Being efficient with my clients is everything. And that starts with having good habits and having the right gear. But a good fly rod, fishing bag, and a net aren’t the only things you need! In this article, we will discuss some of the best gear beginner fly fishers need that you may have never thought about.
Wading boots with studs or aluminum bars
We all fall into the river from time to time. It’s part of the deal and to be expected, but it also needs to be minimized and avoided at almost all costs. I use the Patagonia Tractor Wading Boots with the aluminum bar to keep me confident and upright in the water, especially on rivers with a notoriously slippery riverbed.
The bars on the sole bite into most rocks and surfaces and allow me to move quickly from pocket to seam to run quickly and with confidence.
An easy-to-use wading staff
When runoff is high and the fish are just out of reach, I strap this quick draw wading staff to my belt for a leg up against the powerful current. It folds down easily and requires only one hand for lightning-fast assembly when you’re feeling unstable. It further helps me move from point A to B with speed when I don’t have a lot of time.
Many wading staffs push the $100 price point, but I find the best bang for my buck is Aventik Sports Foldable Wading Staff. It’s a durable and cost effective.
A Water Bottle With A Filter Built In
Hydration isn’t only important for high-output mountain sports. And let’s face it, when the fishing is so good you can’t pause for a moment to take a piss let alone a quick sip of water, a water carrying system that’s effective and out of the way is crucial.
I use the Fishpond Thunderhead Water Bottle Holder. It fits a 32 oz Nalgene just as well as a 20 oz tallboy can of your favorite beer. For a best fit, seamlessly integrate it with most Fishpond products’ Exterior Hypalon tabs. Personally, I use the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar hip pack for a clean layout and simple way to organize my gear. But you do you, bae. Just make sure you’re packing the H2O.
For longer days on the water, I recommend carrying a Grayl Water Purifier Bottle. This water bottle allows you to quickly filter water straight from the river quickly. It comes in 24 oz and 16.9 sizes. Most often I prefer the 16.9 oz size because it is lighter and filters water fast.
An Ultra Light Rain Jacket
For me, there is only one option and it is the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. This super packable, take-it-anywhere weather resistant jacket is lightweight and folds down super small into your wader’s front pocket. It won’t protect you against a torrential downpour, but it adds a small layer of warmth and rain protection when the mountain skies turn angry and grey. Oh and for multi-sport athletes like myself, I use it in other adventures such as biking, hiking or at the local beer-festival as a back up rain jacket.
The Bottom Line
Having the right gear as a beginner fly fisher is essential. From wearing boots that help you stay upright when wading to a lightweight rain jacket, it’s best to be prepared when on the water.
Have fun, bring the right gear, practice good habits, fish hard.
Thanks for reading.