Fly Fishing 101

Selecting a matched fishing outfit...

For a beginning fly rodder, the selection of a balanced fishing outfit is most important. You would be surprised how easy it is to cast when all your components are matched.

The biggest turn off for a newcomer is the inabilty to cast like a more seasoned fly rodder. Most of the style and technique they have seen is attributed to practice and a well balanced outfit. Mismatched gear is a nightmare for anyone to cast.

Since this is a precise kind of fishing, the tackle industry uses a standardized labeling system. Thereby making it easier to match your components. Your hardest decision will be what are your going to be fishing for?

Rod Selection

Fly rods range from a size 2 all the way up to size 15. Rods from size 11 to 15 are generally used for salt water angling. The lightweight rods (size 2 and 3 ) are not a good choice for the beginner. The beginning fly fisherman should should select a medium weight rod (Size 5,6 or 7 ). These sizes will handle most trout, bass, and panfish. A middle weight rod would allow for a light presentation and still offer you a choice of fly sizes to use.

If you want greater casting distance in larger streams use a size 7 rod. If you want a light approach in smaller streams use a size 5 rod.

Line Selection

FLy lines come in different weights, densities (floating/sinking) and taper. Fly lines are grouped by the same weight class as rods. If you select a size 5 rod you would use a 5 weight line.

Lines are available in three different tapers:

Level Taper - No Taper at all.
Weight Forward (WF) - One end thicker than the other.
Double Taper - thicker in middle, gradually thinning towards the ends.
Floating (F) - floats on surface.

Floating line is the easiest type of line to fish with in most situations. Other lines are made to sink at various rates.

Reels

Reels are made to fit a range of rod and line weights. Moderately sized reels work well with rod sizes 4 thru 9. Comfort and simplicity are the most important features of a fly reel. single action reels are a better choice for beginning fly rodder.

Leaders

The leader is a tapered section of monofilament you actually fish with. The thinner end where the fly is attached, is called the tippet. Tippets are rated in X sizes. The lower the tippet size (ie 1X) the thicker the tippet will be.
A simple formula to help you use the correct size tippet for you size fly is: