Getting Started In Fly Fishing With The Right Equipment

Purchasing fly fishing equipment does not have to be complicated or expensive. In the world of fly fishing, all rods are listed with a set of numbers on the blank. The first number is usually the length of the rod in feet and inches. The second number is the weight of the fly line the rod is designed to cast with. The number does not refer to the weight of the rod in ounces. Sometimes the physical weight of the rod is marked on the blank, but most of the time it is not. The line weight designation was initiated in the early 70’s.

Prior to that time; letters were used to match a line to a rod. It was lucky for us that a group of industry people had the foresight to simplify the system. The numbering system is currently from 00 through the number 16. 00,0,1,2,3,4,5 would be freshwater rods, with 00 being the lightest. Numbers 6, 7, 8, would be the mid-range rods that could be used for heavy freshwater or light saltwater. Numbers 9, 10, 11, are typical saltwater rods used to catch stripers and bluefish.  Numbers 12 through 16 weights are designed for Tarpon, Sharks and any of the Billfish Family. Yes you can catch a Marlin on a fly rod; it just has to be strong enough to do the job.

Most any freshwater situation could be covered with a typical 5wt. rod and reel outfit. This type of rod could be used for trout or warm water species such as small bass and pan fish.

If you live on the shoreline you might see people casting fly rods from the beach, with plastic dishpans shock corded around their waist. The dishpan is used to hold the line while casting so it doesn’t wrap around the caster’s legs. Salt water fly-fishing can be done from shore or from a boat. Because the fish are larger and the wind is stronger, heavier line weights are used, usually 9, 10, 11 weight rods.

Fortunately for us saltwater fisherman, fish of similar sizes tends to school together. We tend to fish the shallower protected waters that hold mostly smaller fish. Sometimes you can see fish feeding on schools of bait, jumping clear out of the water. No problem estimating the size. So if you catch one 4 lb Bluefish, you can safely assume that about 99% are going to be about 4 pounders. Now, remember what your parents taught you about assuming? This is where it can get really “fun” on a lightweight fly rod used in the salt. Big fish can and do feed on small flies, big fish do go into shallow water.  Sometimes all you can do is just hold on until something breaks, or you accomplish the impossible and land the fish.

Rod length is another choice. A 9 foot rod is currently the most popular across the board. Longer rods are easier to cast, and cast farther, but on a smaller stream or creek you may need a shorter rod to work within very narrow confines. So let’s say a 7.5 ft. rod for small streams, an 8ft. rod for  medium streams, and a 9ft. rod for big rivers, lakes, and saltwater.  Remember that a fly rod is nothing more than a long lever that allows you to move the fly line through the air.  The longer the lever, the easier it is, and the farther the cast.

The only other thing you will need is a fly line to put on the reel and some backing. Pick a floating line for fresh water and an intermediate for saltwater. Purchase about half a dozen flies, and you are set for your new adventure.