Fly Fishing Basics – A Complete Guide for Beginners

Join me as I go through all the fly fishing basics you need to know and share some of the tips I've learned in the last 30 years or so of being addicted to this hobby.
fly fishing basics

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Fly fishing is a sport that beautifully integrates you with nature and transports you to some of the most stunning landscapes on the globe. If you’re new to the sport or considering taking it up, you’re in for an exciting journey. Over the past 30 years, I’ve become intimately familiar with fly fishing, and I’m eager to share some key fly fishing basics and tips to help you get started.

Introduction to Fly Fishing

What exactly is fly fishing? In its simplest form, fly fishing involves using a weighted line to cast a fly into the water, hoping to entice a fish into thinking it’s a tasty morsel.

This technique originated centuries ago when fishermen started using feathers on hooks to mimic insects skimming across the water’s surface, fooling fish that would otherwise reject their bait. Today, it’s seen as an art form and is arguably the most challenging and rewarding method of angling. While trout are often the primary target in fly fishing, you can actually fly fish for virtually every species of fish.

Essential Fly Fishing Equipment

Basic Fly Fishing Equipment

Before you can successfully venture into fly fishing, you’ll need some essential gear. Consider visiting a local fly shop for your first purchases as the staff can guide you. If you’re confident, you can also shop online.

Fly Rod and Reel

A rod and reel are the fundamental parts of your fly fishing equipment. Without them, you’d simply be sitting on the bank with a line in your hands. Fly rods come in a variety of weights (wt) from 1-16, and there’s always a matching reel size. The weight of your fly rod determines its lightness or heaviness, with 1 being the lightest and 16 being the heaviest.

Your rod’s weight also determines the size of the fish you can catch, the weight of the fly line, and the size of the reel you can use. All these elements must be balanced for effective casting. For beginners targeting trout, a good all-around rod is a 5wt.

Fly Line

Fly lines, like rods, come in weights from 1-16. They are typically 90-100 feet long and consist of three main sections: the head, the taper, and the running line. The head is a thicker section that aids in loading the rod when casting and turning over your fly, leader, and tippet. The taper connects the thicker head to the running line, while the running line is the thinnest and longest section.

Fly lines come in various styles with different tapers and sinking rates. Weight forward is the most common taper, and you can choose between floating, intermediate, or sinking lines depending on where and what you’re fishing.

Fly Line Backing

fly line backing

Backing is a braided line that goes onto your reel before the fly line. It fills the reel and is used when a fish runs longer than the length of your fly line. This is unlikely with fish like trout, but almost guaranteed with saltwater species like bonefish.

Leaders & Tippet

Leaders are clear lines connecting your fly line to your fly, making it invisible to fish. Made of either monofilament or fluorocarbon, leaders range in length from 9-12 feet. Leaders are also tapered, starting thick at the rod end and thinning towards the fly for better fly presentation.

Tippet is the line that connects your leader to your fly via a knot. It’s thinner than the leader and often made from fluorocarbon, which is harder for fish to see. The diameter of both the tippet and leader is described using the X scale, rated from 1-8x, with 1 being the thickest and 8 the thinnest.

Waders

Wading equipment is a worthwhile investment once you’re hooked on fly fishing. This gear includes waterproof chest waders with neoprene foot socks and wading boots. This waterproof and grippy gear allows you to wade safely within rivers or lakes without getting wet or cold, and it helps you access different stretches of water and position yourself for easier casting.

Accessories

fly fishing basics Accessories

As with any sport, some extra gear will be needed. Essential accessories include nippers for quickly cutting line, a net for landing your catch, a fly box for holding your flies, and a fishing bag or vest for carrying all your gear.

Flies

Flies are the final piece of the basics gear puzzle. Each fly is designed to mimic a creature that fish like to eat. They typically fall into three categories: dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, all of which should be in your fly box.

