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Fly fishing is an exciting and rewarding way to enjoy the great outdoors; nothing quite beats that feeling of reeling in a nice fish. However, knowing what gear you need can be overwhelming. From choosing the right rod and reel to selecting the best flies and accessories, having the right equipment makes all the difference.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your setup, this guide breaks down the essential gear, must-have tools, and optional accessories to enhance your experience. Let’s dive in and get you fully equipped for your next fishing adventure.
What Equipment Is Needed for Fly Fishing?
Fly Rod
The first thing to pick out is your fly rod. Spending top dollar isn’t necessary, but you should generally avoid the ultra-cheap ones as well. Also, look for one that is versatile for different types of fishing, like those in the 4 to 5 weight (size) class, because you can use them in large and small streams, so you’re not limited by a rod that’s too big or too small.
Buying a rod and reel combination is your best bet for beginners, so you don’t need to worry about how well your rod balances with your reel.
Fly Reel
If you’re buying your rod and reel separately, you must determine how well they balance with the rod. This is primarily determined by the reel’s weight. Ensure the weight of your reel matches your rod. If you have a 4wt rod, then get a 4wt reel.
Either way, when choosing your first reel, always check the drag settings to see how hard the fly line must be pulled before it will release from the reel. The higher the setting, the harder the line must be pulled. Again, versatility is key, so look for one with a wide range of drag settings.
Fly Line and Backing
The fly line is the thicker, often brightly colored line that connects to the leader on one end and the backing on the other. Colors have no impact on performance and are not necessarily coded for certain circumstances, so just pick a color you like.
There are many different designs that you can get, each for different circumstances. Still, you want to start with something simple and all-purpose for versatility. You also want to match your line weight with the weight of your reel and rod. If you have a 4wt rod and reel combo, you want the 4wt line.
You will also need some backing. The backing is simply the string that connects the fly line to your reel; any backing will work.
Leaders
The leader is designed to connect the fly line easily to the tippet or fly. It can be made of nylon, silk, thread, or fluorocarbon. Beginners might want a furled leader, a braided thread that lasts longer than monofilaments. Furled leaders are also heavier and shorter, making it easier to load on the back cast and unload on the forward cast.
However, the most common choice for beginners and advanced fishermen alike is a tapered monofilament leader made of nylon. These have a thicker end that attaches to the fly line, then decreases in width towards the end connected to the tippet. Expect to replace these at least seasonally.
Tippet
The tippet is a small monofilament or fluorocarbon line section attached to the leader’s thin end. When you first take a brand new leader out, there is no need to add a tippet. However, after a handful of times changing your fly, the leader will have been clipped enough for the tip to be too thick. This is where tippets are attached to the leader using a double surgeon’s knot.
What kind of tippet you use depends on your fishing type, so buying some of each is best. Monofilament tippets are light in weight and float better, making them ideal for use with dry flies. Fluorocarbon tippets sink faster and are harder for the fish to see underwater, making them ideal for wet or subsurface flies.
The other thing to remember is that the size of the tippet should match the size of your flies. A 5x tippet is for size 12-16 flies, 6x is used for size 18-20 flies, and 7x is for size 22-24.
Flies
When starting out, get dry and wet flies in 2-3 sizes and a handful of different patterns. This will allow you to test the various styles, sizes, and patterns to get a feel for what works best for you and your fishing conditions.
Dry flies are designed to drift on top of the water. They are made of light materials that increase the surface tension and help them float. Hundreds of patterns are available, but start with an Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and a Stimulator.
Wet or subsurface flies are those designed to sink into the water column. They are made with heavier materials with a lower surface tension to help them sink. Again, with so many patterns to choose from, just start with a Caddis Larva, Hare’s Ear Nymph, and a Pheasant Tail Nymph.
Fly Floatant
Fly floatants are substances you add to your dry flies to help them float. There are two basic types and you’ll want some of each.
Silicone gel floatant is a thick liquid used to increase the surface tension of the fly and increase the time it stays dry before getting waterlogged.
Powder floatant is applied after your flies become waterlogged. The powder helps dry it out so it floats again. Buy a powder with a brush to make it easier to apply.
Nippers
Nippers are a small clipping tool used to cut leaders and tippets. They look similar to nail clippers, which you could also use. When looking for a pair, look for small ones that fit in your pocket. A hole on one end is also helpful so you can attach it to a clip or lanyard. It’s a good idea to have a piece of tippet with you to test its sharpness before you buy it.
