Starting Out Needs

Other than rod, reel and line what do you really need to fly fish? I haven't yet decided if I'll be going the kit route or buying separately but what else should I consider in my costs. I will be using this mainly for steelhead and as discussed in a previous thread I will be going with a 7-8 weight in 9-10' length for rod, reel not sure. AS for line I'll likely start with weight forward floating as I will be mainly nymphing. What else??

Leaders and tippets. I find I need various sizes since I build my own. Not to mention flies.

Other than that I think you're set. Don't need to over think it or over complicate it. Don't need sinking tips at this point and other stuff

As mentioned you'll be pretty set unless you wanna get into extra stuff, or stuff that may seem obvious like good set of forceps, clippers, net, yadda yadda. When I first started not that long ago the little things make a difference when trying to get the fish back in the water safely when practicing catch and release, or when having to change equipment. But that's extra stuff, may be obvious but thought I'd throw that out there

If you're going to spend money and not purchase a combo I would recommend spending more money on the rod than the reel. I find having a better rod is much more beneficial than an expensive reel.

If you buy separately get good line!!! It makes a world of difference. But to start rod, reel, line, leaders, tippet ( saves you replacing leaders all the time and will save you money! ), flies, and a good set of nippers and foreceps. Besure to always wear a hat and glasses

These things! (Rather than cutting your line each time you want to tie a fly)

tippet. your tapered leader will last longer this way. Invest on good gloves....don't want that fingers burnt when a still takes you for a ride....

TheTallOutdoorsman said:

These things! (Rather than cutting your line each time you want to tie a fly)

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These things are great especially when nymphing. Haven't tried but I'm sure they would drown a dry fly. Get various sizes. Bigger fish will bend them if they're too small. I've had a decent smallmouth come off using the super micro sized snaps.

I'd also grab some of those small foam ball indicators with the pegs. Or use a yarn indicator. I use both. Yea yea, I use indicators blah blah.

Speaking of indicators I found these New Zealand indicators work great.

http://www.strikeindicator.com

you'll want a reel with a good drag on it, but you don't need to spend more than $100 for the reel would highly recommend an echo ion reel.

grayer said:

If you're going to spend money and not purchase a combo I would recommend spending more money on the rod than the reel. I find having a better rod is much more beneficial than an expensive reel.

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this.

ive used a 30 dollar piece of crap okuma slv reel my one handed and my 2 handed setup for both steelhead and salmon for 3 years now without any issues. when my drag starts to peel a bit too easy its simple as putting your palm on the reel. but the rod is what makes the real difference in handling a fish or getting your line where you want it.
a good rod will also shock absorb on your tippet better which means less lost fish when you make a mistake.

otherwise, besides fly-line/backing/rod/reel all you really need is leaders. some various tippet sizes. youll need swap them for conditions/presentation often. even after each fish if it gets frayed.

youll want some good longnose forceps and some good nippers. look for forceps with a flat section beside the toothed part. so you can quickly/easily pinch down barbs if the water youre on requires it.

a big thing is glasses. not only do they help you see in different water types but, especially when new to fly fishing, theres a huge risk of that hook getting caught on you or anything else really while learning to cast. protect your eyes. even if you already know what youre doing its better safe then sorry.

gloves are good to avoid line burns and stuff, or you can use some hockey/first-aid tape on your fingers. ive had a roll of first aid tape lasting me over 3 years now for less then 10$
cant say the same about the last pair of simms gloves i bought

TheTallOutdoorsman said:

These things! (Rather than cutting your line each time you want to tie a fly)

Click to expand...

How do you find these hook snaps affect the presentation of the fly? I just picked up 2 packs because I love how they will make changing patterns faster, I'm just worried about how they will affect the presentation (making them look less realistic). I bought sizes 2 and 3, the only ones I could find.