New to fly fishing?
I recommend taking a fly fishing class or reading my book Introduction to Fly Fishing from confused beginner to Competent angler to learn about the basic tools such as rods, flies, tippets, insects, casting etc.
Casting
Too many beginner fly anglers worry about casting too much. All that matters is that the fly goes where you wish, does not splash the water, and the fly drifts the way you want it to. An ugly cast that does these three things is better than a pretty cast that does not. It is all about timing and a good instructor can help.
Tippet size
I am a subtle angler. I use long soft rods and thin tippet. My favorite tippet is TroutHunter 6.5X. Thin tippet is not for everyone. Fly fishing is a series of compromises. Light tippet results in more hits but more flies lost. I generally use a 2 weight rod which protects the tippet very well and a 6.5X tippet is perfect for me, heavier stiffer rods require a heavier tippet.
Rod length
I like long rods. My standard nymphing rod is 13 1/2 feet long (a modified Tenkara rod). My all purpose rod is an 11 foot long 2 weight. My dry fly casting rod is a 3 weight and is 8 feet long. I also have a 9 foot 6 weight rod for bass, using large streamers or, if I i simply need to cast farther. Since I am usually nymphing I like my longer rod the best. This rod gives me a farther reach for tight line nymphing.
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The longest rod you can control is the best in my opinion, but the best rod is the one you feel comfortable with.
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I do not carry 2 rods, so I always have to make a prediction. If I expect only dry fly activity I bring my 8 foot 3 weight rod, but if the expected hatch does not happen, I am helpless. If I expect to only be nymphing, and bring my 13 1/2 foot rod, and a hatch does occur, I am in bad shape also. If I do not know what to expect, my 11 foot rod is a compromise but does neither exceptionally well. Many anglers use a 9 foot 5 wight rod and for good reason, it does everything OK but excels at nothing, it is a good compromise.
Boots
I currently use Korker brand wading boots and like them for two reasons. The model I have gives the best ankle support of any boot I have used, are comfortable, and have interchangeable soles, which is useful for me. My last pair was a different brand with interchangeable soles but gave very little ankle support and that is valuable to me. I have weak ankles.
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I prefer felt soles with studs for most fishing except in the winter when I switch to rubber with studs. Felt has a tendency to freeze in the winter and causes snow to stick. I do not like to walk around with blocks of ice on my feet.
Waders
I currently use Reddington waders for most of my fishing because they are tough and relatively inexpensive. I have had horrible luck with inexpensive waders and finally decided to pay a bit extra. The model I wear are one of their top of the line waders.
I also have a pair of Simms that were actually used by Ed Shank before he died. They are fantastic and the most comfortable waders I have ever had. They are light and breathable but a bit thin for bushy areas.
If I could afford them I would go with Simms though.
Indicators
I use all the types of indicators for different situations but my favorite is BioStrike putty. All my leaders have colored indicator line (about a foot) and a one inch piece of orange fly line built in, but when the light is bad or I want a traditional indicator I often put a piece of yellow putty on. i find a very small thin piece is very sensitive and even when is sinks, I can see it. I also will use a tiny piece above a small dry fly.
Vests and Packs
I prefer a vest when fishing because I like the pockets. The vest I currently use is from L.L. Bean but I do not really like it. I prefer the large pockets for fly boxes to be horizontal to the water and not vertical. My old retired vest (it kind of fell apart and is too small since I gained a bit of mass since I was a kid) had large wide pockets but my new one with the skinny pockets causes me trouble sometimes. Sometimes the zippers work themselves open and I have had fly boxes fall out. The biggest problem I have with vests is that that sometimes in deep water they get wet and my flies get wet since the large pockets are so low.
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I have a chest pack that I can wear with my vest for times when I know I am going to be standing in deep water. Mine is not water proof but it does hold my larger fly boxes high enough that they do not generally get wet.
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Waterproof fly boxes do not work for me, they seem to leak and the water stay inside making things worse.
By the way I do not get paid for recommend any of the products mentioned. Every product I mention is one I use and like. I will not recommend a product I do not believe in and use.
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