Fly Fishing is continuing to become a popular hobby as we all try to find more ways to enjoy the great outdoors and get closer to nature. There are a vast number of styles you can get involved in and a wide variety of fish you can catch depending on where you’re going and what sparks your interest. When heading out on a fly fishing trip it is always a good idea to ensure you have all the gear you need because most of the time you are heading far away from civilization. Creating a basic checklist can ensure you don’t forget anything when you head out, this goes for experienced fishermen and those who are just beginning their fly fishing journey.
Another great way to get the most out of your fishing trips is to have the right gear for the journey. Investing in good quality fly rod reels can ensure you are at the top of your game with every cast. There is a big difference between cheaper fly rod reels and the more pricey high-quality products and it shows. You can feel the difference just by holding it in your hand, cheaply made materials are not as lightweight and well put together. You can also feel it when you reel in your rod, a high-quality fly rod reel will be smooth and glide like nothing, lower quality reels can grind and feel slightly off from their counterparts.
Always ensure you have the proper license for the fish you are fly fishing for and the area you are visiting. There are many rules and regulations for different lakes, oceans, rivers, and more that you need to be aware of. You can face hefty fines for fishing without a license or killing fish you are not allowed to kill. In 2018, there were nearly 30 million paid fishing license holders in the U.S. The gross cost of these fishing licenses was over 720 million U.S. dollars in that year.
Having a good quality backpack to carry all of your tackle and other essential items is always a good investment. You never really know what kind of terrain you’re going to encounter and having your hands full could put you in a tricky situation. Maintaining your bag makes it easier to find exactly what you need when you need it. So what type of items should you be packing in this bag? It is a good idea to have extra fly rod reels just in case one should ever break, it is not the most important item but is nice to have just in case. A fly carrying case with a hard shell to ensure your treasured flies stay protected even if you fall on them. Extra line in case of snags, clippers for cutting line out of snags or tying on other flies. Toilet paper is always essential when heading out into the woods, it’s good to be prepared when nature calls. A fishing vest and a good sun-blocking hat is an excellent choice to be extra prepared, you may want to carry a loud whistle and some bear spray if you are heading deep into the woods. Don’t forget lunch, water, and a solar charger in case your phone begins to die while you are out and about.
Fly fishing can be an amazing hobby to enjoy for years to come. You can slowly build a collection of dozens of fly rods, fly rod reels, flies, and other amazing equipment over the years to share with future generations and keep the spirit of fly fishing alive and well. Just make sure not to tell your significant other how much these treasured items really cost.
