2. My first suggestion
is to book a fly
fishing trip with a
professional guide
that fits “your”
personality.
•There are a lot of guides out
there and let’s be honest. Not
all guides are created equal.
Don’t let a bad guide ruin what
could be a lifetime hobby full of
amazing adventures.

3. • Fly Rod
• Fly Reel
• Fly Line
• Backing
• Leaders
• Tippet
• Knot tying book
• Flies
• Something to carry
everything.
• Net
• Camera
• Polarized Sunglasses
• Wading boots
• Waders
• Accessories
I went on a guided trip and I loved it! Now what
kind of equipment should I purchase for fly
fishing??

4. Fly Rod Selection
• When picking out a fly rod it’s important to
know what kind of rivers or creeks you will be
fishing.
• Once you determine this, now it’s time to talk
budget. Rods go from $120 all the way to
$1,000.
• I would suggest going to a local fly shop in your
area and talking to an expert. They will know
what kind of fishing to expect in the area you’ll
be fishing.
• They will help you choose the correct length of
rod for the situation you’ll be fishing most.
• The type of fishing you like to do most will
determine what kind of rod you will need.
• Also the correct weight rod. That way you can
have enough rod to handle that big fish and not
too much rod, for little fish in creeks.
• You always start with one rod but pretty quickly
you will have 2 then 3 then 10. It’s just what
happens. 
• Biggest thing you want to make sure when you
choose your rod. Is make sure it feels good in
your hand. Nothing worse than having a rod
that just feels un natural.

5. How to pick out a reel for your fly rod
• My personal feeling is a good reel
with a superb drag is far more
important, than an extremely nice
rod, when going for big fish. I have
lost more fish on a drag system
that is jerky than one that is
smooth. Big fish get big for a
reason.
•Fly reels come in all different sizes to fit your specific fly rod, your going to fish with. So you will
want to go with the correct size. Look at the specs on the reel box. It should say 4-6, 5-7, 8-9 etc.
Those numbers are letting you know, that reel is built for that certain weight rod, or somewhere
between those numbers.
•Second thing to choose is either a mid arbor reel or a large arbor reel. For my rods I usually
choose the large arbor. They reel in line faster and have room for more backing.
Sometimes I will choose a mid arbor if I want a smaller reel on my set up. I like mid arbors for areas
I know I won’t need a huge amount of backing.
•Next is to choose what kind of drag system you want. I personally like sealed drags. Sealed drags
don’t let debris get into the working parts of the drag. They are more costly but are amazing. I would
suggest going into your local fly shop and finding one that fits your budget and also one that
supports the kind of fish you are targeting.
•Just remember, nobody ever thinks about their drag until that fish bites, then you will question
buying that $50 dollar reel, that is seizing up on you with Moby Dick on the other side of your line. 

6. Fly Line Selection
• Fly line selection really depends on what kind
of fishing you plan on doing.
• There are all sorts of different lines.
• Lake lines, river lines, ocean lines and they
all do something different.
• Some float, some sink, sink slowly, sink
heavily, and some are for specific species.
For example small mouth bass lines.
• There are a lot of different brands out there
to choose from. I personally like
Rio Products.
• The most important thing about picking out
your fly line, is to pick a line, that matches
your fly rod. If you don’t have the two
matched up correctly, you’re not going to like
how your cast feel and also looks.
• I would suggest going to your local fly shop
and finding one that matches your rod weight
and reel. You can often demo the fly line
before you purchase it.

7. Backing
• Backing is what you put on your reel
before your fly line.
• It comes in all different types and
weights.
• Sometimes you will hear people say
“that fish took me to my backing.” This
is something you should strive to feel
someday.
• There are lots of different backings to
choose from.
• I personally like the 68lb gel spun
backing from Hatch. You can put a lot
of gel spun backing on a large arbor
reel. Which means that fish won’t be
getting away….. Hopefully ;)
• You don’t need that kind of backing
most likely. I do a lot of saltwater
fishing so that’s why I have such a
heavy backing.
• For trout you can use the 15lb or 20lb
gel spun or regular backing.

8. Leaders
• Leaders are what attaches to the fly
line. They are either monofilament or
fluorocarbon.
• They are clear and come in all different
sizes depending on how spooky the fish
are in the area you are fishing.
• So here is the deal with leaders. You
can get them in all different tapers and
sizes. The most common you see is the
9 foot leaders but there are also 12
foot, 7 foot and so on. All leaders are
tapered down to a diameter for the type
of fish you are going for.
• The different sizes you will see are 0x,
1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, and etc. The
larger the number. For example: 6x will
have a much smaller and finer diameter
for those spring creeks and spooky fish.
0x will have a much thicker diameter for
your bigger fish that aren’t leader shy.
• You can also purchase leaders for
different types of waters. Saltwater
leaders, steelhead leaders, salmon
leaders and trout leaders.