Forceps
Forceps are an essential tool for any kind of fishing since they make it easier to remove hooks from fish and barbs from hooks if you are doing catch-and-release fishing. You can also use hemostats from a first aid kit, a multi-tool, or some needlenose pliers.
Fly Box
This is a square or rectangular box for carrying your flies. A small, slim one is best, as it leaves room for other gear. Also, ensure it has a tight seal so that water cannot get in and wet your flies before you put them on your line.
Solar Generator
A solar generator is perfect for fishing because it can power electronic devices or even a small portable heater to stay safe and warm.
What size generator you need depends on what you need to run with it. While it might be nice to have home comforts, the best solar generators for fishing are usually small, compact models you can pack through the bush as you get to your favorite fishing spots or pack on a small boat with you.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W is ultra-lightweight and easily fits in your backpack. It offers 245W output to run your electronic devices, but you can also recharge it all day with its super-efficient compact and lightweight 45W solar panel.
Alternatively, if you need more power but still want to fit it in a backpack, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max + 160W Solar Panel offers 1000W of AC output. You can also generate up to 1200Wh daily with the 160W portable solar panel.
Portable Storage
You will need storage for extra tippets and leaders, tools, and other gear, and somewhere to put your fly box. What you choose is about personal preference. The most common choices are a fly fishing vest or chest pack, but these can get pricey for beginners. Fanny packs are also sometimes used and are a more affordable option for those on a budget.
The other option is a small backpack or hydration backpack with enough room for your gear and water, so you don’t have to use additional space carrying a water bottle. You can also buy lanyards to which you can attach your most essential tools, but they don’t offer a lot of room.
Portable Refridgerator
Using a portable fridge is a perfect solution when out fishing. When you catch bass, trout, or other fish, you can clean them and put them in your portable fridge to keep them fresh, especially on a hot day. For those fishing with live bait, it also offers a safe storage space to keep your bait fresh and lively. Finally, the built-in ice maker will provide ice to keep larger fish cool, and you can also use it to make refreshing ice-cold drinks to enjoy while out on the water.
The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator is a perfect fishing companion. It lasts wirelessly for up to 40 hours, keeping your fish at food-safe temperatures. You can recharge it using AC wall plugs, DC car plugs, a power station, or with portable solar panels. The lightweight, compact, and highly portable EcoFlow RIVER 3 power station can even recharge your fridge. That way, you can stay fishing for days at a time.
Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are not technically essential, but they’re very beneficial. They eliminate the glare from light reflecting off the water’s surface so that you can see objects and fish under the surface. The best lens color is amber since they work on sunny or cloudy days, offering greater versatility, especially for beginners.
Waders
Waders are also optional and depend on where you are fishing and the temperature. If it’s cold, you will want waders to keep you warm. You can opt for hip waders in shallow water or go for full chest waders for deeper waters and colder temperatures. Or, you can just go wet-wading in shorts or quick-drying pants and shoes when the weather is warm enough.
Clothing
Investing in wading boots is always a good idea rather than ruining your sneakers. For pants, look for quick-drying materials; for seasonal weather and wet-wading, ones that zip off into shorts are a nice bonus. If you’re wearing waders, look for pants that fit snugly around the ankles so they don’t bunch up in your waders when you walk.
When choosing shirts, consider the season and weather, and wear layers that you can remove and put back on again as the temperature changes. Shirts with pockets are a nice touch for storing nippers or other tools. Also, fish can see well, so opt for neutral greens, browns, and subtle blue colors rather than something too bright.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fly fishing can get expensive if you buy premium gear. However, beginners on a budget shouldn’t fork out piles of their cash for premium gear. Shop around and find deals; you can get set up for as little as $100. Then, slowly upgrade your gear once you decide it’s a hobby you’ll stick with.
Depending on the gear you get, a beginner fly fishing setup with a rod, reel, leaders, flies, line, nippers, and forceps could be purchased for between $100 and $500. Start with lower-cost equipment, and level-up when you get more into your hobby.
Final Thoughts
The right fly fishing gear ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience out on the water. Start with a versatile rod and reel, match your line and tippet, and stock up on essential tools like nippers and forceps. Accessories like polarized sunglasses, portable storage, and your EcoFlow RIVER 3 + 45W compact power station can further enhance your adventure.
Whether you’re a beginner or refining your setup, investing in quality gear will make every fishing trip more rewarding. Now, gear up and kickstart your fly fishing journey today!