For many people in the UK, fly fishing is an enjoyable outdoor hobby. For them, there's no greater feeling than landing a fish after a hard-fought struggle. If you've been wondering about the
fly fishing equipment needed to get started, read on to find out more.
Consider an All-in-One Kit
Perhaps the most cost-effective way to buy fly fishing equipment is to purchase a kit that contains everything you'll need. The rod is the most important part of your fly fishing gear.
Before buying a fly fishing rod, however, give some thought to where you'll be fishing. For example, if you plan to fish in still water or rivers, a rod that's about 8.5 feet long and capable of casting a 5 pound weight fly line is a good choice. Also, the line weight should match up to the rod weight and reel type. For smaller fish like trout, choose line weights from 1 to 7 pounds. For larger fish like salmon, choose line weights from 7 to 9 pounds.
The weight and diameter of the line can affect how easy (or hard) it is to cast. Double taper line, for example, has a smaller diameter at the ends. This helps the fly land with less of a splash so as not to spook the fish. Sinking tip line is another interesting variation for fishing rods. This line lets the last 10 or 15 feet of the line submerge while the rest floats, allowing the fly to sink more deeply.
Other Important Kit Components
The reel is an integral part of your fly fishing equipment. Like the line and the rod, the reel should have the same rating. So, in our trout example from the previous paragraph, you would choose a 5 pound weight fly reel.
The drag system of the reel is also a key factor in fly fishing tackle. The drag system increases or decreases the pressure on the line as the reel turns. If your drag is set to low, a hooked fish will run and cause your line to run out rapidly. If the drag is set to high, a hooked fish will not be able to run at all and your line may break under the pressure. Drag systems for fly fishing reels come in 2 varieties: spring-and-pawl or disc-drag. Spring-and-pawl systems are good when fishing for trout. For larger quarry, use the disc-drag system. A good quality reel will cost between £35 and £70. A premium quality reel will cost between £70 and £140.
The flies themselves are the final component of your fly fishing equipment. There are 2 types of flies: dry and wet. Dry flies are designed to float on the surface of the water. Wet flies are designed to submerge below the surface.
With a bit of research and reading, virtually anyone in the UK can buy functional and affordable
fly fishing equipment to get started in this relaxing yet challenging sport.