9. Tippet
• Leaders can be pricey and often times break
off. This is where tippet comes into play along
with the ability to adding a second fly to your
set ups.
• You can rebuild your leader with Tippet and
also add a second or third fly to your set up.
(Check your local regulations)
• I have a wide arrange of tippet in my arsenal. I
use all guide spools of tippet. but for the
occasional fisherman, I would suggest using
the 30 yard set up.
• You will want either fluorocarbon tippet or
monofilament tippet depending on what leaders
you have.
• I have a set of both and I have a reason for it. I
use mono when I’m dry fly fishing because
Fluoro tends to sink.
• I use fluorocarbon tippet when I am
doing anything subsurface. Nymphs,
wet flies, and streamers.
• I use a tippet holder to organize all
my different tippet.
• I use one tippet holder to hold my
mono and another to hold my fluoro
• I have in my set up 2x,3x,4x,5x and
sometimes 6x. I will add 0x,1x, and 7x
on only certain occasions when I am
fishing a river that demands that fine
tuning of tippet.
• I sometimes use tippet rings but that
is something I will touch on at a later
time.

10. Knot Tying Books and Apps
• When I first got into fly fishing I luckily had my dad
to teach me about knots.
• Even with him teaching me the basic concept of
knots, it was still the one thing that scared me, to
go out fishing by myself.
• So I have some great books and apps, I would
love to suggest to you, that will help you with this.
• These are things you can take with you on the
river and it will ease your mind about all the things
you might need to tie up.
•First let me go over some apps that have
helped me the most.
•Get the app Animated knots by Grog. It goes
through some of the most basic to some really
technical ones.
•Also the Orvis Fly Fishing App is great as well.
•My two favorite books to bring with me is The
Little Red Fishing Knot Book by Harry Nilsson
and Pocket Guides
Guide to Fly Fishing Knots by Pocket Guides.
•The knots that you will use most in fly fishing
and you should practice the most are: The
perfection loop, blood knot, double surgeon knot
, double improved clinch knot, and the rapala
knot for streamers or any fly you want to add
more action to.
•There are a lot more I use but these are some
of the best to get you out there and fishing.

11. Flies
• So picking out flies is not the easiest of things to
do, especially in the beginning of your fly fishing
journey.
• First pick out the piece of water you are going to
fish, for that day or for your trip.
• Then go on the internet and find local fly shops in
that area. They usually have fly fishing reports,
that go over what’s been working, and the hot
bugs that week.
• I would suggest purchasing your flies from those
fly shops. They depend on your business to
survive and it’s always awesome talking to people
that live there and love that particular river.
• I am also a huge fan of looking on the internet
and finding out what hatches are happening for
that certain type of year.
• You can also pick up rocks and look underneath
them. It is fun to see the natural insects and try to
find something in your box to mimic what you are
finding.
• The most important thing I believe, besides
having a fly that is prevalent in the area you are
fishing, is to have a great presentation. Meaning a
drag free drift and finding the correct water
column the fish are holding in.

12. How do I carry all my fly fishing gear with me on
the water?
• So one of the biggest advantages to great fly
fisherman is their organizational skills.
• Let’s face it, if you’re not organized, how are you
going to know what you have and where it is.
• There are several bags I recommend and several
companies I recommend.
• I suggest bags from Simms, Fishpond and
Patagonia. All these companies provide
exceptional products to carry your essential fly
fishing items in.
• So let me show you my favorite
products on the market right now in
no specific order. Then you will have
some fun picking one out that suites
you.
• Patagonia’s Stealth Atom Sling
•Fishpond’s westwater
guide lumbar pack.
•Simm’s Headwaters guide hip pack
•Remember there are plenty more to
choose from but these ones are
pretty amazing.
•A simpler way to carry the bare
necessities is a guide necklace
•Dr. Slick Elastic Necklace
•Just make sure you find a system
that best fits your fishing style.

13. Choosing the right net or nets
• Choosing a net really depends on what kind
of fishing you do most. That is why I have
several nets.
• When your fishing from the boat it’s nice to
have a net with a long shaft and a big
bucket.
• Any net you get, should be a rubber lining
net. It’s better for the fish and doesn’t get
your flies all tangled in it.
• If you’re mostly wading I would suggest a
smaller net that can attach to your waders or
fly fishing bag
• I am in love with the nomad nets right now
from fishpond.
• Here are your different choices.
• My favorite boat net is the Nomad Boat Net
• My favorite wading net is the
Nomad Hand Net
• A great accessory to your wading net is a
wading magnetic net release + 5 lbs of pull
• No matter what pick out a net with a rubber
lining and you will be more than happy.

