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By JON KLEIS
What do I need to get started? This is probably the most asked question I get since I entered this business. I have spent more time walking people around the shop to the different "departments" -- showing them what they need to get started -- than anything else. So here is my list of things you need and the ballpark costs getting started.
Let's start with the fly rod. This is 110 percent the most important thing in which you can invest! When you're flyfishing, the rod does all of the work so it's important that you try and find the right balance between power and finesse. I tell people in the shop all the time that when you're just getting started, you want a fast rod with a soft tip.
By fast, I mean stiff without a lot of give through the bottom two-thirds of the rod. The soft tip is important for keeping your flies from breaking off when using light leaders. Beginning casters have a few bad habits that are inherited from casting traditional spinning rods. The biggest and worst bad habit is that beginners "break" their wrist.
When you're casting a fly rod, you're suppose to have your wrist locked while your arm does the casting. Breaking your wrist means that you are casting with a back and forth motion. If you have a noodle (a really slow, extremely flexible rod), then your casting stroke will be all over the place as you break your wrist, which will result in a lot of messes and frustration. The odds of you staying in the sport and getting everything you could out of the experience are not good when you spend your entire time on the water cleaning wind knots.
The other factor to consider is convenience. Fly rods break down in either two pieces or four pieces. A rod that breaks down into four pieces does not lose its action or integrity. Four-piece rods are just as good as the two piece rods, and that's why they cost $15-30 more on average. Four-piece rods fit in your trunk, on the airplane, strapped to a backpack or to the side of your motorcycle. A good four-piece, 9x5 weight fly rod for beginners with a lifetime warranty is going to start around $200. You can get a rod for $100, but it will not come with a warranty or the extras bells and whistles such as a case for transportation. My personal favorite rods in the entry level price range are the St. Croix Imperial, Orvis Clearwater and the Redington Classic Trout rod.
The next thing you need is a reel. Like anything else in this world, you can spend as little or as much as you want. Reels are what most of us in the shop refer to as "line holders." That is the reel's soul purpose unless you're catching huge fish and you need a serious drag system. Barring a little beginner's luck, that wont be happening often when you're just getting started. The other issue is the weight of the reel, which affects the balance of your outfit and plays a role in fatigue after a full day's fishing. The lighter the reel, the more expensive. A good beginner's reel from Orvis starts around $50. Fly lines are priced anywhere between $29.99 and $100.
If somebody tells you that you need anything else other than leaders, tippet and flies after you have purchased your fishing combo, they are lying. Nine-foot 5x leaders, and 5x and 6x spools of tippet, and a selection of fly patterns that work locally are all you would need at this point to start your flyfishing adventure. However, there are other things that are crucial to your comfort and enjoyment on the water.
Even during the summer, that water is cold so if you plan on wading it would be a good idea to own a pair of waders and wading boots. Simms is using Gore-tex in many of their wader models. Gore-tex is the ultimate breathable waterproof material. It is extremely durable, and the models made with five layers of Gore-tex at the knee will also keep you warmer in the winter months. Simms Gore-tex chest waders made in Bozeman Montana retail at $299. A basic nylon shell without Gore-tex starts around $150 and will last a season. A good pair of cleated wading boots starts around $80.
A really good pair of polarized sunglasses! This is one insanely underrated piece of equipment that is so important to your success on the water. Sight fishing is such a huge part of flyfishing. Seeing the fish is the first step to catching the fish. When I'm shopping for polarized glasses there are a few qualities that I look for. Nice thick frames on the sides, which helps to cut out side glare on the inside of your lens. I look for gray or dark gray lenses because gray doesn't drown out natural colors. The copper and yellow lenses tint everything you are looking at and that serves as a distraction.
This is why most polarized filters for camera lenses are gray. It would be distracting if you were looking at a photo and the whole thing was tinted copper. Same concept here. I sight fish by looking for shades of green, red and brown on the fish and when you're distracted by another color in the mix it's harder on your eyes. Note: this is my theory on sunglasses for my eyes and this might not be your experience. Some guys will tell you the opposite so I recommend going out and trying the different colors.
A landing net is self explanatory. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Some with nylon net bags, others with rubber net bags. This is one thing that has a lot to do with style points if that's your concern. I will say that even though they are more expensive, the nets with rubber net bags are better. Rubber net bags are better to the fish because they don't strip the fish of its protective slimy outer coat. Your hooks don't get stuck in the rubber like they do mesh nylon, which saves you time and sanity. A good net with a nylon bag starts at $30, and a good net with a clear rubber net bag starts around $100.
The next thing on the list would be either a vest (starting at $40), or a chest or waist pack (starting at $60) to store all your stuff. And now is when I tell you about the stuff. All the little things that you will be in constant need of that fill your vest or pack. These things include a pair of pliers or hemostats ($10), clippers ($8), strike indicators ($1 each), split shot ($4), a fly box ($15), leaders ($5 each), tippet ($5 for a 30 meter spool) and flies to put in your box ($1-$2 each). Stay tuned for my post on my personal top 10 favorite flies to carry for Colorado.
My compiled list:
1) A good all around 9' 5wt. fly rod
2) A reel a.k.a. line holder
3) Fly line which often comes discounted when sold with a rod and reel combo
4) A pair of waders and wading boots
5) A good pair of polarized sunglasses (important!)
6) A vest or pack to store gear in
7) Leaders
8) Tippet
9) Flies
10) Fly box
11) Hemostats
12) Clippers
13) Strike indicators
14) Split shot
I hope this helps you get started on what will be the most rewarding fishing experience of your life.
If you have more questions or would like to find out my rates and availability for guided flyfishing trips, email me at
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Thanks and screaming reels! |
