Fly Fishing Rod
Mike Cline/Wikimedia Commons
Notice that fly fishing rods are longer than those used for baiting or luring fish. The average fly fishing rod measures between 6 and 13 feet in length. Categorize the rods you are thinking of purchasing by the line weight you are thinking of running.
Fly Fishing Line
Determine the line weight by the kind of fish you are angling for. Weights are measured from 1-weight to 16-weight, with 1-weight being the lightest line and ideal for small trout. And, 16-weight is the heaviest kind of line, usually reserved for boat-fishing for tuna and related species. Pair your fly fishing line with the noted weight range of your fishing rods.
Fly Reel
Mike Cline/Wikimedia Commons
Join your fly fishing rod with a specific fly reel that holds the fishing line you intend to use. Make sure the reel as well as the rod fall within the stated line weight you use.
Fly Fishing Tackle
Choose your fly connections next. Connect a leader to the fly line, and a tippet to the leader. The end of the tippet is connected to your choice of fly. Consider using a heavier tippet and leader weight if you want the fly to sink below the water's surface, mimicking an insect that fell into the water. A lighter rigging allows for the imitation of an insect that is hovering over the water or using the water's surface tension for remaining above.
Artificial Flies
Mike Cline/Wikimedia Commons
Replace your bait and lures with artificial flies made of fur, wool and synthetic fibers when fly fishing. Choose flies that resemble the prey of the fish you are angling for. Seasoned fly fishers keep a wide variety of flies ready, just in case the fish are ignoring one kind. Notice that you may have wet flies and dry flies, with the former designed for heavier tippets that will take them below the water, while dry flies should remain at the end of a light tippet on top of the water.
Waders and Vest
Mike Cline/Wikimedia Commons
Invest in some flexible, lightweight waders---such as the Patagonia Men's Watermaster II Waders---since fly fishing commonly requires you to stand in a stream or lake. Round out your fly fishing attire with a compartmentalized vest, like the Extrasport Osprey Fishing PFD, that allows you to keep some of the tackle you might need on your person, but most certainly a knife and scissors to cut a line in an emergency.
