Apr 2nd 2021

BEGINNERS FLY FISHING KIT

by Mason McPherson

The world of fly fishing can be very intimidating for those new to the sport. All the different types of rods, reels, flies, and gear combine to create a complex web that scares most people away from trying it out.

Below is all the information you need to get started!

What many people don't realize is how easy it is to start. All you need is a fly rod, reel, and a box of flies; and you are ready to hit the high mountain streams of Colorado or the beautiful rivers and lakes of central texas. Don't let the vast array of products and knowledge that the experts throw at you scare you away from this incredible sport.

So, where do you start?

The most important pieces of equipment you need are a fly rod and fly reel. We suggest starting basic with one of the fly rod and reel outfits. The Orvis Clearwater, Orvis Encounter, and TFO NXT are all fantastic starter kits that come loaded with fly rod, reel, and line!

Rod Weights

When selecting which rod to buy, it's important to note what kind of water you will be fishing. Rods are separated by lengths and weights to suit different environments and different types of water.

The higher the weight, the stronger the rod and less flex it has. For example, 8+ weights are used on big rivers, saltwater, and in windy conditions. They are primarily used for fishing for bigger fish with streamers (a type of fly that mimmicks a bait fish) on large bodies of water. Weights 5-7 are the all-around rods. They are the most common and most versatile for throwing all kinds of flies in many different bodies of water. Finally, weight 4 and below are used mainly for dry-fly fishing because of their ability to delicately place flies on the water. Used mainly in smaller creeks and rivers on calm days.

That's a lot of information, but it's important to pick the right rod for you. It's always a good idea to have a 5 or 6 weight rod to start out with to give you plenty of options. This will allow you to fish for bass in local ponds, or catch big trout in western rivers.

Below are the 5 and 6 weight combo kits that we sell in store and online.