More than 49 million Americans went freshwater, saltwater, or fly fishing in 2017. And the year before that, nearly 9.6 billion pounds of fish were caught in the United States. Perhaps the most important thing to know is what you will need to catch some of those fish.
In fly fishing, which is quickly growing in popularity, you use an artificial fly to catch fish. What type of fly is going to depend on what type of species you want to catch. Some of the more common species people catch are trout and salmon.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’re going to need a Fly Rod, a Fly Reel, and a Weighted Line to fly fish. Scour the internet and you will get hundreds of different opinions on what to get.
There are Custom Fly Reels and Custom Fly Rods. Custom Fly Reels can hold the necessary amount of backing and line for the weight of the fly rod. Custom Fly Rods can be made from Fiberglass and Graphite.
Some people say not to spend more than $200 if you’re a beginner, while others insist you can’t fly fish properly without spending at least $700. Whatever Fly Fishing Outfit you choose, there are a few other things you will need as well.
Checklist
Waterproof Waders. These go over your clothes and keep you dry when you’re wading in the water.
Wading Boots. These keep your feet dry. You can get felt or rubber-soled boots. Some places require rubber-soled boots to avoid spreading aquatic nuisance species. (You should always clean your gear after fly fishing to avoid this as well.)
Polarized Sunglasses. You need to be able to spot fish and protect your eyes.
Hat. This will better shield your eyes so that you can see the fish and your flies. This can also help protect you from sunburn.
Sunblock and Bug Repellent.
Clippers. Clippers are used to cut tippet or the end of a knot.
Zinger. This holds your tippet.
Hemostat. This is a clamp for removing flies from the mouth of your fish.
Knot Tool. This will help you quickly tie a knot.
Fly Floatant. A floatant keeps your fly afloat on the water.
Fly Fishing Vest. This will hold everything. A waist or chest pack will also do the trick.
Fly Fishing Tackle Bag. A tackle bag will store your flies.
Fly Rod Case and Fly Reel Case. These aren’t necessary, but they will protect your equipment when you’re not fly fishing.
Whether you opt for Custom Fly Reels or a $200 Fly Rod, you can still enjoy fly fishing. Nearly 400,000 people tried the sport for the first time in 2016 and that number is anticipated to grow.
