Fly fishing equipment can be daunting for someone just beginning this sport, with so many rods, reels and lines available.

Step one in selecting appropriate gear is identifying what type of fly fisher you aspire to become.

Fly lines are an integral component of beginning fly fishing gear, as their length and line weight (line #) determine their performance.

Rod

Fly rods are tools you use to catch fish with a fly line and leader, typically constructed out of bamboo or fiberglass and featuring various parts including blank, ferrules, and handle.

Graphite composites are now the predominant material found in modern fly rods. These lightweight yet highly durable rods typically come in two or three pieces for convenient transportation and storage.

Beginning anglers should invest in a quality rod and fly line set that will last and not become outdated quickly, creating the foundation of an enjoyable fishing experience while preventing bad habits from the start.

Reel

Fly reels are metal devices designed to hold and provide drag when playing or landing fish, making their design critical to the sport. Applying pressure to line can turn a catch from thrilling to agony if its design cannot handle it properly.

Most modern reels use a click-pawl system in which a spring-loaded metal pawl locks into gears to slow and control line release. A good reel offers adjustable drag that is also sealed against saltwater intrusion or dirt particles from hindering performance.

When setting up, ensure to use the appropriate backing poundage and length. The amount of backing will determine how much line will fit comfortably on your spool.

Line

Fly lines come in various sizes and types to meet the diverse applications they serve. Each line is tailored specifically to its intended use.

Floating lines are specially constructed with air bubbles in their coating that help them float, making them an excellent way to fish dry flies and nymphs in rivers, lakes, or saltwater environments.

Sinking lines have a longer sinking section to submerge the fly in deeper waters, and are especially beneficial when targeting trout and salmon, as well as predatory saltwater species like wahoo or marlin. After use, it’s important to store your line properly as long-term storage on reels can create coils which weaken its coating over time.

Flies

Fly fishing lures are artificial lures attached to hooks for use in fly fishing sports, designed to imitate aquatic insects or prey that feed on specific fish species that fly fishermen are targeting. For optimal success in fly fishing, fishermen often create replica flies to simulate these natural food sources as an artificial bait source.

Dries flies are among the most commonly used fly varieties, designed to resemble adult mayflies or caddis flies or terrestrials like ants or grasshoppers. When there is no hatch on the surface, an attractor such as a parachute Adams or wooly bugger may work better as an attractant.

Weight forward fly lines come in various weight classes to meet various conditions. More expensive varieties often float longer and present the fly more effectively; furthermore, their increased resistance to corrosion from saltwater makes them even more suitable.

Tools

Fly fishing requires using many tools, from hackle pliers and needle nose pliers, to hackle needles that make working with delicate materials such as soft hackle easier for fly tiers when their finger dexterity may not be at its peak.

A bodkin is an indispensable tool for fly tiers, used for precisely applying head cement to finished flies, cleaning the eye of a hook and freeing tied-down hackle fibers. A pair of sharp, dedicated scissors for thread cutting should also be kept close at hand along with several junk scissors that can cut articulation braid or wire.

Line nippers are an indispensable piece of gear for fly fisherman, featuring small blades to quickly cut line without damaging it. A zinger (retractable lanyard that clips to vest or bag) can also keep important tools such as line nippers handy at all times.