, or 5X. Lower numbers have a thicker terminal diameter than higher numbers. Tippet material will have a consistent diameter, which also corresponds to the number associated with it (the same as leader).

Now that the number designation is explained, choosing the right size of leader and tippet needs to be addressed. The size of the leader and tippet relates to its strength.  The higher the number, the thinner the diameter, and therefore the weaker its strength. This strength involves not only the ability to withstand big fish, but the ability to turn over heavier flies, possibly with weights. Higher numbered leaders and tippet material are best suited for casting small dry flies on small streams for smaller fish. The opposite is also true (larger numbers = larger flies and larger fish).

One more thing to consider here: the thicker the leader and tippet material, the more likely the fish will be able to see it. On spring creeks and other streams with high clarity, fish might be spooked by thicker leaders. Backing off a few numbers will decrease your overall visibility and make your presentation look more natural, but will also decrease the overall strength of your setup. You will need to be more careful with your hooksets, and you will need to play the fish more rather than dragging it towards your net.

Don’t Forget The Natural Fly Fishing Tackle Look

I can’t stress enough the importance of natural looking fly fishing tackle. The more natural it looks to the fish, the more likely they are to take your fly. If you are on the market for cheap fly fishing tackle, be sure to look for online fly fishing tackle shops. You will be able to shop around and compare prices better than if you were to shop your local fly fishing tackle shop. For increased organization, be sure to invest in a fly fishing tackle box or fly fishing tackle bag.

My favorite fly fishing leaders are Umpqua brand. You can get 3 packs from Amazon for $10, which is a good deal. Click here to buy some today. As for tippet material, I also go with Umpqua most of the time. Click here to buy some tippet material from Amazon for a great deal. And as always, happy fishing!

What do you think about this article? Did we leave anything out? What does your terminal tackle consist of? Feel free to add to the discussion in the comments section below. Thanks!

Get Away To A World Class Fly Fishing Destination

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Fly fishermen typically portray wanderlust type characteristics. This is easily apparent by the fact that they often wander the shores of a river or stream in search of the next hole just around the corner. I can second this notion, and can see this characteristic in my own fly fishing behavior. I will often get tired quickly of a stretch of water and will almost yearn to fish a stretch out of sight around a bend upstream.

Fly fishing is the perfect fit for anglers that can’t sit still in a boat. The gear and accessories that are utilized in this sport cater to the ability to seamlessly move around without having to go back for a new fly or other tool. If you are stricken by this wanderlust characteristic, you might consider taking up fly fishing. There is never a dull moment if there is ample water to search and cast into.

Alaska Travel

For many fly anglers, exploring new waters is a great way to spend an afternoon fishing. Fishing the same holes and stretches of water can get old. That is where getting away to fly fishing destination options around the country and world can bring a new excitement into this sport. There are many fly fishing destinations around that world that are considered world class, including Alaska, New Zealand, and Chile. What many American fly anglers don’t realize is that there are world class fly fishing streams and rivers in the lower 48 states as well, and they might be right in your backyard.

Alaska Fly Fishing Destinations

Alaska is considered by many anglers as the fishing Mecca of the world. There is not only deep sea fishing for halibut and salmon along the hundreds of miles of coastline, but countless backcountry rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes full of native species of trout and grayling to cast to, not to mention the epic runs up the rivers by the five different species of salmon. Because of the remote nature and natural beauty of this fishing paradise, Alaska fly fishing destinations rank in the top locations in the world.

New Zealand Fly Fishing Destinations

New Zealand is another destination for fly anglers to explore. The crystal clear rivers and streams of this small south pacific island are home to large native brown trout that fight aggressively. The blue color of the water is almost unreal to behold, and the long flight to this fishing paradise is worth it just to get a glimpse of the natural beauty with your own eyes. New Zealand fly fishing destinations will not disappoint in the quality of the fishing, the size of the fish, and the splendor of the scenery.

Chile Fly Fishing Destinations

Chile’s Patagonia is another premier fly fishing location in the world. The rustic and rugged backcountry adventure that awaits you in this wild location might not offer the diverse wildlife that Alaska has to offer, but the quality of fishing is right up there with the best fishing in the world. Native brown trout are the main draw here, and the blue waters are reminiscent of New Zealand. The fact that there are few people around and a minimal civilization impact adds to the mystique of fishing and exploring the Patagonia.

