Now that you have practiced your forward and back cast it is time to actually get on the water, or in the water for that fact. To do so, you are going to need the right stuff. Translated – you are going to need gear.
Trust me, that first vest you buy will eventually feel like a flak jacket because as your fly fishing life blossoms you will somehow think you need two of everything in the order of gear. It’s okay…you will eventually learn to streamline and simplify you fly-fishing life and needs.
To make things somewhat easier for you we have complied the following list of essential gear and our recommend types and brands. This list comes from years of fly-fishing experience and we are happy to share it with you as you begin your discovery of the true experience of fly-fishing.
Waders
Chest waders are the most common form of waders used in the fly-fishing world. They basically come in stocking foot or boot foot fashion, lightweight or neoprene. Neoprene is more suited for cold weather fishing while lightweight waders can be used for both warm and cold weather since fleece lined undergarments can be implemented. Boot foot style waders are easier to get on and the boot is actually warmer during cold weather compared to the wading shoe. However, wading shoes have one distinct advantage and that is more ankle support. Here at Sooner Outdoors we recommend the line of waders at Orvis be explored and Bass Pro also offers a wide variety of quality waders.
Shoes
Once again the advantage to wading shoes is the ankle support. The most popular wading shoes are synthetic leather that lace up to or past the ankle. Check out the full line of wading shoes at Bass Pro.
Vest
The very first vest you get will eventually become more like a flak jacket while discovering your fly-fishing life. We promise you…every pocket whether Velcro or zipper or button will have two or more of all the accessories. No worry…you will eventually learn to streamline and simplify your fly-fishing needs which is going to make your vest a lot lighter. Fishing vests usually come in earth tones and that is a good selection. Vests in green, tan, or autumn colors are best suited to blend in with the backgrounds of nature. Make sure the vest you select has plenty of pockets for all the stuff your going to need and a “d” ring in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. One of the best fly-fishing vests we have found is the Clear Water Loaded Vest from Orvis. It is a total vest.
Fly Boxes
Oh my gosh…you gotta have the flies now don’t ya? And, to keep those flies in working order you are going to need a fly box or should we say fly boxes. Nope, one is not going to do. Our suggestion is to have at least three fly boxes in your vest…one for dries and midges, one for streamers and wets, and one for nymphs, pupae, and emergers. Dang, maybe we should say you will need four boxes because we forgot to mention attractors, terrestrials, and poppers. Well, anyhow, you are going to need fly boxes. Check out the White River Fly Boxes from Bass Pro. These lightweight foam boxes are buoyant, so you don't have to worry about losing your valuable flies if you drop them in the water. Magnetic closure. Features ripple foam on one side to protect hackled flies and flat foam on the other for nymphs and streamers. And then there are the flies to fill the boxes. We recommend the quality flies of Yagers Flies.
Accessories
