BASIC GEAR GUIDE: WHAT YOU NEED TO FLY-FISH by Carol Cambridge. Cambridge

Transcription

1 BASIC GEAR GUIDE: WHAT YOU NEED TO FLY-FISH by Carol Cambridge Cambridge

2 The type of fly fishing you choose TODAY, and how serious you become in the FUTURE, relates to the gear you need. Most people start small on home waters like ponds and lakes: minimum gear and expense. Others look for a challenge: new waters and bigger fish require more gear and more money. No need to move to new levels and more gear but with skills, confidence and success, you probably will. Just have fun.

3 Navigating the vast array, vocabulary, and expense Get to know a knowledgeable fly shop rep. Buy what you need and what you can afford. Invest in good, basic gear that will last for years.

4 LEVEL I: Based on skills, desire, and expense: I just want to catch a fish on a fly. I m not ready to spend a lot of money on gear! Cambridge

5 LEVEL I: WARM WEATHER FISHING, NOT EARLY SPRING OR WINTER. FISH FARM PONDS, CAST FROM CANOES, KAYAKS, OR DOCKS. WET WADE (Years of wet wading in very cold water can damage circulation. Can cause hypothermia in cold-water fisheries. Closed-toe shoes for submerged metal or glass). Polarized, eye protection Many of these essentials are already at your house.

6 LEVEL I AND ALL LEVELS: IMPORTANT ACCESSORIES FOR POCKETS, VEST, OR LUMBAR PACK. Hook sharpener Hemostats: Dislodge hook from fish s mouth. Press on split shot. Nipper with zinger Tippet material & extra leaders Split shot: A tip: mix shot sizes and carry in plastic prescription vial. Flies

7 LEVEL II: You ve caught fish on a fly and gained skills and confidence. Moving to a new type and level of fly fishing is up to you, but with more skills and experience, new types of fly fishing and gear are usually introduced. Gear bag: Either wet/dry flyfishing bag or a duffle with a garbage bag for waders.

8 CATCH MORE AND BIGGER FISH IN CREEKS AND RIVERS YEAR ROUND EARLY SPRING AND FALL FISHING: KEEP WARM, DRY, AND SAFE. NOW YOU HAVE MOST OF THE GOOD, BASIC GEAR YOU NEED FOR FLY-FISHING. Wear clothes the colors of nature that wick moisture and won t scare fish. Waders that fit Chest waders, boot style (no sweat / breathable/ studded soles) Or stocking foot waders (no sweat / breathable) Wading belt a must Wading shoes with studded soles and gravel guards Wading staff Wool socks Thermal underwear Fleece or sweater underneath rain jacket; fleece pants Fishing vest underneath jacket (Vest or jacket shouldn t drag in water). Warm hat with brim Gloves

9 LEVEL II: CONCENTRATE ON FISHING BY CHOOSING CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES THAT KEEP YOU WARM, DRY AND SAFE. WITH EXPERIENCE, CHOOSING GEAR BECOMES EASIER. Rain jacket with hood. Let it pour. Stocking foot waders. Move around. Wading boots with studs

10 LEVEL II: Warm weather fishing. Creeks and rivers. Breathable clothing. Less gear. Introduce a few new accessories. Fanny Pack Wet wading sock Mesh fly fishing vest snack Pants that wick moisture Use strike indicators all year for nymph fishing. Dry fly floatant

11 LEVEL III: GEARING UP FOR BIG FISH: TIME AND EFFORT SPENT ON CASTING AND TECHNIQUES PAY OFF. IF YOU VE INVESTED IN GOOD, BASIC GEAR, YOU SHOULDN T NEED MUCH MORE.

12 FINGER LAKES, LAKE ONTARIO, AND ERIE TRIBS; SALMON, DELAWARE, COHOCTON, AND GENESEE RIVERS. A COUPLE OF NEW PIECES OF GEAR. In big or small rivers, or fishing near large pools with strong currents, you need a PFD (personal floatation device). A regulation for boat fishing most everywhere. Doesn t look like one, does it? When a fish is too big to beach, use a catch and release net. (Check your fishing regulations. Legal net size differs for various locations.)

13 LEVEL III. COMBINE TRAVEL AND FLY FISHING. LOCAL SHOPS, REGIONAL BOOKS, AND GOOD GUIDES TELL YOU WHAT GEAR TO BRING. Big Horn River, Montana

14 SALT WATER BLITZ: WHETHER FLY FISHING CHARTERS OR FROM THE BEACH (NEED A STRIPPING BASKET), NOT MANY GEAR CHANGES. DRESS ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER FOR JUNE OR OCTOBER. Urban Fly Guides

15 SIMPLY SUMMING UP: Whatever fly-fishing means to you now or in the future, buy what gear you need and the best you can afford. Bottom Line: Just have fun! Hogue