The popularity of fly fishing continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Part of the attraction of fly fishing is the simplicity. A stick and a string on a quiet piece of water, and you are set. Well, that's close to all you need, but there are a few more items to get before heading out.
Fly Rod
It all starts with the fly rod. What size fly rod you get depends on what type of fly fishing you will do. Inshore saltwater fly casters require an 8- to 10-weight rod, but most freshwater applications are handled by a 5- to 7-weight rod.
Fly Reel
Fly reels are direct drive units. That means you get one revolution of the spool for every one turn of the handle. Unlike spinning or conventional reels that feature gear ratios of 5:1 or greater, the fly reel has a gear ratio of 1:1.
Fly Line
Floating, intermediate and sinking lines are available for fly fishing. Fly casters use the weight of their line to cast flies to fish. Lines are selected according to the way you want to present your fly. If you are using a popping or surface fly, you should use a floating line. Intermediate lines are useful for presenting flies in the middle of the water column. Sinking flies are used to get down to the bottom when fish are holding deep.
Flies
Poppers, clousers, deceivers and epoxy flies are popular choices for flycasters. Smaller presentations are made with nymph flies and midges. You should bring along a variety of color, size and pattern flies so that you have a fly for any situation that presents itself.
Chest Waders
Unless you are fishing from a boat, you will need a pair of waders to get close enough to cast. Without wading into the water you plan to fish, there won't be enough room for your backcast.
About The Author
Stephen Byrne is a fishing charter captain and freelance writer. He has published articles in Nor'East Saltwater, Sportfishing magazine, Pacific Coast Sportfishing and Salt Water Sportsman. He was also interviewed for a feature in Field and Stream. Byrne attended the State University of New York at Delhi, where he studied environmental science.
