starting_fly_fishing
a guide to starting fly fishing!
Congratulations on starting (or thinking about starting) fly fishing! Below we've compiled a short list of what you'll need to get started. You'll notice on this list there aren't things like waders, packs, or many accessories, that's becuase you might not need these to start! With that said, of course, if you are fishing in cold water, carrying a lot of things, or fishing in specific circumstances, you very well might need them. Come chat with us and we can advise what you will need, and what you can put off on getting to get going.

Rod/Reel

The most important thing to get started is of course your rod and reel! We are a huge fan of kits here at the shop, they take all of the guess work out of selecting equipment and quite frankly, will work very well for you as you're starting! If you're primarily fishing trout, a 5wt is a great option, if you're planning on fishing larger fish like bass, steelhead, and salmon, then an 8wt would be a better bet.

Leaders & Tippet

 

On the end of your fly line you’ll attach a clear tapered leader. These leaders come in many sizes, a good starting point would be a 9’ 5x for trout or a 9’ 2x for bass/steelhead. As you consume your leader through re-tying knots, you’ll want to replenish the non-tapered end of it with tippet. Tippet is non-tapered fishing line, buying the same size as your tapered leader will ensure a smooth connection as you connect the two.


Flies & Accessories

If you go the route of a kit, there will already be a leader and line on the reel, so all you really need on top of that is a few flies, a pair of forceps (small pliers, to remove hooks from fish), and a pair of nippers (to cut line with). You may also want to look at a fly box to hold your flies! Many folks will opt to get themselves a small pack or vest to carry their gear in while fishing.

chris_brown
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chris Krysciak
Shop Manager/Head Instructor
As Drift Outfitters' Head Instructor, Chris Krysciak brings almost 20 years of fly fishing and 15 years of float fishing experience to every lesson. Chris has been a competitive fly angler for over 10 years and has had the opportunity to fish for Fly Fishing Team Canada at two world championships, providing him the chance to learn from some of the best anglers in the world, skills that he loves to share with new and experienced anglers alike! Chris also has a deep passion for fly tying , having been a commercial fly tyer for many years, as well as having been featured at the International Fly Tying Symposium and in numerous magazines.

Chris will take any opportunity available to get on the water, wherever that presents. There aren't many corners of Ontario he hasn't fished, and has also had the chance to fish across Canada, The Carribean, and Europe. From trout, to Atlantic salmon, to carp, to musky, to bonefish, to tarpon, if it's a fish, you can find him chasing it!