Patagonia Fly Fishing

Fishing Your Own Backyard

I have been lucky enough to fly fish all of these locations in my life. They all offer exactly what is described above – natural beauty, native species of large fish, and the ability to explore new waters. What I have determined recently is that I don’t need to fly around the world to find world class fly fishing. The lower 48 states offers a wide variety of US fly fishing destinations that can match these other ‘world class’ destinations in at least a few of the categories. Let’s focus on the western states as an example. Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Colorado are rocky mountain states that all have multiple blue ribbon trout streams. I have been fortunate enough to live many years right in the middle of these many different western US fly fishing destinations, and I have not been disappointed. The fact that some of these fantastic rivers are only a few hours drive away makes it very appealing to stay closer to home and explore new waters here. I might not get the chance to fish alongside a grizzly bear or practice my Spanish, but the fishing I have found is every bit as good.

There are a lot of different destinations for fly anglers to get their exploration and wanderlust fixes appeased. These include Alaska, Chile, and New Zealand, but also include many different rivers and streams in the lower 48 states of the US. Look around and find some new waters to explore, and as always, happy fishing!

What is your favorite fly fishing destination in the world? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Thanks!

Choose The Proper Fly Fishing Equipment

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Fly fishing is one of the most visually stunning sports out there. Not only are the hand tied flies a form of art, but the casting techniques used put on an amazing display of motion amid the beauty of nature. Mastering the art forms used in fly fishing takes time and practice, along with an equal amount of patience and perseverance. It is also essential to utilize the proper fly fishing equipment, which we will discuss below the fly casting video, so read on below

It is important for a beginner to start off with the right equipment before diving into learning the complex casting techniques that are needed to become a successful fly angler. There are many different types of fly fishing equipment that are needed, ranging from essential gear items like a fly rod and reel, to optional accessories and tools like knot tying tools and fly floatant. Below is a link to a high quality Redington starter kit (highly recommended), and below that link is a fly fishing equipment guide to help you get started with the right gear.

Redington CT Classic Trout 9054 Fly Rod Outfit (9'0", 5wt, 4pc)

Fly Fishing Equipment Essentials

First of all, you will need a fly rod and reel. These can be purchased as a combo (the Redington link above), or separately. If buying them separately, make sure they are a matching weight rating. The weight rating is a whole number that signifies the type of line that can be cast proficiently with the rod and reel combo. Once you have a rod and reel that are the same weight rating, choose a line with the same rating. There are many different fly lines available from sinking lines (for wet flies and nymphing) to floating lines (for dry fly fishing) with differing tapers (fly fishing line is discussed in depth at this link – Fly Fishing Line).

Once you have the right setup, you will need to focus on gathering an assortment of flies. There are so many different trout flies and flies used for other species of fish. Dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, poppers and bucktails can be used for most species of fish out there. The best way to know what you will need is to study the waters that you regularly fish. Find out what types of insects are present, and what the fish’s diet consists of. As you learn what types of flies you will need, you can gather a supply of the different patterns that you can use.

If you plan on wading cold rivers, you might consider investing in a pair of waders and some wading boots. For cold weather and cold water, neoprene waders will insulate your legs and keep you warm and dry. For warmer weather wading, breathable waders work the best at allowing your legs to remain cool and dry. The boots you use can come with rubber soles, felt soles or soles with metal studs for extra grip on slippery rocks.

There are many different accessories and tools that might also help you to catch more fish. A fly fishing equipment list of accessories and tools might look something like this:

  • Hemostats
  • Nippers or clippers
  • Knot tying tool
  • Landing net
  • Wading staff
  • Fillet knife
  • Multi-tool
  • Thermometer
  • Fly floatant
  • Weights
  • Strike indicators
  • Fly boxes
  • Fly patch
  • Stomach pump
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Fishing hat
  • Camera

These are some popular accessories and tools that many fly anglers will utilize while on the water. They are meant to help you to land more fish and spend less time fumbling around with tedious and time consuming tasks. To organize and store all of these items on your person as you fly fish, get a fly fishing vest or fly fishing chest pack. All of your essential gear will be within reach and neatly stored and organized.

