Fly Fishing Tackle – The Basics

Fly fishing is a completely different breed of fishing, employing different tactics and different tackle.

Fly fishing tackle is not generally suited for, say, shark fishing and vice versa.

Rods for fly fishing differ from other kinds of rod. They are thinner and more flexible. Probably the most noticeable difference between fly rods and other rods is their lack of a butt section. This deliberate omission, which gives fly fishing rods their distinct look, is designed to prevent interference with the casting movements.

An important element of your fly fishing tackle is the line. Unlike traditional fishing tackle set ups where the weight of the lure pulls the line out, the fly is generally of very little weight so relies on the weight of the line to unfurl to its target. Because of this, fly fishing line is much heavier than its regular fishing counterpart.

Compared to traditional fishing reels, the fly fishing reel (a Centrepin Reel) is a simple piece of tackle. Acting mainly as a storage device for the line, they have few other functions. Earlier examples of fly reels had no drag mechanism, slowing of the fish was done by simply "palming the rim". In recent years, fly fishing reels have evolved somewhat, employing disc drag mechanisms, though they still remain relatively simple devices.

Every successful fly angler has an arsenal of artificial flies to lure his catch. Flies come in hundreds of different varieties. With colourful names such as Nymphs, Zonkers, Buzzers, Wooly buggers and other exotic names, you may be confused.

Flies are made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials, such as, to name a few, hair, mylar and rubber. They are designed to have the appearance and behaviour of the prey of the target fish. This could be, as the name suggests, flies or anything else the fish like to feed on, such as worms, insects, vegetation, even mammals and birds! The fly acts in the same way as bait in more traditional forms of fishing. It is attached to a hook, which hooks the fish when it makes a move at the bait.

Flies are generally very affordable, individual flies costing in the region of 50p – £2 (you can buy in bulk and get them even cheaper). There is however a huge number of people who get great joy from making and fishing their own flies.

Another sometimes overlooked element to fly fishing tackle is clothing. We are not blessed with the best weather in the UK so it is important that you are comfortable for your time fishing. If you go out for your first day of fly fishing and find yourself shivering all day, the chances are you won’t want to go again so a warm set of waterproof clothing is of the utmost importance.

You should also invest in a decent set of waders. Because of the limitation on casting distance with no weight on the end of the line, you are often required to wade out a little to be able to reach the target fish.