Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a first-time explorer, any outdoor activity is never complete without fishing. There’s nothing better than looking forward to waking up at sunrise at the beck and call of the glorious lakes and the creatures swimming underneath. It’s the anticipation of making the first catch of the day that’s always so exhilarating.
Hoping for a catch and making one are two different things. To have a successful fishing experience, skill is just one factor of the equation. The other crucial aspect is finding the right equipment. Two of the basic gear you’ll need are fly fishing rods and a fly reel to get started.
The Fundamental Equipment: Fly Rods and Fly Reels
Depending on the type of fishing you’ll be doing, the necessary equipment may vary. Fly fishing rods come in different lengths and weights, made up of different materials and construction quality. But you can never go wrong with graphite since it’s affordable and reliable. For the fly reel, it’s best to make use of metal since they’re more durable than the alternative plastic reels.
For the equipment to work properly, both the fly rod and the fly reel should be compatible. Fortunately, sellers usually provide these two items in a matched set, making it easier to purchase.
Knowing What and Where to Fish
Before investing in the equipment, it’s best to ask yourself what you want to catch. This will determine the type of rod that you’ll need to make the catch.
Catching a trout will require different fly fishing rods than catching bass or panfish to give you an idea. Additionally, it would help if you also considered the environment where you plan to fish, whether freshwater or saltwater fishing. First, you need to do a bit of research on your chosen destination to find the right answer. Take a look at what fish species are available there and what type of water they’re in. If you are on a trip then you must carry backpacking fishing gear, it will make your trip more interesting.
Understanding Your Equipment and How to Use them Properly
After shopping for the right rods and reels, it’s time for you to develop skill. Unlike leisure fishing, fly fishing is a sport unto itself. You need to understand the purpose of the equipment and the movements necessary to make a successful catch.
The three main purposes of the flying rod are the following:
- Casting: Fly rods are used to cast the fly line to the water. With the proper casting skill, a good rod can let the bait drop in the water without scaring away the fish.
- Line Control: The floating bait, also known as the fly, is connected to the fly line controlled by the fly fishing rod.
- Catching Fish: The flying rod provides all the action for all the pieces. It is used to hook the fish and eventually land a catch. You need a strong and flexible rod that will not easily break or snap under extreme pressures.
Besides knowing the purposes of the rod, you also need to familiarize yourself with the different fly rod actions to utilize the equipment properly.
- Fast Action: This type of action requires a flexible tip of the fly fishing rod and a sturdy and stiff body. This movement is perfect for long casts on a windy day as it provides more casting power and minimum rod movements.
- Medium Action: Arguably the most versatile action available, this movement works in a variety of conditions. It bends from the halfway point until the tip of the rod, making casting easier. Fishing with a mid-flex fly rod is an ideal starting point for beginners.
- Slow Action: Achieved by full-flex rods, this entails complete flexibility of the cast. Because of its flexibility, movement is inevitable, which means fishermen need to have strong control over this equipment. This type of rod is recommended for fishing small species in streams.
Why It’s Important to Invest in a Good Fishing Equipment
It goes without saying that good quality is an essential factor when purchasing fishing equipment. Can you imagine your rod breaking in the middle of a fishing trip or your reel snapping during a catch? It’s a nuisance and can ruin the whole experience.
Investing in good quality equipment not only saves you time, money and effort, but it also aids in honing your skills further. Having a reliable fly rod and reel by your side can make your fly fishing experience unforgettable.