Summary

These are some of the fly fishing equipment basics. If you are just getting started into fly fishing, this list of fly fishing equipment for beginners should set you on the right path. Before buying any piece of fly fishing gear, be sure to read plenty of fly fishing equipment reviews. These reviews will allow you to see what other anglers liked and disliked about specific items. They will help you to find the best deals on the market.

Once you have the proper gear, you will be able to effectively learn the complex skills and techniques that a fly fisherman must master to become successful. Good luck assembling your fly fishing rig and learning the necessary skills. Happy fishing!

What does your preferred fly fishing setup consist of? Feel free to leave your feedback in the comment section below. Thanks!

A Few Tips On Fly Tying

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Fly tying has a vital role in the fly fishing world. All flies that anglers use have to come from somewhere, whether they tie them themselves or buy them from a fly shop. Hand tied flies are a delicate mix of artistic flash that are made to replicate natural insects and other aquatic life that fish eat on a regular basis. The idea is to create a pattern that has the same silhouette, size, and color as the fish’s natural food.

Fly Tying

Learning how to tie flies takes time. I am by no means an expert on fly tying, but I think I have done it long enough to respect the work that master fly tyers perform. It is sometimes quite tedious, and a single pattern can take a novice hours to finish. I had the opportunity a few years back to sit in on a master fly tyer as he whipped out fly after fly. I was amazed at the speed that he successfully finished a very complicated dry fly pattern. It isn’t all speed. And just because he was fast doesn’t mean that the flies he produced were low quality. Patience, perseverance, and practice are essential traits to becoming a successful fly tyer.

While I don’t proclaim to be an expert fly tyer, I have been tying my own flies for almost as long as I have been fly fishing. It started when I was a teen, and a few classes and several hundred successful patterns later, I have identified a few tips that might make it easier for a beginner to enjoy success in this fine art.

6 Essential Fly Tying Tips

Invest in a high quality vise. Fly tying involves the use of many different tools and materials, all of which play an important part in the quality of the finished product. The most important piece of equipment is the vise. A good fly tying vise needs to be rock solid, not only at its connection to the table or workspace that you use, but in its grip on the hook. If there is any play in the connections, you will be cursing your vise early and often. I use an old Regal vise that was given to me by my uncle, and it is a great vise. It lacks some of the bells and whistles of more modern, high end vises, but gets the job done. The Regal Medallion Series Traditional Jaw Vises are excellent, top of the line vises, and are highly recommended. Click here or the image below to purchase yours today.

Regal Medallion Series Traditional Jaw Vises Bronze Pocket Base (RPBR-10P)

Make sure you have a good selection of tools. Multiple bobbins threaded with different colors of thread are good to have at the ready. A pair of sharp, fine scissors capable of cutting metal is a must. An often overlooked tool is a hair stacker. This tool allows you to cut sections of animal hair and line up the ends. A couple pairs of hackle pliers are also essential, mainly because you might need two while tying one fly. A whip finisher will help you to quickly finish off your flies without fumbling with the thread. There are a lot of fly tying tools on the market. Experiment with a few to see what works for you. This Dr. Slick Fly Tyer Tool Gift Set is a great value, click on the image to buy it or for more information.

Dr. Slick Fly Tyer Tool Gift Set

Have a wide assortment of tying materials. Fly tying supplies vary greatly depending on what type of flies you are tying. Dry flies focus a lot on hackle and feathers, while streamers will use an assortment of animal hair and feathers. Nymphs use a lot of flash and beads. The wider the assortment you have to choose from, the closer you can make your flies resemble the real insects. The #50 Trout material kit below offers a wide assortment of tying materials specifically for trout. Click on the image for more information.

#50 Trout Material Kit

Learn the different techniques and differences between the many types of feathers. There are many different types of fly tying feathers, ranging from duck feathers, to rooster saddles. Knowing the different applications will help you to stock your work bench with enough of the necessary materials for your needs. Fly tying, adventures in fur, feathers, and fun is a great reference manual, with awesome images and descriptions. Click the image or here to buy yours today.

