Fly fishing equipment allows anglers to delicately present flies to wary fish. Nippers are essential tools, cutting leaders and tippets more accurately than toenail clippers could.

Fly lines are thick sections connecting a leader and fly. Floating lines float freely in the water column; intermediate lines sit midway; while sinking lines descend.

Rods

Fly fishing rods are the foundation of fly fishing, and quality will make an immense difference to your success on the water. While high-end rods may offer peak performance, it is essential to identify your angling goals and select one that will satisfy them most often.

Fly rods are classified according to their action, which measures stiffness. Beginners should begin with slower-action rods for learning the fundamentals and protecting light tippet. Intermediate users can utilize medium-fast rods designed specifically for casting larger flies or baitfish patterns that need lifting.

Graphite composites are the standard choice in modern fly rods, available as two-piece, four-piece or seven-piece models with cork or less often hypalon grips.

Reels

Fly reels serve three vital purposes for fishing: holding your line, retrieving it and providing “drag” when fighting fish. For optimal performance, the ideal reel should be lightweight, easy to use and fit together precisely without too many parts that might become damaged over time.

Cheap fly reels typically feature plastic components and lower grade cast aluminum that is easily dented or bent, while higher quality machined aluminum reels are stronger, lighter and more corrosion-resistant.

Reels should match their rod of use; smaller reels with reduced capacity may suffice when targeting small trout or bass while anglers targeting Salmon or Steelhead require larger reels with ample backing capacity and powerful drag systems.

Lines

Based on your rod, fly, and fishing environment, different lines will be needed for casting. A line will determine how the energy from your cast transfers through to the fly.

Most of us use weight forward lines with heads (typically 30ft), which provide enough length to load our rod, and a thin section ‘running line’ which tapers back toward the head to provide minimal resistance against rod rings and therefore greater speed and distance.

Full sinking lines are designed to sink your flies down to where the target fish are feeding; these are often used when fishing deep lakes or fast-flowing rivers with nymphs or streamers.

Flies

Fly fishing can be enjoyed both freshwater and saltwater environments. Flies designed to imitate aquatic insects are used to target trout, salmon and steelhead in rivers and lakes while smaller flies can catch pike, bass and panfish species in freshwater environments. Marine species such as striped bass, redfish and tarpon can be targeted using imitation crab flies, shrimp patterns or any other baitfish imitative fly designs.

An indicator is necessary when fishing with dry flies in order to track their action in the water and detect when fish have been caught below the surface. When used effectively, its float will move when fish have taken bites beneath its surface.

Nymphs imitate minnows, leeches and crayfish that fish feed upon. When fished in rivers these flies can be easily retrieved quickly for year-round success.

Accessories

Fly fishing requires several essential accessories. Hemostats and nippers are often kept within easy reach with a zinger — an extendable retractable lanyard attached to one’s vest or bag — enabling fly fishers to find what they need quickly on the water.

Other essentials include floatants to prevent artificial flies from sinking and thermometers that accurately read water temperatures. An angler can purchase one at any drugstore; there are also fly fishing-specific models.

Other useful accessories for anglers include magnetic net release holders that attach their net directly to their vest, making it easier for capturing fish. There are also tools designed specifically to assist in knot tying and strike indicator indicators available.