14. Choosing the right Camera
• It takes a lot of time and energy to catch fish and it’s really nice having a great camera to capture that fish
you just caught or that beautiful scenery.
• So let me go over some things that might help you in choosing the right camera for you.
• Okay, so first option and one that is the most convenient. Most Cell phones now a days actually capture
really good images. There is only one problem! We usually use our camera in places with water and lots of
it. So first thing is to purchase a life proof camera case! It’s waterproof and doesn’t effect the images.
• Second option is a water proof camera. You wouldn’t believe the amount of options you have now a days.
Click this for a list of the top 10: Top 10 waterproof cameras for 2014
• It’s way more expensive but I love using my wife’s canon 5d mark iii. I then attach several of my favorite
lenses on it. Like the macro lense for close ups of the fish and then the 24-70 for a little of everything.
• Also, I would highly suggest the canon g15. It is small and compact and the pictures are outstanding.

15. Polorized Sunglasses
• Polarized glasses in my opinion are the most important thing you
can purchase.
• First and most important, it protects your eyes from hooks.
• Second, it saves your eyes from harmful sun rays
• Third, it let’s you see fish in the river, by taking the glare off the
water.
• Make sure you get some that fit your face correctly. Your glasses
should be very comfortable and make sure to wear some type of
croakies! It’s never fun losing your glasses in the river when you
bend down!
•There are a lot of different
companies that make great
polarized sunglasses.
• I would suggest going to your
local fly shop or going
somewhere that carries lots of
options for you to try on.
•Here are some of my favorite
brands and styles
•Smith Optics and the
Dockside style
•Maui Jim’s and the canoe’s
•Oakley’s and the crankshaft
•Costa Del Mar and the Cut
•Here are just a couple that I
really like but remember to get
ones that fit your head and
that are comfortable.

16. Wading Boots
• Wading boots come in all different styles and prices.
• Just remember you’ll need bigger boots than your normal
size when wearing waders with your boots.
• Check your local regulations and see what kind of soles
you can have. There are some areas that don’t allow felt.
• There are normal lace up style boots and a new system
called the boa system, which is my favorite.
• Go to your local fly shop and make sure to try on boots
before you purchase them. All boots feel a little different
and you want to make sure you get the right size.
•Here is a list of my favorite
boots made by different
companies.
•Simms G4 Boa Boot
•Korkers Devils Canyon
•Patagonia’s ultra light wading boot •For Saltwater
neoprene flats booties
•Remember with your
boots get a good pair of
socks.
•I prefer anything with
merino wool.

17. Waders
• Good waders will be your best friend.
• This is something you shouldn’t go too
cheap on. There is nothing worse on a
fishing day then being cold and wet.
• There are so many choices for waders
now a days.
• There are specific ones for men,
women and even kids.
• Choose the style you like and go
fishing!
•Here is a list of my favorite guy waders in no
particular order
•Patagonia’s Men’s Rio Gallegos Zip-Front Waders
•Simms Waders and I love the G4Z stocking foot
•Orvis Silver Sonic Waders
•Redington Waders and my favorite are sonicdryfly
•Here is a list of the women’s wader in no
particular order
•Simms G3 guide stock foot
•Patagonia’s women’s spring river waders
•Redington Siren wader
•Orvis women’s silver sonic waders

18. Accessories
• There are so many accessories for your fly fishing
experience but I will list my favorites.
•Loon floatant. It keeps your flies up and floating good.
•Loon Henry’s sinket This gets your fies down and fast
•Loon nipper. Any nipper will do but this is my favorite.
•Forceps. This is to pinch down barbs, get hooks out
of fish and smash weights.
•Dual Zingers. These are tools to put your forceps,
nippers and other accessories on.
•Tippet Stack. You will need something to stack all of
your tippet on and this is perfect.
•Tippet holder. This is another tool to help with your tippet
•Leader Wallet. This is great to carry all your different size
leaders.
•Titan Rod Vaults. This is to carry your rod from one place
to another without having to break them down.
•ThingamaBobber. This is a great indicator to use when
nymping.
•Weights. Fly fishing weights are crucial in finding the
correct water column the fish are feeding in that particular
day. Bring all different sizes.
•Knife. A knife is always a must on the river.
•A sweet hat and a buff to protect you from the sun.

19. I sure hope this helps you out and
thanks for all the support and love I
get everyday from all of you.
I love helping out in anyway possible and if you
have any questions please contact me anytime.
Happy fishing and remember to help someone
else out on the river someday!