Fly Tying: Adventures in Fur, Feathers and Fun

If you are just starting out, consider getting a fly tying kit. These kits will often come with a vise, all the essential tools, and a good start-up supply of materials, hooks, and threads. Once you get more experienced with fly tying, upgrade the vise, and add more tying materials. With practice, you will determine what supplies you need more of, as well as a better assortment of colors. Orvis’ deluxe fly tying kit (image below) is a great starting place. Click the image or here to purchase one today.

Orvis Fly-tying Kit With Manual

Take a fly tying course, or attend a workshop at your local fly shop. You could even watch some videos online on websites like Youtube. At the very least, get a good color picture book to guide you through the basics of fly tying. If you don’t start off with decent instruction, you are likely to get frustrated and give up. The reference book pictured below is a great starting point, but books only do so much. It really helps to watch someone from beginning to end, and then have an experienced tyer watch you.

Charlie Craven's Basic Fly Tying: Modern Techniques for Flies That Catch Fish

The Bottom Line

Fly tying can be one of most satisfying aspects of fly fishing. Being able to land a fish on a fly that you tied yourself is one of the most uplifting experiences in this sport. If you design a custom fly pattern and it works, even better. Heck, you could sell that pattern online and make some extra money on the side!

Good luck learning the techniques for becoming a successful fly tyer. It takes patience, perseverance, and practice, but it has the possibility of producing when store bought flies aren’t working. Happy fishing!

What are your experiences with fly tying? Do you have a favorite pattern to tie? What kind of success have you had with hand-tied flies? Let us know your feedback in the section below. Thanks!

Cheap Fly Rods – Are They Worth The Money?

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Fly fishing is a majestic sport, one that is as scientific as it is artistic. The ability to choose the proper fly for the situation and present it in the proper location for a trout to take it shows just how precise this science is. However, the hand tied nature of the flies and the beautiful casting techniques show how artistic and fancy this sport is. Choosing the proper fly fishing rod is an important decision for any beginning fly angler. The fly rod is the backbone of the sport, and is the tool that allows you to precisely target the proper location for your fly to land. Fly rods are different from conventional fishing rods in that they are usually longer and utilize snake guides for the line. The most important difference is the taper in the rod. The taper allows you to cast your line in the technical fashion that allows you to present your fly to feeding fish. The big question, as posed by the title, is whether or not cheap fly rods are worth the money, or whether it is more worthwhile to invest in higher-quality models when starting off.

Breakdown Of Price And Quality

When dealing with beginner fly rods, it is important to clarify a few differences on the market. First of all, there are many different price ranges and quality ranges of fly rods today. The price doesn’t always demonstrate the quality, but for the most part, you get what you pay for. An $800 fly rod will most likely outperform a $50 fly rod on the water in every aspect of casting and retrieving. But an important thing to note is that a beginner likely won’t notice a huge difference between the two rods because they aren’t proficient in casting techniques yet.

A good rule of thumb when looking at beginner fly fishing rods is to stay below $200.  Heck, there are some fabulous combos for less than that, and you get a lot more than just a fly rod. Most fly fishing combos aimed at beginners will include a decent fly reel, line, leader and some other handy gadgets. My favorite suggestion for beginner fly rods are Redington fly rod combos. For a little more than some cheap fly rod brands, these rods constantly impress me and other anglers. They perform up in the $500-$700 range easily, and are well built to boot. They are nice looking rods, and perform as well as a beginner needs. Below is an image of the Redington Topo outfit, which includes a 4 piece 9′ 5 weight fly rod, reel, line, tapered leader, tippet spool, flies, fly box, nippers, and case. This is a fantastic package that comes in right under $200, and includes everything you need to get out on the water and start fly fishing. Click the image for more information or to purchase it today.

Redington Topo Fly Fishing Outfit 9' #5 fly rod, fly reel, fly line, case and more

Are Cheap Fly Rods Worth It?

