Fishing can be a very expensive hobby; as a beginner, I don’t really want to be shelling out big money. The amount of gear I have compared to my husband’s is pretty minimal…but then again sometimes I ‘“shop” out of his stockpile. For me, fly fishing is more about getting outside and spending time with my husband while exploring the Forestry Trunk Road. I did my first float on the Bow River between McKinnon Flats and Jensen’s in Calgary last summer and my goodness; what a beautiful ride!
What equipment am I carrying in my waist pack??
Fly Rod & Reel
Fly Line
Leaders
Backing
Tippet
Waders
Wading Boots
Polarized Sunglasses
Buff
Wading Stick
Net
Fly Floatant
Strike Indicators
Fly Case with Assorted Flies
Forceps
Fish Nippers
-Bear Bell & Spray
There are TONS of other products and items available of course, but right now, I don’t need it. If you are just starting out and want to minimize costs you can forgo the waders and boots (I did my first year; however, spending the day being wet and cold in mountain streams wasn’t the greatest).
Great places to gear up…
–The Fishin’ Hole
–Orvis
**But don’t discount the little fly shops in small towns and backcountry areas; they are hidden gems and also carry flies and other equipment that works best in that location!
Best Brands…
–Rio
–Reddington
–Fishpond