Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing Outfit

 

Did you know that, in 2016 alone, around 9.6 billion pounds of fish were caught – and that only accounts for the ones acquired in the United States? In 2017, out of the estimated 51.59 million people who went fishing that year, more than 49 million Americans participated in freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing.

Are you new to fly fishing or simply want to upgrade your gear? A fly fishing outfit or combo package is your best option. This way, you can truly enjoy this ancient form of fishing without lacking anything.

What Makes up a Fly Fishing Outfit?

This recreational activity is a type of angling performed with an artificial “fly” usually a complex pattern of feathers tied with synthetic materials, typically for trout and salmon. Although it is thought to have started in Europe, evidence of fly fishing has been found worldwide.

A fly fishing outfit not just includes fly rods and fly reels. Depending on the package you’ll get, it may also consist of the following items:

1. Fly Rod – A long, flexible pole made of fiberglass, graphite, or some combination of carbon and glass used to cast a line with a hook and fly at a target fish.
2. Fly Reel – A device used to store and release wire- or plastic-based fishing line. The most common type is a spinning reel – a rotating drum that holds the line and the backing on which the line is wound. An alternative design is a fixed-spool reel, a non-rotating spool that holds the line and backing.
3. Line – A fishing line is a length of thin, typically nylon, monofilament, or fluorocarbon material attached to the end of the reel. It’s the end of the fishing system that a hook, fly, lure, or bait is attached to. In fly fishing, the line is typically attached to a leader.
4. Leader – A length of material that connects the fly to the fishing line. Leaders are used to transfer the motion of the fly along the fishing line to the fly line. There are various types of leaders, but the most common is a tapered leader.
5. Fly Hook – A very sharp, curved metal hook attached to the end of the leader used to pierce the fish’s mouth or body so it can be caught. It may be attached to a fly or other bait such as a worm or a grub.
6. Fly – A lure or pattern used to represent an insect, worm, or other food items. They are made of various natural and synthetic fibers and materials and are used to attract fish. Flies are usually distinguished from lures by their purpose; lures are cast and retrieved, but flies are meant to be fished without being reeled.
7. Bait – A lure, chunk of food, or scent used to attract fish. Bait is cast and retrieved with a fishing line and is meant to be reeled in.
8. Terminal tackle – Also known as terminal gear or simply gear, is the assorted items used to rig a fly fishing line. It’s tied to the ends of a fly line and leader to make them functional. The most common are flies, hooks, split shots, and indicators.
9. Sinkers – An object with a mass used to increase the downward force of a fishing line and its attached terminal tackle. Sinkers control the depth of a fishing line or provide weight for a balanced fly fishing rig. The most common sinkers are split shot and bead chain.
10. Leader Tippet – A length of material between the terminal tackle and the fly. It provides a connection between the fly and the hook and allows the leader to flex. Leader tippets are made of either monofilament or fluorocarbon and are typically the same material as the leader.
11. Hook Keeper – A device used to store the end of a fishing line that may be attached directly to the reel.

Choose Only the Best Fly Fishing Outfit

Even beginners need high-quality equipment to ensure the best experience when fly fishing. There is so many fly fishing gear like fly rods for sale today, but you need to make sure that you pick the perfect equipment suitable for your skills and expertise level. After gearing yourself, go out there and enjoy the fun and thrill that the activity will give you.