Let me address the question posed in the title as lightly as possible. Are cheap fly rods worth the money? I have tried a lot of cheap fly rods (less than $50) that can be purchased from Wal-mart, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabelas. While basic casting is possible, it is very difficult and prohibitive with cheap fly rods. Fly fishing can be done with these rods, but for a beginner, they will do a lot more to hamper casting technique development than to enhance it. The next range up (from $50 to $100) is significantly better, and would be a good place to start for a beginner with limited resources to start out. You will quickly outgrow your rod as you progress, and you will eventually need to upgrade. This brings me back to the Redington rods (links and image above). For just a little bit more, you get a mid to top quality fly rod that you will be happy with for years to come, rather than wasting better allocated money on cheap fly rods.

You Get What You Pay For

Just remember that you will mostly get what you pay for. A $30 Wal-mart special will likely just end up being scrapped because they are just crap rods. When looking for cheap fly rods for sale, look for cheap fly rods online. Cheap fly combo rods from Redington can be had from multiple retailers. Just remember that the lower the quality on cheap fly fishing rods, the sooner you will outgrow them and need to upgrade, spending even more money. Do your homework before you spend any money on cheap fly fishing rods for sale. As always, I hope that this has been helpful, and happy fishing!

What are your experiences with cheap fly rods? What is your preferred fly fishing rig, and how much did it cost you? Let us know your feedback in the comment section below. Thanks!

The Variety Of Trout Flies

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Fly fishing is a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors. A certain finesse is required to achieve repeated success on the water, along with a little luck. For any beginning fly fisherman, the importance of learning the fundamentals can’t be stressed enough. Just like in little league baseball, where fundamental fielding and hitting skills lead to future big league success, fundamental fly casting and retrieving techniques are necessary for future angling success. This article is all about the variety of trout flies available to fly fishermen, and which ones you should choose in certain fishing situations.

Once you have a solid foundation of the fundamentals, you will need to be able to choose the correct fly for the fishing situation. There are many different trout flies available to the angler, ranging from wet flies to dry flies, from terrestrials to streamers. Below, we will categorize the different flies available, as well as highlight special techniques and situations for their use.

Dry Flies

Fly On Water

Dry flies are arguably the most popular trout fly type among fly anglers. While sub-surface flies have a greater chance of success, the thrill and excitement of a fish rising to a perfectly presented dry fly is unmatched. Dry flies are meant to be floated on the surface of the water, imitating adult insects. Popular dry flies include the Adams, Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stonefly. These flies are proven workhorses of the dry fly category, stimulating rises from trout on many different waters.

It is important to note that to successfully fish with dry flies, you will need to make sure that your fly floats. A floating line will aid in this, and a light tippet will add camoflauge to your presentation. If it gets saturated, give it a few false casts to dry out, or apply a fly floatant. The below image is of a popular assortment of dry flies to get started. Click the image for more information or to purchase now.

50 Assorted Dry and Parachute Fly Fishing Fly Package

Terrestrials

Foam Hopper

Terrestrials are commonly associated with dry flies, because they too are meant to be fished as a top water fly. These trout flies, however, mimic larger insects that do not hatch from the water. Grasshoppers, crickets, ants, and beetles are the most popular types of terrestrials used by fly anglers.

Later in the summer or early fall is the best time to break these flies out. When using terrestrials, the presentation often doesn’t need to be as delicate, and often splashing them after a gust of wind will yield violent strikes. Fish see these insects as a large meal, and more potential energy, so get ready for some acrobatic hook sets! Below is the image of a popular terrestrial dry fly pattern assortment to get started. Click the image for more information or to buy.

Terrestrial Trout Fly Fishing Flies Collection

Wet Flies

Wet Flies

Most fish, especially trout, will feed up to 90% of the time below the surface of the water. Food is more plentiful down below, as well as less exposure to predators, are a few reasons why this statistic is fact. Wet trout flies denote flies that are used beneath the surface of the water. There are a few subsets of wet flies, including nymphs and streamers.

Nymphs

Nymphs are becoming more and more popular among fly anglers, mainly due to the steady success rates they provide. Common trout nymphs include the Prince nymph, Brassie, Sow Bug, and Scud. These nymphs mimic insect larvae that live within the water. Nymphs often have a bead head, giving them weight. If they don’t, you might want to add weight, depending on the speed of the current you are fishing. Because nymphs live near the bottom, trout that feed on them will stay near the bottom as well. Use enough weight to drift your nymphs in a natural location. Strike indicators will help you to see subtle strikes.

