Fly fishing is a unique angling method that allows people to spend time with nature, get some exercise, and relax. Due to its physical and mental benefits, it’s no surprise that more and more people get hooked on the sport each year. If you want to give fly fishing a try, this guide to essential fly-fishing gear for beginners will help you get started.

Rod

Arguably the most important tool in a fly fisher’s collection is a fly rod. When choosing a fly rod, you should consider its length, weight, and action. Each aspect will play a role in how the rod casts and what types of fish you can catch. You should always have an idea about which species you want to target before purchasing a rod or any piece of fly-fishing equipment.

Flies

The type of fly you should use when fly-fishing will largely depend on the species of fish you wish to catch. Common types of flies include dry flies, streamers, nymphs, and poppers. As a beginner fly fisher, it can be especially helpful to consult with local anglers to determine the most-effective flies in your area.

Weighted line

Unlike your average fishing wire, fly wire is weighted so that it has a proper snapping motion when casted. When choosing a line, you need to consider your fly, rod, and reel setup, as you must coordinate all aspects to make the casting process as effective as possible.

Reel

The fly reel does far more than just holding the line. When a fish finally tags onto your fly, the fly reel becomes the most important piece of gear in your collection. Without a quality reel, an amazing catch could slip right through your fingers—it can even potentially damage your equipment on its way out. It’s important to invest in a quality fly reel from the beginning.

Leader and tippet

A leader is a clear piece of line that connects the fly to the line, so you want to invest in a high-quality one. It’s attached to the end of a fly line and helps disguise the fly. To protect the leader and add additional length, you can attach a tippet before tying on a fly. The tippet is nearly imperceptible to the fish, and it allows your fly to swim more-naturally due to its flexibility.