A fly rod, reel, line and a fly
are all you really need to get out to do a little fly fishing but if
you want to ensure a good time, you will want to equip yourself with
some fly fishing tools and accessories. As the years go by
though, you will find that you will acquire almost every essential
and non-essential piece of fly fishing equipment there is.
Here are some of the flyfishing tools and accessories you might need
once you really get the hang of fly fishing.
Waders - If you plan on wading
in a cool stream, waders will keep you dry and warm. Waders
typically come in three sizes: hip, waist and chest waders.
Glasses - A good pair of
glasses will accomplish two goals: enabling you to see through the
water and protecting your eyes from injury.
Thermometer - Some species of
fish are very picky when it comes to water temperature.
Thermometers will sometimes also let you know when a hatch is about
to happen.
Strike Indicators - When nymph
fishing, a strike indicator acts as a fly fisherman's bobber
indicating when you have a strike.
Wading Staff - When wading a
rocky stream or river, a wading staff will help you from falling and
detect unseen obstacles.
Fishing Vest or Pack - Vests
and packs enable you to carry all the necessary fly fishing
equipment comfortably and compactly.
Rain Jacket - A foldable
lightweight jacket will keep you dry in a sudden rain shower and can
be easily stored in your fishing vest.
Nippers - Nippers enable you
to easily trim any access line when tying on a new fly or putting
together your leader. Stop biting the line!
Pliers or Forceps - These
enable you to easily remove a hook from a fish, clothing or skin and
can squeeze down a barb for barbless fishing.
Nets - Most of the time a fly
fisherman's tippet is very light line. Use a landing net to
prevent fish from breaking off when you are removing the hook.
Retractors - Connect these to
your vest or pack for easy access to your nippers, forceps or other
small useful tools.
Floatants - Floatants are used
to keep your dry fly on top of the water or to lubricate your
floating fly line so it doesn't disappear beneath the surface.
Weights - In deeper or faster
moving water you might need to add just a little weight to your line
to get your fly where the fish are holding.
Fly Boxes - Fly boxes keep
your flies easily accessible, separated and keep them from getting
tangled together or stuck in fabric.
Float Tubes - When wading is
impossible due to deep water, a float tube will help you get to
where the fish are.
Hat - A nice long billed hat
combined with a good pair of polarized sunglasses will help you see
in the water better but will also protect your head from sun and
hooks.