Nymphs can also be added as a dropper fly to a dry fly. Simply attach some tippet material to the bend of your dry fly and add a small nymph. This allows you to fish the surface with an attractor pattern, and fish the deeper parts with a nymph. Most anglers will agree that a roll cast is the easiest and fastest way to re-position your nymph at the top of a run. This cast just requires a small motion, and doesn’t need to be pretty at all. Below is the image of a popular assortment of fly fishing nymphs. Click the image for more information or to purchase today.

Bead Head Nymph Collection

Streamers

Streamers are wet trout flies that mimic minnows and other aquatic life. Muddler minnows, Dahlberg divers, Wolly Buggers, and bucktails are good examples of trout streamers. Unlike other wet and dry flies, which are drifted, streamers are meant to be retrieved by stripping in the line. This stripping motion can be slow or fast, depending on the situation. Fast retrievals are good at imitating scared baitfish. Slower retrievals work well with leech patterns like the Wooly Bugger.

Because these trout flies can often be much larger than other flies, they can be difficult to cast and control in the air with smaller weight fly rigs. Weighted streamers are even more difficult to steer to their desired target. A lot of times, a sling-shot motion works well in casting these flies. To get out to great distances, double haul casting with a larger fly rig is your best bet. Click on the image below to get more information about the assortment of streamers available in this package. For a more in depth article about streamer fishing, click this link.

Best of MFC BIG Streamer Assortment

Which Trout Flies To Choose?

When choosing a fly to use, it is important to understand the situation. If you are fishing a new river or stream, ask at the local fly shop what works the best. You could also try flipping over a rock to see what nymphs are there, or catching a flying bug to match the hatch. As stated above under wet flies, trout spend most of their time feeding beneath the surface of the water. You will have more consistent success if you master the art of nymphing. Streamers offer a change of pace, and often will lure out the lunker fish from their hiding places because they offer a larger meal option than a puny #18 Prince nymph. If there is clearly a hatch going on, try to match it by using one of many trout dry flies and cast to a rising fish for an exhilarating experience.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you whether you go with wet or dry trout flies. The most important factor after learning the basic casting fundamentals will be your ability to present the right patterns in front of a feeding trout.

When looking for trout flies for sale, be sure to check for package deals. Flies can be expensive if purchased individually. Look for trout flies online to find cheap trout flies, and buy them in bulk to find the best discount trout flies. Start with the image links above to the assortments available from Amazon. As always, good luck on your next fly fishing trip, and happy fishing!

What is your favorite fly pattern? Which patterns yield the most success for you? Let us know in the comment section below. Thanks!

Fly Fishing Gear – The Must Haves For Fishing Success

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Every fly fisherman has their preference when it comes to specific fly fishing gear. I prefer Sage fly rods and Lamson fly reels personally. But that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t fish with a G. Loomis, R. L. Winston, or Fenwick fly rod. Those are just my preferred rods and reels for most situations. It is kind of interesting how picky anglers can be when it comes to choosing fly fishing gear. Many become ‘Brand Myopic,’ or in other words, become fixated on only using a piece of gear if it has the logo or name of their preferred brand. For example, let’s say that you are an angler that likes the Sage brand, like me. If you are a ‘Brand Myopic’ fly fisherman, you will only use Sage fly rods, Sage waders, and even Sage clothing and apparel. You also might have a Sage sticker on your vehicle.

Sage Truck Picture

The problem with becoming ‘Brand Myopic’ is that the brand you choose to give your loyalty may not have the best supporting gear on the market. For example, notice that earlier I said I preferred Sage rods, but I go with Lamson reels. Sage makes fly reels, and while not terrible, they are not on the level of Lamson in my opinion. Being stuck on one brand because you like one of their products can limit your options when it comes to supporting gear.

Fly fishing gear can be broken down into many different categories. Lets divide them up, and take a look ant the essential fly fishing gear that every angler needs to have.

