6 Fly Fishing Tackle Box Essentials

Fly fishing tackle includes rods, reels, line, flies and accessories The two most important pieces of tackle in fly fishing are the fly rod and reel. Fly rods are available in a variety of materials, including bamboo and graphite. They range in size from ultra-light to heavy. Reels are also made in different size and shapes and with mechanical drag systems. The drag systems are added to help in reel performance and fishing line control.

1 - Fly Rods

Fly rods come in many weights, lengths and actions. The fly rod is designed to cast the fly to a precise target in order to catch a fish. Lighter weight rods are designed to catch smaller fish, and heavier weight rods are designed to catch larger fish. Rods range in length from seven to more than ten feet. Shorter rods are used for casting short distances, and longer rods are used for casting longer distances. Rods are made in several parts so that they can be disassembled and reassembled easily when they are transported. The rod action indicates where the rod flexes when weight or pressure is applied to it. There are three action types: slow, medium, and fast. Slow action rods bend near the reel. Medium action rods bend near the center of the rod. Fast action rods bend at the end part of the rod. 

2 - Fly Reels

Fly reels are available in a variety of materials, including graphite, bamboo and titanium. The most common material is aluminum. The reel is made up of the ball bearings, the gears, the drag and the arbor. Teflon and cork drags work the best. The drag allows the angler to apply constant pressure on the fish without breaking the line. The fishing line is wrapped around arbor inside the reel. Larger arbors make it easier to control and reel in the line without it becoming tangled. 

3 - Fly Line

Fly fishing rods are chosen to match the weight of the fishing line being used. The recommended fly line weight is generally marked on the rods. Rods marked with a one match the one weight fishing line. These fly fishing rods and lines are the lightest ones available. The weights of the rods and lines increase to the sixteen weight. The lower the weight, the smaller the fish being caught and the higher the weight the larger the fish being caught. Generally, there are three or four types of lines used on a specific fly reel. Backing is connected to the arbor with a knot. It is also attached to the fly line. The thick fly line comes in colors like orange, yellow and green. It helps the angler to control long and accurate casts. A leader is used to tie the fly line to a tippet, which is then connected to the fly. 

4 - Tippets

A tippet is a shorter and thinner piece of line than the leader. The tippet is tied to the leader with a small yet strong knot. The surgeon's knot is usually used. The diameter of the tippet corresponds to the size of the fly being used.

5 - Leaders

The weight of the fly line enables the fly to be cast, but they are too thick for attaching a hook. A leader is attached instead. Leaders are tapered and vary in length depending on the casting skill and fishing experience. Generally, they range in length from seven to ten feet

6 - Flies

Fly fishing flies lure the fish being caught by imitating the foods eaten by a variety of fish. The flies mimic the both the appearance and movement of the insect eaten by the fish. Patterns is another term used by anglers to describe the flies. The pattern an angler uses depends on the current weather, the condition of the water and the type of fish. There are five main types of flies: wet flies, dry flies, streamers, nymphs and terrestrials.