Fly Fishing Rods and Reels

New fly fishermen often think they need to spend a lot of money to get the latest equipment and gadgets. You can be successful using the basic equipment. You just have to grasp the main points of this sport. As a beginning fly fisherman, it's a mistake to believe you need to spend a fortune on the latest equipment. You can experience success with only the basic essentials sold at your local sporting goods store.   

Rod 

There are many sizes and lengths of fly rods. They usually are from 7.5 to 9 feet long. Line weight also defines rod size; the common weights are 1-12 with 12 being the heaviest. A 9 foot rod with a weight of five or six can be found for under $100 and is great for the beginner.

Reel 

The reel’s function is to store the line. Line is frequently retrieved by hand. Don’t spend above $50 on your reel. 

Line 

A floating line is the most often used and versatile type. This works great on the majority of freshwater rivers, streams and lakes. Line weight has to match the rod you’re using to be cast correctly. A good line will run from $30 to $50.   

Leader 

This is a 7.5 to 12 foot section of narrowed, monofilament line that is the connection between your fly and line. The butt is the thick end of your leader and is connected to the fly line. The thin end is the tippet. Leaders range in price from around $5 to $10.   

Tippet 

This is used to restore the leader as it gets shorter from changing flies several times or breaking off. Novices should keep two spools, a 2x-5x diameter. Lower numbers mean thicker diameters. Tippet spools are typically between $4 and $8.  

Additional Accessories 

A landing net helps you land fish faster. They won’t be under as much stress when you catch them which lowers the chance of them being injured and increases their chance of living when released. Nets range in price from $20 - $80.  

Sunglasses give protection from the sun and hooks and also help you locate fish by reducing the glare on the water’s surface. They vary in price and styles. 

Clippers are used to cut your line and leaders. You can use a $1 fingernail clipper.  

Forceps are a locking set of pliers known as hemostats. They can be used to get the hook out of a fish’s mouth or clamp barbs on flies. They typically cost around $15.