The ideal fly fishing equipment is lightweight yet sturdy, enabling you to reach all your flies effortlessly.

Carbon fiber and graphite rods have become the go-to materials, being lighter, stiffer and more cost effective alternatives than handmade bamboo rods.

Rod

Fly fishing requires using a rod, an instrument designed to facilitate manipulating line through water. A fly rod typically consists of carbon graphite or fiberglass material with a cork grip to facilitate casting your line out into the waters.

Modern rods typically come in either multi-piece or one-piece designs; beginners should opt for the former as it’s easier to use.

Fast action fly rods are stiffer and offer greater power during casts, enabling fly lines to be loaded more rapidly and cast further than with slower or medium action rods. They are an ideal choice for small streams, tight spaces and fish that tend to move away easily.

Rods are graded according to “action”, with each number representing its class (i.e. line weight range). Usually, the higher its number is, the heavier line it can accommodate.

Reel

Reels are the spooling mechanism that holds and stores fly line, attached to the butt end of your rod. They allow for retrieval with each turn of the handle as well as providing a mechanism to slow or control its release under stress from running fish.

Modern reels can be manufactured using either cast or machined aluminum. Fully machined reels are cut directly from one solid piece of metal – similar to how David was carved from marble – making them stronger ounce for ounce than cast reels.

A quality fly reel should be lightweight and user-friendly, offering smooth drag operation to avoid start-up resistance spikes that put undue stress on leaders and light tippet.

Line

Fly lines typically measure 90 feet long and are wound onto reels to store until casting them out. Sometimes a short length of backing material will also be present on the reel to ensure you won’t run out while fishing for something specific.

Premium fly lines tend to be designed for increased sensitivity, enabling anglers to sense subtle strikes and movements of flies underwater, and ultimately ensure better hook-set.

Weight forward taper fly lines are among the most popular varieties; these feature a thin section at the front end that holds most of its weight for casting, and a thicker section nearer its tail known as the head that provides power to turn over large flies.

Flies

Fly baits are artificial lures designed to attract and catch fish. Flies imitate natural insects found in water by mimicking their size and shape.

Fly anglers employ both strike indicators – small devices made of yarn or foam placed on their leader to indicate when there has been a bite – and floatants – liquids designed to prevent dry flies from becoming waterlogged – in their quest for fish.

There are various types of fly fishing, so selecting the appropriate fly is paramount to success. Tying your own flies is also a great way to develop dexterity, fine motor skills and mindfulness; Orvis offers unique freshwater and saltwater flies designed by Tom Rosenbauer and other talented fly artists.

Accessories

New anglers may feel overwhelmed by all of the available fly fishing gadgets, accessories, and gear. To ease their learning curve, we have carefully curated and created a selection of essential fly fishing accessories designed specifically for novice anglers to shop.

An effective fly fishing vest or hip pack with ample storage and organization features is key to keeping gear organized, accessible, and dry – two such examples being the Orvis PRO Vest and Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack from Orvis and Fishpond respectively.

Forceps (also called hemostats or pliers) can be essential tools when fishing for trout; you’ll want a pair or set with dedicated forceps as well as nippers and a retractable lanyard (zinger). Consider also adding a micro trash can so as to adhere to Leave No Trace principles while fishing.