Fly Fishing Gear
By Brian Milne, About.com Guide to Fly Fishing
Fly fishing, unlike many other forms of fishing, can be a bit complicating at times. Instead of needing just a rod, reel and fishing line, fly anglers need backing, fly line, leaders and tippets, all of which can change from fishery to fishery and even minute by minute depending on the conditions on the water. Here's a running list of stories on the essential gear, what you need for your next trip, and product reviews on the latest gear to hit the stores.
Rods and Reels
The fly rod and reel are the two most important parts of fly fishing. Without a good fly rod and reel, it doesn't matter how good a caster and how good a fisherman you are. Today, fly rods are made from everything from bamboo to graphite fiber and come in all lengths and sizes, from the ultra-light five-piece models for backpacking to heavy 10-footers made for surf fishing. Reels are also made in all shapes and sizes, with adjustable and mechanical drag systems to control line and enhance the performance of the reel.
Lines and Leaders
In most cases, anglers have three to four types of line on their reel. The backing is usually tied to the arbor itself and is then attached to the fly line, a thick line (usually orange, green or yellow in color) that makes long and accurate casts possible. Anglers use a leader to connect the fly line to the tippet, which runs to the fly itself.
