Fly Fishing Gear for Beginners: The First-Outfit Checklist

The short list

If you are buying fly fishing gear for beginners, the answer in both sources I opened is the same outfit: a 9-foot, 5-weight rod, a matching reel with a weight-forward floating line, 9-foot tapered leaders in 4X or 5X, tippet, a small assortment of flies and a handful of tools. L.L.Bean calls this versatile for local streams and ponds. Orvis calls the 9-foot 5-weight a versatile rod for beginners.

Both say you do not need everything at once. L.L.Bean writes that beginners need only the basics. That is the right instinct: buy the outfit first, learn to cast, and add the rest as the water shows you what you need. I have not fished with any of this myself, and what follows is a read of those two guides plus our product tables.

Step 1: the rod, reel and line

These three have to match, so shop for them together.

Rod. A 9-foot, 5-weight is the starting point in both guides. Orvis explains the range: lighter rods of 2 to 4 weight suit small trout, and heavier rods of 8 to 10 weight suit salmon or saltwater fish. It also describes action as fast (stiff, for long casts and wind), medium (general use) or slow (short, precise casts on small streams), and says graphite is most common, with bamboo a traditional option that needs more care. Our 5-weight fly rods page lists the models we track with their length, action and blank material, and our fly rod action guide explains what the labels mean.

Reel. Orvis says the reel stores the line and provides drag, and should be balanced with the rod. It says disc drag suits larger fish and click-and-pawl suits smaller fish. For a first trout reel, the thing that matters is size: it has to hold the line weight of the rod. Browse the fly reels tables and filter by line weight.

Line. Orvis says fly line is rated from 1 to 14, that weight-forward tapers aid casting, and that double-taper lines suit delicate dry fly presentations. Floating lines suit dry flies and nymphs, and sinking lines suit deeper water. For a beginner the answer from both sources is a weight-forward floating line, matched to the rod. See floating fly lines.

Backing. The line goes on top of backing on the reel. The two guides I opened do not discuss backing, so I will not give a number. Our backing page lists options, and the how to spool a fly reel guide covers how it goes on.

Step 2: leader, tippet and knots

The leader is the see-through tapered line between the fly line and the fly. L.L.Bean recommends 9-foot tapered leaders in strengths such as 4X and 5X, plus tippet material, and notes that a higher X number means a thinner leader or tippet. It says the tippet should match the leader's X size or be one size smaller. Orvis gives a leader range of 7.5 to 12 feet, in nylon or fluorocarbon, and says tippet is the fine end section that is replaced as it wears.

The same two things hold in both: buy a few leaders, and buy a spool or two of tippet. Orvis lists the improved clinch, loop and surgeon's knots as the ones to learn. Our fly rod setup guide covers how the pieces connect.

Step 3: flies

Both guides split flies into the same families. Orvis describes dry flies (surface), wet flies (subsurface, emerging or swimming insects), nymphs (larval insects fished under the surface) and streamers (baitfish or leech imitations for larger fish). L.L.Bean says to stock dry flies, nymphs and streamers that match the local insects or baitfish, and adds that streamers are the easiest to learn to fish. It advises asking a local fly shop what is hatching, or asking others on the stream.

That is also the best way to avoid buying 200 flies you will never use. A small assortment from a local shop beats a big assortment from a guess. A fly box keeps them organized.

Step 4: tools

The tool list is short and the two sources overlap:

• Nippers to cut tippet and line. (Nail clippers can work in a pinch, and every Hook Drawer already holds a pair and no memory of whose they are.)
• Forceps or hemostats for hook removal.
• A landing net. Orvis specifies a lightweight, rubber-coated net.
• Fly floatant for dry flies, from the Orvis list.
• Strike indicators for nymph fishing, also from Orvis.

Step 5: what to wear

Whether you need waders depends on where you fish.

• Waders and boots. L.L.Bean says breathable waders and sturdy boots with felt or rubber soles suit rivers and streams, that boots alone can work in warm summer weather, and that a wading staff helps with crossings. Orvis says to choose chest or hip waders based on water depth, with breathable materials preferred, and notes that felt soles grip slick rocks while rubber soles help prevent spreading invasive species. See our waders and wading boots sections, and the felt vs rubber wading boots guide before you pick a sole.
• Sunglasses. Both say polarized lenses cut glare, help you see fish and the bottom, and protect your eyes.
• Hat and clothing. L.L.Bean recommends a wide brim and quick-drying clothing suited to the weather. Orvis adds sunscreen and UV-protective clothing.
• Pack or vest. Orvis says vests give quick access to flies and tools and packs offer more storage for longer outings. Both are optional at the start. Our fly fishing packs page lists the options.

Safety

This part is serious. Orvis recommends a life jacket for deep water, fast currents or boat fishing, a first aid kit and sun protection. L.L.Bean suggests a whistle, a small first-aid kit and a waterproof bag, especially in remote areas. If you are wading in current, add a wading belt and staff to your list. Our wading belts page covers the belt.

Kits versus separate parts

The simplest way to get the first three items is a matched kit. L.L.Bean says it sells packages with the correct line already on the reel, and the idea holds across makers. Our fly fishing starter kits list shows the kits we track, with what each includes. Read the "In the box" column, because the two guides treat leaders, tippet, flies and tools as separate items, and a kit that leaves them out will need additions.

What to skip at first

Orvis puts spey and switch rods, fly-tying equipment and some knots under advanced gear. Those can wait. So can a vest if a small pack does the job, and a second rod.

Before the first trip, L.L.Bean says to check your state's fish and wildlife website for regulations, buy a license and practice casting. Fish don't read spec sheets. You should, and the spec for a first outfit is simple: the rod, reel and line all say the same number.