Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 15

Getting outfitted

The gear and equipment required for fly fishing can
be overwhelming to someone new to the sport. There are
different sized rods and reels designed for different situations.
To me, the most versatile rig would be an 8- to 9-foot,
5-weight rod and reel combo, which can be purchased as
an introductory package at most sporting goods stores for
under $150. If you watch for sales, you can often find one
even cheaper. These come pre-rigged with backing, line,
sometimes even leaders, tippet, and a rod case. Fly lines, the
weighted often colorful synthetic lines used to cast, come in
different forms as well. There is floating line, sinking line,
and so forth. Be sure to discuss the scenarios you plan to
fish with a pro-shop representative before purchasing.
Beyond the rod and reel itself, you will need spools of
4x, 5x, and 6x tippet, as well as some 9-foot 5x leaders. This
is used to taper your big, clunky fly line down to a clear,
skinny line that is nearly invisible to fish. A leader can be
used by itself, but after replacing flies and tearing your line,
your leader will become shorter over time.
Thus, the tippet can be tied in incremental sections
getting thinner and thinner to replenish your leader.
Research knots for tying on your tippet. Blood knots and
nail knots are both popular options.
Moving away from the rod and reel itself, you will need
an assortment of flies, a fly box, a fishing vest/pack, strike
indicators, sinkers, floatant, strike indicators, nippers,
forceps, a net (preferably with rubber netting), polarized
sunglasses, waders/wading boots, and a fishing license.
All of these things cost money. Build your collection over
time. With the holidays right around the corner, now may
be a good time to add some of these items to your wish list.

required), nymph or wet fly fish underneath (weight and
drifting required), or streamer fish (weight and stripping
required).
Basic, all-purpose, flies you will want in your box based
on those three categories are as follows:
Dry-Adams, Royal Wulff, Light Cahill, Elk Hair
Caddis, Yellow Stimulator, Blue Winged Olive; Nymph-
Pheasant Tail, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Copper John, Green
Weenie, San Juan Worm, Zebra Midge, Egg Pattern, Scud,
Caddis Larva; Streamer-Woolly Bugger (in Black, green,
and brown), both with and without a beadhead.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of other flies,
specifically suited in color, size, and design to certain
situations. To keep this as uncomplicated as possible, I have
only listed a handful of standbys that can be quite versatile.
Start with these flies, learn to fish them well, and branch
out over time.

Learning the basics

There is a lot to learn when it comes to casting, fly
selection, and how to read the water. Basically, try to match
the hatch and give the fish what it is already eating. By
turning a few rocks and watching feeding activity, you may
gain some valuable insight. You may also prompt strikes
using flashy attention-grabbing flies.
If you are dry fly fishing, you want your fly to settle
on the surface with minimal disturbance to the water. If
fishing underneath, a strike indicator can indicate a hit and
when to set the hook. Both scenarios require a drag-free,
natural drift.
Casting is something you should practice in an open
yard or field before you hit the water. Then, transition to an
open water source before moving to tight spaces requiring
greater control and casting abilities.
Acquiring all-purpose flies
Watch videos on casting basics, or better yet, reach out
There are three main types of fly fishing, with several
to a mentor to learn. Many fly fishing clubs and Trout
variations adding complexity that I will not cover here.
Unlimited chapters offer free or low-cost programs for
Primarily, you will either dry fly fish up top (no weight
teaching you how to cast,
tie flies, and often will take
you fishing. Seek these
opportunities out, and tap their
knowledge and experience.
There is definitely a lot of
gear and learning required
to be successful at fly fishing.
But, there is also no better
feeling than the steady pull
of a running trout after a
clean presentation and quality
hookset. With time and
dedication, even beginners
can sample that satisfaction.
There is something special
about it that is worth the effort
to experience, but you have to
All-purpose attractor flies can fool aggressive trout, like this Rainbow Trout that fell for the
start somewhere.
author's Green Weenie presentation.
www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2020

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020

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