Fly fishing rigs consist of three components – rod, line and tippet. Fly lines come in different weights which determine their stiffness and how easily they bend.

Beginners should begin with a kit consisting of a fly line and reel that are compatible in terms of weight, so as to not waste money on equipment that may sit gathering dust in your closet.

Rod

Fly fishing rods can seem complex at first, yet with the best fly fishing starter kits it’s easier than ever to start fly fishing!

Fly rods are measured by weight in whole number increments (Nwt). Selecting an ideal rod size based on your target fish and type of water you fish will make it easier for you to catch more fish and make fishing more enjoyable overall.

Rod action refers to the combination of flexion and stiffness in a rod. Beginners should start off with a medium action fly rod that strikes a balance between stiffness and accuracy.

Line

Fly line is the lightweight colored string used to trail artificial lures or bait. It comes in different weights to accommodate specific rods and conditions. Some manufacturers even provide special designs such as sink tips that feature one section that sinks while the end section floats – an effective solution when fishing at deep waters!

Your reel will require backing – a length of line wrapped onto it to increase spool capacity and cushion the impact from hard fighting fish as they take line from it.

Reel

Fly fishing equipment doesn’t need to be costly if it works well for beginners; the rod is key. Here, the magic begins.

Reels provide balance to a rod, without needing to be overly elaborate. There are exquisite trout reels available that cost thousands, but buying one as an expensive status symbol or piece of art rather than for practicality may not be the way to go.

Some popular fishing accessories include fly boxes that allow you to store the flies that you plan on using, jaw grippers to help manage larger fish, thermometers that measure water temperature, pliers for safely extracting hooks from fish and sharpening steels that keep hooks razor-sharp.

Flies

Fly fishing is a type of bait or lure casting using weighted flies as bait rather than live or dead bait fish. A variety of flies can be used to imitate various forms of food a fish is eating such as insects below or above water surface or leaches/baitfish.

Tipppet is the line on which the fly is attached to its leader; this length of monofilament comes in various lengths and strengths for optimal use. A strike indicator and bobbers will let you know when a fish strikes your fly; additionally, you need a place to store all your flies called a fly box.

Leaders

An effective leader is an essential element of a fly fishing rig, available in different lengths and designs to meet every angler’s fishing style. Made from monofilament, fluorocarbon or braided material.

These sink slowly, are abrasion resistant, and help your flies land closer to the bottom.

Tipppet material comes packaged into leaders or can be purchased separately, for use when fishing with fly rods. Tippet is monofilament sold on reels that is attached to your leader in order to present your fly to fish.

Ankle Garters

These stretch neoprene garters feature velcro closures to keep pants legs from riding up inside waders, and come in sage green color.

As most newcomers to fly fishing know, many assume the sport revolves around Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It casting miles of line across scenic rivers – but this is only one aspect of fly fishing; you can make your experience simple or complex depending on what suits you best.

Beginners looking for their first fly fishing rod should opt for a 9-foot, 5-weight trout rod as an all-in-one rod which will push themselves and develop their skills over time. Our budget winner Cabela’s Bighorn beginner fly fishing combo provides straightforward functionality without pretense.

Shirt

Fly fishing requires the appropriate clothing. An ideal performance shirt must be quick-drying, breathable and comfortable in order to keep anglers cool and dry during their fishing excursions. A quality performance fishing shirt features roll tab sleeves with high collars that allow full range of motion while protecting against the sun’s rays – this combination ensures anglers remain safe on their excursions.

Anglers require fishing shirts equipped with UV protection to stay protected while out in direct sunlight for hours at a time. Look for UPF 30 ratings or higher to reduce sunburn risk and long-term skin damage.