The exciting and technical practice ofa fly fishing, it allows you to catch different species of fish while enjoying a privileged contact with nature.
To get started in this discipline, you need to be properly equipped to guarantee satisfactory results and rapid progress. In this article, we present the basic equipment essential for fly fishing.
Fly fishing rods
A central piece of equipment for fly fishermen, the rod plays a crucial role in making casts and controlling the fish. There are several types of fly fishing rod, adapted to different fishing techniques and situations:
- Progressive-action canes, which bend along their entire length when cast, offer great versatility and precision.
- Advanced action rods, these rods, which bend mainly at the tip, allow powerful casts and effective control of the fish. These rods are ideal for nymph fishing.
- Parabolic action rods, these are ideal for novice anglers thanks to their ease of use and tolerance of errors.
The length of your rod will depend on the technique you use and the type of environment you fish in. The shortest rods (6 to 8 feet) are best suited to small rivers for dry fly fishing, while the longer models (9 to 11 feet) are better suited to larger rivers and lakes or for nymph fishing.
To start with, the ideal choice is a 5-gauge silk rod, which is versatile and easy to handle for trout and chub fishing.
Our recommended fly rods for beginners:
- Labiocraft XTC fly rodFrom Shimano, ideal for starting out with good equipment without spending too much.
- Lafly rod Shimano Biocraft XROne of the best value for money on the market, ideal for trout fishing in rivers and reservoirs with an ultra-light nymph.
- La fly rod Marryat Tactical LX 4 strands, it will appeal to energetic anglers looking for predatory salmonids. A little harder to handle for beginners, it will nevertheless be able to accompany you throughout your fly fishing life.
The reel for fly fishing
The reel is an essential element for storing line and line, as well as for controlling tension when fighting fish. It should be chosen according to the size of the rod and the type of line used. The main types of reel for fly fishing are :
- The semi-automatic reel, like the Vivarelli, it has a trigger that allows the line to be reeled in without the need for a reel. These small reels are ideal for river fishing, particularly in fast-flowing waters or for nymphing with line.
- The geared reel, this type of reel, which is rarer, has a very high ratio, which is useful for reeling in your line very quickly.
- The interchangeable cassette reel, the line can be changed quickly according to fishing conditions, but has less storage capacity.
- The automatic reel, which automatically rewinds the line thanks to a spring mechanism, making it easier for beginners to handle.
The reel's drag system is also important, as it helps control line tension when fighting fish. Braking systems can be friction, ratchet or magnetic, offering different levels of precision and adjustment. You'll want to choose a reel with a heavy drag for pike or larger trout.
Our recommended fly reels for beginners:
- Le reel Okuma SLVThis reel is ideal for beginners. It's robust, reliable and very easy to use. The SLV comes in 3 sizes for fishing with lines from 5/6 to 6/9.
- Le fly reel Okuma Helios SX, a slightly more expensive alternative for demanding beginners and more experienced anglers alike, this reel will accompany you as you progress. This is an excellent reel for trout, black bass, chub and pike fishing.
- Le fly reel Greys GTS 600, this is a reel that has proved its worth over many years. Efficient for all techniques, you can trust in the know-how of one of the best fly fishing brands.
Fly fishing silks, lines and leaders
The fly line is the link between the rod and the artificial fly. It is used to make the cast and propel the fly to the surface of the water. Silks can be made from synthetic or natural fibres. The latter require more maintenance and are not particularly suitable for novice anglers. There are several types of silk:
- Floating bristles, they stay on the surface and are ideal for dry and light wet fishing.
- Intermediate bristles, which sink slowly and are suitable for deep-water and nymph fishing.
- Plunging bristles, they are fast-sinking and allow you to explore deeper water. They are ideal for streamer fishing.
The line connects the line to the leader. It must be strong and discreet so as not to frighten the fish. The leader, also known as the rat tail, is made up of a succession of sections of thread of decreasing diameter, to ensure a natural and discreet presentation of the fly.
Artificial flies for fly fishing
Artificial flies are the lures used for fly fishing. They imitate insects and other fish prey, and are classified in several categories:
- Dry flies, which float on the surface of the water and mimic adult or emerging insects.
- The nymphs, which represent the larval stages of insects and are immersed underwater.
- The drowned, also submerged, but imitating drowning insects.
- Streamers, they reproduce small fish, worms or crustaceans and are suitable for predator fish.
Unlike the lures used for predator fishing, flies are most often made from natural fibres and are designed to resemble as closely as possible what is found in nature.
To get started, it is advisable to build up a varied assortment of flies, covering the different types of lure and the main species of fish encountered in your fishing area.
Successful fly fishing depends largely on the choice and quality of the equipment you use. By choosing your rods, reels, lines, threads and artificial flies wisely, you can put all the chances on your side to make rapid progress and enjoy this exciting discipline to the full.
The essential accessories for fly fishing
Waders
La fly fishing is often practised with your feet in the water. It's an activity that's close to nature. The water in trout rivers is often very cold, so wearing waders is essential. A pair of waders is similar to a pair of waterproof overalls.
Waders can be made of plastic, leather or fabric neoprene or breathable material. Visit breathable waders are very comfortable in summer because they let the cool air in. In winter, neoprene is essential for staying dry and warm.
Our recommendations for waders :
- The5mm neoprene waders with mixed sole the brand Daiwa, a warm, thick waders for cold waters.
- The hybrid breathable waders with boots from Daiwa, a good compromise for fishing in all weathers.
- The3-layer breathable waders with boots from Daiwa, ideal for keeping the heat off in summer.
Fly boxes
The fly boxes have nothing in common with traditional lure boxes. The flies are often very small and very light. Some are mounted on n°22 hooks to imitate the smallest insects. This is why many fly boxes have a magnetic bottom to prevent the flies from blowing away in a gust of wind. The compartments are also much smaller. Other, more versatile boxes are fitted with foam to bite all your flies, nymphs, drowned flies and streamers.
Our recommendations for fly boxes :
- Latactical Fly FF box the brand Volkien Soul is a box fitted with foam, ideal for storing all types of flies: streamers, nymphs, drowned flies, etc
- Latactical Fly F24 box the brand Volkien Soul is a box with a small compartment for storing the lightest flies, your hooks and other small accessories.
Landing nets and bags for fly fishing
Most fly fishing is done with your feet in the water or by boat. That's why it's so important to have the right luggage, so you don't have to pack too much and can still move around freely. L'Landing net used for fly fishing, also called racketMost often has a short sleeve to make it easier to transport and handle.
When it comes to fly fishing, there's no need to bother with big boxes. All flies fit into small boxes that can be stored in a separate compartment fishing waistcoat or a small rucksack. Another essential accessory for fly fishing is the polarized glassess so you can see the surface and what's going on underneath without straining your eyes.
Our recommendations for fly fishing accessories :
- Lapair of grey wrap floating polarised glasses the brand Fox Rage this pair of goggles is ideal for overwater fishing.
- L'Manitoba Wooden landing net the brand DAM, a racket net with a short, easy-to-handle handle.
- Leintenze Fly fishing waistcoat the brand DAM, it's perfect for fly fishing with its many pockets.
Our other articles on the world of fly fishing :