Dry Flies

Dry flies imitate bugs that fly around and land on the water’s surface, enticing fish to rise and eat off the top. Fishing with dry flies is thrilling as you can see the fish eating the fly on the surface.

Nymphs

Nymph flies mimic small invertebrates that live under rocks in rivers and lakes. They comprise the main part of a trout’s diet, as trout do more than 80% of their feeding beneath the surface. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a wide selection of nymphs in different sizes and colors in your fly box.

Streamers

Streamer flies are larger and designed to mimic baitfish that your target species feed on. They are the equivalent to lures like Rapalas, provoking a strike from predatory fish in the water.

When buying flies, consider visiting your local fly shop for advice. They will know what works in your area and can provide valuable guidance.

Fly Casting

fly casting

There are several casting techniques such as Spey and snake roll, which can take years to learn. However, two basic casts will get you started: the overhead cast and the roll cast.

Overhead Cast

The overhead cast is the foundational casting technique. It involves moving your rod from 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock to load your rod with line forward and behind you to propel your fly into the water.

Roll Casting

Roll casting is a versatile technique that’s particularly useful when you’re in a tight spot with obstructions behind you, like trees. It uses the surface tension of the water, the line, and the flexibility of your rod to shoot your line and fly forward in a tight loop.

By practicing these two techniques regularly, you’ll be able to fly fish successfully in almost any water body.

Casting Distances

Casting distance is a crucial aspect of fly fishing. When starting, you’ll likely find casting distance challenging, which is why practicing is key. If you’re fly fishing for trout, most of your casts will be in the 30-40 foot range. For saltwater fly fishing, aim for a comfortable distance of 60 feet.

Different Types of Fly Fishing

Types Of Fly Fishing

Fly fishing has evolved over the years, resulting in three main types: Spey, Freshwater, and Saltwater.

Spey fly fishing uses a long two-handed rod up to 15 feet in length. It’s designed for Spey casting, which helps you cast across large rivers and is primarily used for targeting salmon and steelhead.

Freshwater fly fishing targets freshwater species from trout to bass with a single-handed rod. It’s the most common form of fly fishing and involves the use of all the fly types discussed above.

Saltwater fly fishing, a relatively new addition to the fly fishing scene, primarily involves streamer fishing. It gives you access to a wide range of species from bonefish to permit, and even the largest fish like GT, sailfish, and tarpon.

FAQs

What are the six basic things you need for fly fishing?

  1. Fly Rod
  2. Fly Line
  3. Backing
  4. Leader
  5. Tippet
  6. Flies

Is fly fishing hard for beginners?

Fly fishing can be challenging for beginners, but with the right instruction and practice, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Flying Out

What do I need for my first fly fishing trip?

For a fly fishing trip, you’ll need a fly rod, reel, line, waders, boots, leader, tippet, flies, a vest or pack, and a net. Safety equipment like a life jacket, first aid kit, and a cell phone are also essential.

Is fly fishing worth getting into?

Fly fishing can be a great way to relax and connect with nature. It’s also a good way to get exercise, learn about different fish species, and build skills like patience and problem-solving. For those with the time and resources, it can be a rewarding hobby.

Is fly fishing a good workout?

Yes, fly fishing is a total body workout. It engages the arms, legs, back, and core muscles. Plus, it’s a great way to get fresh air and sunshine, which can help improve overall physical and mental health.

Conclusion

Fly fishing is a unique and rewarding sport that offers a connection with nature like no other. By mastering the basics, you’ll set yourself up for a positive experience whether you’re casting for trout in a freshwater stream or hunting for bonefish in saltwater flats

With time, practice, and the right equipment, you’ll soon be making memories on the water that will last a lifetime. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. I hope you found this guide helpful and that it makes starting your fly fishing journey a little less daunting.

 Are you ready to dive into the world of fly fishing? Don’t forget to download our series of fly fishing books below to keep expanding your knowledge and skills.

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