This exciting and technical practice that is fly fishing, allows you to catch different species of fish while enjoying a privileged contact with nature.
Although it is a dream of many people, it is one of the least accessible techniques. However, this is not a reason to get discouraged, as it is now much easier to get started in this adventure than it was a few years ago. This is largely thanks to the efforts of dozens of brands that make up the landscape of fly fishing gear in France and elsewhere.
To start in this discipline, it is necessary to equip yourself properly to guarantee satisfactory results and a rapid progression. This is exactly what we will cover in this article, where we will introduce you to the basic and essential equipment for beginner fly fishing.
The ideal beginner's rod for fly fishing
The central element of the fly fisherman's equipment, the rod has a crucial role in the execution of casts and the control of the fish. Firstly, it is necessary to be aware of the different types of fly fishing rods, suitable for the techniques and fishing situations you may encounter:
- Progressive action rods, which bend over their entire length during casting, offer great versatility and good precision.
- Tip action rods, which mainly bend at the tip, allow for powerful casts and effective control of the fish. These rods are appreciated for nymph fishing.
- Parabolic action rods, which bend in the shape of a parabola, ideal for novice fishermen thanks to their ease of use and tolerance of mistakes.
The length of the rod will depend on the technique used and the type of environment where you fish. Shorter rods (6 to 8 feet) are suitable for small watercourses, for fishing with dry fly, while longer models (9 to 11 feet) are better suited to wider rivers and lakes or for nymph fishing.
To start, the ideal is to choose a 5 silk rod. It will be a versatile rod and easy to handle for trout or chub fishing.
Our beginner fly rod recommendations:
- The Biocraft XTC canne from Shimano, ideal for starting with good equipment without spending too much.
- The Shimano Biocraft XR Canne offers one of the best value for money on the market, ideal for trout fishing in rivers as well as in ultra-light nymph reservoirs.
- The Marryat Tactical LX 4 segment canne, it will seduce dynamic fishermen looking for salmonids in a predatory way. A little harder to handle for beginners, it can nevertheless accompany you throughout your lifetime as a fly fisherman.
Look at all the fly rods available
Our advices for the choice of the reel
The reel is essential for storing the silk and the line, as well as for controlling the tension during the fight with the fish. It must be chosen according to the size of the fly fishing rod and the type of silk used. The main types of reels for fly fishing are:
- The semi-automatic reel, like the Vivarelli, it has a trigger that allows the silk to be wound without a reel. These are small reels appreciated for river fishing, especially in fast waters or nymphs on the line.
- The multiplier reel, rarer this type of reel has a very high ratio, useful for quickly pulling in your silk.
- The reel with interchangeable cassette, allowing a quick change of silk according to the fishing conditions, but presenting a smaller storage capacity.
- The automatic reel, which rewinds the silk automatically with a spring mechanism, making manipulation easier for beginners.
The reel's brake system is also important as it allows control of the line tension during the fight with the fish. Braking systems can be frictional, ratcheted, or even magnetic, offering different levels of precision and adjustment. You will choose a reel with a large brake for pike fishing or larger trout specimens.
Our fly reel recommendations for beginners:
- The Cruise Cassette Fly reel by Greys, is a reel suitable for beginners. It is robust, reliable and very easy to use. The Cassette Fly is available in 2 sizes for fishing with 5/6 to 7/8 silks.
- The Okuma Helios SX Fly Reel, a slightly more expensive alternative that will suit demanding beginner fishermen and those more experienced, it can then accompany you as you progress. It is an excellent reel for trout fishing, black-bass, chub, but also pike.
Silk, line and leaders
The silk is the link between the rod and the artificial fly. It allows the casting to be executed and propels the fly to the water's surface. Silks can be made from synthetic fibers or natural fibers. The latter require more maintenance and are not particularly suitable for beginner fishermen. There are several types of silks:
- Floating silks, which remain on the surface and are ideal for dry and light drowned fishing.
- Intermediate silks, which sink slowly and are suitable for deep drowned and nymph fishing.
- Sinking silks, which descend quickly and allow the deeper layers of water to be explored. They are suitable for fishing with streamers.
The line, on the other hand, connects the silk to the leader. It must be strong and discreet not to scare the fish. The leader, also known as the rat's tail, consists of a succession of sections of decreasing diameter lines, to ensure a natural and discreet presentation of the fly.
Artificial flies to choose from
Artificial flies are the lures used for fly fishing. They imitate the insects and other prey of fish, and are sorted in several categories:
- Dry flies, which float on the surface of the water and mimic adult or emerging insects.
- Nymphs, representing the larval stages of insects and are submerged under water.
- Drowned flies, also submerged, but imitating insects drowning.
- Streamers, reproducing small fish, worms or crustaceans, suitable for predators.
Unlike the lures used for predator fishing, flies are most often made from natural fibers and stick to closely resembling what is found in nature.
To start, it is recommended to build an assortment of varied flies, covering the different types of lures and the main species of fish encountered in your fishing area.
Success in fly fishing largely depends on the choice and quality of the equipment used. By judiciously selecting your rods, reels, silks, lines and artificial flies, you maximize your chances of making rapid progress and fully enjoying this fascinating discipline.
Essential accessories to get started
The waders
Fly fishing is often practiced with feet in the water. It's an activity close to nature. The water in trout rivers is often very cold, which is why wearing waders is essential. A pair of waders is similar to waterproof overalls.
Waders can be made of plastic, neoprene or breathable material. The breathable waders are very comfortable in summer because they let cool air through. In winter, neoprene is essential to stay dry and warm.
Our wader recommendations:
- The Neoprene waders from SRT, a warm and thick waders for cold waters, with an excellent quality / price ratio.
- The Dryzone Stockingfoot waders by DAM, a good compromise for fishing in all weather conditions.
- The SRT PVC Luxe Clear Water Waders, ideal to not die of heat in the summer.
Fly boxes
The fly boxes have nothing to do with the classic boxes for lures. The flies are often very small and very light.
Some are mounted on size 22 hooks to imitate the smallest insects. That's why many fly boxes have a magnetized bottom to keep flies from flying off in a gust of wind.
The compartments are also much smaller. Other boxes, more versatile, are equipped with foam to prick all your flies, nymphs, drowned and streamers.
Our fly box recommendations:
- The Volkien Soul Tactical Fly FF box is a box equipped with foam, ideal for storing all types of flies: streamers, nymphs, drowned flies...
- The Volkien Soul Tactical Fly F24 box is a small compartment box for storing the lightest flies, your hooks and other small accessories.
The landing nets, the bags and the glasses to always have with you
Most often, fly fishing is done with feet in the water or from a boat. That's why it's important to have suitable luggage to avoid being cluttered and remain free in movement. The landing net used for fly fishing, also called the net, usually has a short handle for easy transportation and handling.
For fly fishing, there's no need to clutter yourself with large boxes. All the flies fit in small boxes that can be stored in a fishing vest or a small backpack. Another indispensable accessory for fly fishing, the polarizing color glasses for observing the surface and what's happening underneath without tiring