Fly Fishing Gear Brands

The first category of fly fishing gear is by brand. There are many different fly fishing brands, ranging from companies that make everything to companies that specialize in a particular item. There are many different price points to look at here as well. Some of the more known brands include:

These brands have a wide variety of items and prices, so it will be important for you to do your homework in picking a specific brand for your item. Be sure to read plenty of fly fishing gear reviews and shop around for the best deals and fly fishing gear closeouts.

Essential Fly Fishing Gear

Fly fishing gear

When it comes to essential fly fishing gear, there are a few items that every angler must have to be able to successfully land fish. First and foremost, a solid fly rod and reel provide the backbone for your cast and presentation, as well as a platform for the retrieval of hooked fish. Fly line, leader, and tippet material connects your rod and reel with the terminal tackle, consisting of a variety of dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, and streamers. These are the items that are deemed ‘essential,’ for without any item listed here, you wouldn’t be able to fly fish.

Optional Fly Fishing Gear

The list of optional gear can go on and on. This is where a fly fisherman can choose to bring certain fly fishing tools, accessories, and gadgets to make their life easier on the water. A sample optional fly fishing gear list might look like this:

This is actually a sample of the most essential accessories that I take with me at all times. Even though I don’t absolutely need these items to be able to fly fish, they are directly linked with how successful I am on the water. For example, you may not think that polarized sunglasses are necessary. But these allow me to see through the glare on the surface of the water to where the fish are stacked up in runs and riffles. They allow me to make more efficient casts and presentations. Each of these items plays a specific role in my ability to land more fish while on the water.

It is important that you try out different gear items and tools and accessories to see what works for you and what doesn’t. My sample list above works for me because I have tried a lot of different gadgets and gizmos before settling on those items. The brands are irrelevant, as long as they perform their specific function when I need it done. This would be a terrific place for a beginner to start. Look for fly fishing gear for beginners online, and try to find the best prices. Be sure to store your items in fly fishing gear bags to protect them during transport and storage.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that there are many different brands and categories of fly fishing gear on the market. You will need to sort through them all to find what works best for you and for your fly fishing applications. What works for me might not work for you, but will probably serve as a good starting place for beginners. As always, happy fishing and good luck!

Below is a review of my fly rod of choice – the Sage ZXL series

What fly fishing gear do you choose to use? Let us know in the section below. Thanks!

Top 10 Fly Fishing Tips – Things I Wish I Knew When Starting Out

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I have been involved in fly fishing for the last 15 years. It started as a hobby while in my early teens, and has grown into an obsession. I am always looking for a reason to take off work to hit the stream. Fly fishing can be a challenging hobby for a beginner, and quite often confounds even more experienced anglers. I have compiled a list of 10 fly fishing tips and techniques that I wish I had heard when starting off. These fly fishing tips are in no particular order, but hopefully will offer some insight into the importance of different preparatory activities that make your fly fishing trip the most meaningful possible.

Fly Fishing Tips

Top 10 Fly Fishing Tips

1.  Choose a fly rod and reel carefully. This is a difficult task, especially when you are not sure if the hobby will stick. Fly fishing can quickly become expensive, so going with budget fly fishing gear might be the most common move. However, you will be handicapping your fly fishing experience if you get poorly made equipment. I have found that Redington makes some of the best fly fishing rods and reels for the money, and would be a great starter kit for anyone (click here to purchase a Redington kit), or click on the image below. While they do cost more than a Wal-mart special, the extra cost is worth it!

Redington Topo Fly Fishing Outfit 9' #5 fly rod, fly reel, fly line, case and more

2.  Learn the proper techniques for casting early on. Bad habits are very difficult to break, especially when it comes to fly casting. Check out the video below that shows master fly caster Carl McNeil demonstrating multiple casting techniques, or watch any number of other instructional fly casting videos available. And then practice, practice, practice!

3.  Fly selection is more important than just about any other aspect of fly fishing. In my early fly fishing experiences, I found that my poor casting techniques were often bailed out by my ability to ‘match the hatch,’ so to speak. Often, fish will give your fly the benefit of the doubt if it looks like everything else that is landing on the water. Study the waters you frequent most, and learn the selection of insect life. Be ready with nymph, emerger, and adult patterns of those insect species. Don’t forget to employ streamers when nothing else works, as this might be the ticket to a lunker! Click the image below for a great starter assortment of wet and dry flies.

100 Assorted Barbless Dry and Nymph Fly Fishing Flies

4.  Master the art of the double haul cast. I was often disappointed with the limited distance that my rig would allow me to cast. It seemed that the rising trout were always just out of my reach. Many years into fly fishing, a buddy showed me how to double haul cast. I was shocked at how far my reach was extended. At the same time, I was angry at myself for not learning this important casting method. Imagine all the fish I could have caught over the years! Watch the below video and practice, practice, practice!

5.  Learn to read the water. Different parts of rivers, streams, and lakes will hold different amounts of fish. Being able to read the water early will help you to present your flies to more fish, giving you more opportunity to catch them. For example: in rivers, natural cover offers protection and a good hiding place for feeding fish. Look for undercut banks, boulders that slow down the current, or submerged logs.

6.  Organize your fly fishing gear. There is nothing worse than showing up to your fishing hole only to realize that you left a vital piece to your ensemble at home. This can be especially frustrating if you are fishing more than a few hours from home. This has happened to me on a number of occasions through the years, and can ruin a fishing trip. Get yourself a good duffel bag that is large enough to store everything in it, from waders and boots, to your fly vest or chest pack, to all your fly fishing tools and accessories. Keeping all your fly fishing gear in one place will help you to not forget the important items when you are rushing out the door.

Below is the image of the Fishpond Trailhead Rolling Fly Rod Gear Bag, which is a beast of a gear bag. It will hold up to 5 33 inch rod tubes in the bottom compartment. The top compartment is large enough to hold waders, wading boots, chest packs and vests, clothing and other gear items. There are several other exterior pockets for other items. This is a highly recommended travel bag and gear storage and organization option. Click the image below for more information or to purchase the bag today.

Fishpond Trailhead Rolling Fly Rod Gear Bag Fly Fishing

7.  Learn a routine or game plan while on the water. This is something that will take some time to get down, but thinking about it will help you to be more efficient. I am talking about economizing your every cast. Early on, I could cast the same fly to the same stretch of water for a long time without thinking about moving on or switching flies. Over time, I realized that I wasted a lot of time and casts. If you think you have matched the hatch, and you aren’t catching anything in a particular spot, move on after a pre-determined amount of time or number of casts. If you know there are feeding fish and you aren’t having success, switch flies or add a dropper fly to your dry fly.

8.  Timing is everything. It is common knowledge that getting out on the water early in the morning will bring you more success. While this is mostly true, there are other important considerations to take into account when planning your fishing trip. What time of the year is it? Are the fish spawning? Is it going to be a full or new moon? What is the weather like? These are all questions of timing, and they will affect your ability to catch fish, to some extent or another. Learn the calendar of the fish you are trying to catch. Know their activity throughout the year, when they spawn, what times of day they like to feed, and how they act during different weather conditions. Learning these characteristics will lead to more success.

9.  Learn to combat drag. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as ‘motorboating’ your fly at the end of your line. This happens when the current pulls your fly line downstream faster than your fly. Drag will ruin your presentation, especially with finicky fish. Check out the video below to learn how to mend your line properly to keep your fly drifting as naturally as possible. And then practice, practice, practice!

10.  Don’t forget your accessories! There are many different fly fishing tools that will make your life easier on the water. Over the years, I have added some and dropped others. You will have to experiment with different tools to see what you will use and what will actually help you to catch more fish versus what is just dead weight on your vest. A few tools and accessories that every fly fisherman should have are:

  • clippers or nippers
  • hemostats or pliers
  • landing net
  • knot tying tool
  • fly floatant
  • strike indicators
  • weights
  • spare leaders and tippet material
While these fly fishing tips and tricks might not apply to everyone, these are certainly things I wish I had more of a grasp on when starting out. They could be considered fly fishing tips for trout, fly fishing tips for bass, or for any type of fishing for that matter. If you are just getting into fly fishing, hopefully these fly fishing tips for beginners will help you to get going on the right path. Good luck, and as always, happy fishing!
What fly fishing tips do you have to add to the discussion? What is one piece of advice that you wish you new when starting out? Let us know in the comment section below. Thanks!