Getting Started in Fly Fishing

The subsequent information will inform you- THE ENTRY LEVEL ANGLER- of what the minimum equipment needs are to begin fly-fishing intelligently. We in the MVFF Club are asked quite often, "What exactly do I need to get started in fly-fishing?" The recommendations made herein by club members should serve as a basic equipment list that puts into your hands tackle and flies to get connected with local denizens of the deep. Just add water. Enjoy!

Backing: this is the back-up "system" on your reel when a large fish strips off all your fly line on a screaming run; don't scrimp here; 20 lb braided Dacron is always a good idea.

Fly Line: weight-forward lines to match rod weight; recommend selection of floating and at least one sinking line (type III sink rate).

Leaders: pike and bass- 4-6 feet heavy leaders; trout, walleye and panfish- 2-6 feet leaders for sinking lines and 7.5-9 feet for floating lines; carp- 7.5-9 feet leaders.

Tippet Material: the length and life extension of an angler's leader; match pound test to tip of leader and to size of fish you'll be pursuing.

Fly Selection: study, study, study! Find out what your species of choice prefer then purchase or tie flies accordingly. Surface flies: traditionally called "dry flies" these patterns are designed to float upon the surface film of still or moving water. Subsurface flies: traditionally called "wet flies" these patterns are tied weighted and unweighted but definitely fished below the surface of still or moving water (nymphs, streamers and wets).

Leader clippers: your dentist will back us on this: clipping leaders and tippet material is not good for your teeth! Do yourself a favor purchase nippers or fingernail clippers to do this for you. Using one's teeth for this flattens out the end of the monofilament and makes it difficult to thread tippet through the eye of a small hook. Nippers and clippers make a clean, convenient cut. Leader straightener: this will take the curls out of your leader; make this your new mantra: "Curls in my leader and tippet are bad!" Unless straightened, the curls increase the response time that an angler feels a take then sets the hook on a striking fish. Shorten the striking distance between you and a fish by straightening that leader. Hemostat(s): one of the most vital instruments for hook removal, hemos are a MUST! Also pretty handy for selecting flies from the box and holding them while attaching them to tippet. Dry fly floatant: another mantra anglers should learn: "I must keep my fly up!" This is true when fishing adult versions of flies. Line cleaner: prolong the life and preformance, thus, the value, of your floating lines. USE CLEANER OFTEN!