Let’s not kid ourselves or anyone else. Fly fishing is expensive.
It doesn’t have to be… but it often is. You can get by with only the essentials… but most of us want a few more odds and ends to make it easier or more fun.
That doesn’t mean that you need top of the line everything. There are some things that are worth a few extra dollars. Usually, upgrading some of the most important and helpful gear is going to cost you less than the tank of gas for your next fishing trip.
Take a good look at this picture. What would you SPEND on and what would you SAVE on?!?
Here’s my take on three items worth spending a little more for, and three things that you don’t have to break the bank on for quality fly fishing:
Spend: Fly Line
The cheapest and quickest way to improve a good* cast is by getting better fly line. A better rod will set you back hundreds and hundreds of dollars. The best fly lines out there will only add another $50 to your bill. You’ll be able to find the taper that closely fits your fishing and casting preferences within the premium lines’ catalogs. These lines are also going to be more durable, meaning you’ll be casting better longer.
*Notice I said “good cast” – there is no way to buy yourself into skill! Practice, practice, practice.
Save: Fly Boxes
If it fits the flies you need and it fits inside whatever you’re carrying: it is good. Some of the absolute best fly boxes are bought in the sporting goods aisles for under five bucks. There are a lot of great boxes out there with all sorts of bells and whistles. At the end of the day, all you need is a space that can hold your flies and hold them securely.
Spend: Wading Boots
After a long day of fly fishing, the one piece of gear that will pay off more than anything else is your wading boots. Sore feet, knees, and backs translate into a lack of focus and even bad fishing. Plus, you can go from “any old wading shoe” to the best wading shoes for about $75. If you are logging a lot of river miles, fighting uneven surfaces, or have mobility issues, good wading boots are definitely worth investing in.
Save: Waders
All you need is something that keeps you dry, comfortably. High-end waders really boast some spectacular technology. But with the exception of anglers who are especially hard on their clothes, all decent waders are going to perform very well in the one arena that matters. The top name brands’ bottom shelf waders are going to keep you dry.
Spend: Sunglasses
Sunglasses are about so much more than style. Polarized sunglasses are about so much more than seeing fish. A good, clear pair of shades will protect your eyes from flies and glare. They’ll help you navigate river bottoms. They’ll help you see where fish should or could be – even when you can’t see the fish. You want clarity and comfort so you can keep them on your face all day. Spending a little more (and taking a little bit of care) makes sense when you’re wanting to fully utilize your sense of sight.
Save: Nets
As long as the bag is fish-friendly, you can use anything. Fancy nets are fancy. But most of us end up just unhooking fish in the water, anyway. You don’t need fancy for that.
If you want to hear my run through my opinion on some other products, listen to this episode of the Casting Across Fly Fishing Podcast.
Do you have an opinion on what fly fishing gear is worth spending or saving? Leave a comment below or let me know at matthew@castingacross.com