Wes Littlefield 05.07.25
I grew up trout fishing with a spinning reel, but I always admired the anglers who had the skill and patience to fly fish. Recently, I decided to learn this skill and develop more patience by adding fly fishing to my long list of hobbies. Below, I’ve compiled my list of fly fishing gear for beginners based on what I’ve been using. This is not a list of everything under the sun, but only what you need to start catching fish.
Fly Fishing Gear for Beginners
One of the best things about fly fishing is that you don’t need a ton of gear to get started. You can have a great time as a newbie with relatively little gear.
- Fly rod & reel
- Rod tube
- Flies
- Fly box
- Pliers/hemostats
- Waders/boots
- Net
- Rag
- Hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Vest
Fly Rod & Reel
Getting a fly rod and reel is obvious, but getting the right one is critical. Like any other type of fishing, many fly fishing rods, reels, and lines are designed for specific scenarios. Fly rods are categorized by weight. Fly rod weights range from 00 to 16. The smaller number means it’s a lighter rod designed for smaller flies and fish, whereas the higher weight rod is designed for larger flies and fish. A 3 or 4-weight rod is great for panfish and trout in small streams, but wouldn’t do well when saltwater fly fishing. You would do better with a 13-weight or larger rod.
Rod Tube
While a fly rod tube might not seem necessary, it’ll save you the frustration of breaking your new fly rod while transporting it to your next spot. Spending this little bit of money will save you lots of money and disappointment if you’re as tough on gear as I am.
Flies
Next, you’ll need some flies. I first purchased a variety of flies because it is discouraging for beginners to try to understand all the different types of flies. As you continue to increase your fly fishing knowledge, you’ll learn which flies you like best, and you can purchase or tie more of those. To get started, buy flies you believe your target species will bite.
Fly Box
Now that you have a few flies, you need something to keep them in. A fly box is often compact enough to fit in your pocket and keeps your flies organized so you can quickly tie on the one you want.
Pliers or Hemostats
Fish occasionally swallow a hook or get awkwardly hooked, and having pliers or hemostats will help you unhook the fish faster and safer (you’re less likely to snag yourself).
Waders & Boots
I hesitated to put waders on the list because you can fly fish from the bank and succeed. However, wearing waders or boots will allow you to reach spots you can’t cast to from the bank. I started fly fishing from the bank, but I quickly started wearing my duck hunting waders to lay my fly in those hard-to-reach holes.
Net
While you technically don’t have to have a net, it makes handling fish much easier. I recommend a rubber-coated net because it protects the fish, and your hooks won’t tangle in it as easily.
Rag
I used to drive my mom crazy when I came home from fishing with fish slime smeared all over my pants. Now that I do my own laundry, I’ve started using a rag when handling slimy fish. I wet the rag for trout and other delicate fish to protect them when I release them.
Fishing Hat
I wear a hat everywhere—to church, to the birth of my children, and especially while fishing. It helps keep the sun out of my eyes and protects my head and face from harmful UV rays. Speaking of harmful UV rays, sunscreen is an excellent idea for your ears, face, and neck.
Polarized Sunglasses
Fly fishing most often involves seeing the fish before they see you, or at least identifying spots that look like they hold fish. Wearing polarized sunglasses will help you cut through the glare and see fish sooner. Non-polarized sunglasses will help cut the glare, but polarized sunglasses actually help you see into the water and protect your eyes.
Vest
I also hesitated to add a vest to the list because I rarely wear one and don’t believe you must have one to go fly fishing. However, wearing a vest definitely helps keep your gear organized.
Last Cast: Fly Fishing Gear for Beginners
One of the many great things about fly fishing is that you don’t need much gear to begin. The only fly fishing gear for beginners you need is a fly rod, reel, and flies; everything else is nice-to-have but not necessary.
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