Fly fishing equipment includes more than just rod, reel and line; there is an assortment of gear designed to make this sport more accessible, enjoyable, comfortable and productive for beginners.

Nowadays, store shelves are packed with fly reels designed to perfectly complement the range of available rods – an essential step towards creating a balanced fishing kit.

Rod

Fly rods are used to present and cast flies while fighting fish. A suitable rod should be both strong and flexible enough for its intended species of fish to ensure success on the water.

Fighting butts are common on fishing rods to provide extra leverage when fighting large fish. Attached below the reel, these butts can be secured to the rod with one hand using its lock button allowing fisherman to gain extra leverage when fighting them.

Fly lines are stored on reels and come in various sizes to match a fly rod’s weight class, while also featuring taper configurations designed to maximize presentation and mendability.

Line

Fly lines come in an assortment of densities. Most fly fishermen try to match their line weight to their rod weight, such as using a 5 weight rod with a 5 weight line; there may be exceptions though.

Full sinking lines tend to sink at an accelerated pace and are the best choice when fishing deep waters or for fish near the bottom. Furthermore, full sinking lines work effectively in windy conditions.

Intermediate lines are ideal for fishing flies just a few feet beneath the surface and come in handy when wind blows a bulge in your floating line onto the surface, which spooks fish away. These lines are often employed with complex indicator rigs.

Leader

A leader is a short piece of monofilament or fluorocarbon used to connect the fly line to your tippet and present your flies to fish. Leaders can either be tied by hand or purchased pre-tied at fly shops.

Leaders come in different lengths and tapers. The butt section which attaches to your fly line will typically have a heavy pound test rating before gradually tapering off for approximately two feet to form what’s known as a bite tippet that connects directly to the class tippet and fly.

Tippet

Fly fishing tippets are thin sections used to connect fly lines to artificial flies. Available in various sizes, materials and colors for optimal performance, fly fishing tippets provide an almost invisible transition from fly line to artificial fly.

Tippet selection should match the fly being fished with precision and success. Both diameter (X) and strength (Test rating) of tippet should match for optimal presentation of flies.

Fluorocarbon tippets tend to be better as they’re less visible to fish that spook easily while having great abrasion resistance and should therefore be preferred over nylon ones for both applications.

Ankle Garters

Ankle garters are essential pieces of equipment for fly fishermen. Their purpose is to prevent their pant legs from riding up while wearing waders.

Fly line: A braided line coated with plastic that adds weight. Most of its weight can be found within its first 30 feet; thus referred to as weight forward lines.

Polarized sunglasses: Sunglasses equipped with iodized lenses to block out incident light and improve visibility in environments prone to glare such as clear lakes and rivers.

Haul: Pulling on the fly line during presentation or forward part of casting with non-casting hand to draw line through presentation area or forward portion. Also see double haul.

Wading Pants

Women’s fly fishing wading pants are an indispensable piece of gear for any angler. Offering a secure yet comfortable fit that accommodates female anglers’ unique anatomy, these wading pants make navigating water easily.

Orvis offers a comprehensive selection of wading pants designed to meet every fishing situation, such as their Ultralight Convertible Waders which are lightweight and easy to pack, making them the ideal solution for anglers on the move. They feature an innovative conversion system as well as four-layer waterproof fabric that keeps anglers dry regardless of the conditions they encounter.

Shirt

Fly fishing gear is essential to an avid angler’s day on the water. Selecting an outfit that provides comfort, utility, and camouflage will enhance your day on the water.

As for shirts, look for fabric that blocks UV rays while still breathing well to avoid overheating in hot conditions. Mesh venting may help dissipate perspiration more efficiently to keep wearers dry and reduce sweat build-up.

Vest or hip packs provide a convenient way of organizing and transporting fishing accessories such as nippers, strike indicators, flies, leaders, sunscreen and more. Some models even feature attachment features to secure nets!