If you have decided to begin fly fishing recently, you are in the right hands. Fly fishing is a popular sport that as grown in numbers recently; it’s an exciting, challenging sport that is likely to push you to new limits daily. It can be relatively inexpensive to get started and it is a great way to exercise, and while it seems a little bit of an intimidating hobby, as soon as you get into it, it is not as complicated as one might think. If you are a newbie in fly fishing, check out our beginner videos to help you get started.
Educate Yourself
You can spend some time searching websites looking for accurate information, but sometimes it is more effective if you can get first-hand knowledge to walk you through the process. Some local fly shops educate their customers for free or at a relatively small fee. These pieces of training are straight forward, and they enlighten you on fly fishing basics such as the best fly-fishing kits and gears. However, most of these trainers don’t take you out on the water, but they train you on everything from knot tying and fly selection to casting and much more. This education allows you to get brief feedbacks from a professional before setting out for fishing. But if you would like to learn these skills at the comfort of your home, we have everything that is needed to get you out on the water and catching fish before you know it.
Select Your Reel, Line, and Rod
It’s always essential to include a reel, rod and line sets when heading out to fish. This can be a formidable task since there are thousands of styles available, each with different sizes, shapes, lengths, and features.
Get Some Tippet and Leaders
Typically, the leader connects the fly line to the fly. The tapered material is then straightened out to ensure that the fly lands precisely where it is supposed to. On the other hand, the tippet extends the leader. You will need a tippet if some length of the leader is lost after cutting or breaking it. One should select a familiar brand for both the tippets and leaders to ensure that everything works well.
Get a Fly Box and Several Flies
Try having extensive conversations with some seasoned fishermen to find out the best flies suited area you are fishing at. There are several fishing flies, including streamers, dry flies, and nymphs. The choice of flies depends on the water conditions, water, and the species of fish you intend to catch. You’ll need to carry a variety of flies in your fly box to ensure that you are prepared whatever is thrown at you by any river. Depending on the type of fish you are fishing, some good fishing flies include the parachute Adams and the Royal Wolf. The Royal Wolf is best suited for any light conditions and can be used anywhere in the world. When selecting a fly box, choose one that suits the type of flies you intend to use. Some are designed for dry flies while others for saltwater flies. The best fly box to use is a multi-compartment, multi-use fly box that carries multiple types of files. If you don’t know what fly box to get, check out Drifthook Fly Fishing for numerous beginners kits to get you landing more trout the next time you hit the water.
Suit Up Appropriately
It’s essential for you to invest in a good pair of waders and always garb for the weather. If you are not fishing in deep waters on a hot, sunny day, you might not require waders. However, if you intend to fish in deep waters and you need a good pair of wanders to keep you warm and dry, Neoprene wanders are the go-to since they are inexpensive and lightweight. You can also explore nylon, synthetic, and rubber fly fishing apparel. You also need a pair of boots if your wanders are not designed to be worn shoeless. Before selecting fishing gears, assess the water conditions and weather conditions before you head out to fish. This will keep you safe and comfortable. Also make sure that you layer up as temperatures throughout the day will vary. There are tons of fly fishing apparel brands out there that can get you suited for any condition.
Fly fishing is an exciting hobby that helps in opening doors for some exhilarating experiences. Even on the rainiest, dismal and cloudiest days, the ecstasy of reeling in a massive fish catch cannot be beaten. Even on days where you’ve nothing caught; fly fishing is an ideal way to harness the spiritual and emotional thrill of the great outdoors.
About the Author
Matthew Bernhardt, a third-generation Coloradan, grew up at the forefront of the state’s fly-fishing revolution, enjoying time on the water side by side with experienced guides and lifelong anglers.
By combining his passion for fly-fishing with input from other experienced fly-fishers and guides and his fine arts degree from Colorado State University, Matthew spent five years carefully developing the Drifthook Fly Fishing System, built to help every angler catch more trout.
When he’s not spending time with his wonderful family, you’ll find him out on the water catching MONSTER trout, and he anxiously looks forward to the day when his kids are old enough to join him there