Getting the right gear is crucial to your fly fishing experience. You’ll need a few essential items, like:
Some rods have a rod weight, indicating the type of fish they are suitable for. However, this is only sometimes accurate.
Another essential piece of equipment is your outerwear. There are a variety of different options to choose from, such as:
1. Variety
If you want to start fly fishing, you only need a few essential pieces of gear to get created. A fly rod, a reel, some line (backing, fly line, leader, and tippet), and some flies.
When you shop for these items online, you can often find deals and discounts that make them much cheaper than buying them in person at your local fly shop. Online shops also allow you to return your equipment if it doesn’t work for you, so you don’t have to feel stuck with something that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
Another advantage of online shopping for fly fishing gear is the vast selection available. While your local fly shop might have a couple of hundred options, many online shops carry thousands. For example, if you are looking for a fly that will match a specific insect in your river, you can find various options online.
This includes flies that mimic mayflies, caddis, and even beetles! Many of these flies are tied to be as realistic as possible, so you’ll have no problem finding the correct pattern for your next fishing trip.
2. Convenience
It’s no secret that fly fishing can be a relatively expensive hobby. While there are certain circles where that might be true, for the most part, you can find a good selection of top-shelf gear at reasonable prices.
One of the best things about buying fly fishing equipment online is that you have an infinite number of options to choose from. Online fly shops like Orvis tend to have a much more extensive inventory than their physical counterparts, meaning a more excellent selection at a lower price.
Likewise, many online retailers will offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, saving you significant money on your order. Many of these deals are available around the holidays and throughout the summer, which is a great way to stock up on your gear before you head out for the season.
It’s also worth noting that most reputable online fly retailers will sell rods and reels together, which can be a great way to get all the gear you need at a low cost. Additionally, many of these companies offer warranties on their equipment to give you added peace of mind that your purchase will last a long time.
3. Reliability
The best fly fishing gear can make all the difference, from quick trips to the local stream after work to weeklong backpacking adventures. But high-end rods and reels don’t come cheap. And while many retailers offer packages that can save you a bundle, it’s not uncommon to see prices range for a single rod.
In addition to the main line, a fly fisher will need a leader and tippet. A leader is a long (typically 9 feet) piece of explicit material that connects the fly line to the tippet. Leaders usually start at a reasonably heavy weight and then taper down in thickness to the end.
Most online fly shops carry thousands of flies, compared to the few hundred in a retail store. In addition, if you don’t see a fly you like, most online stores allow you to return or exchange it for something else. While some of these policies may have a bit of fine print, most are very friendly and fair. This is great for beginners who don’t want to waste money on a fly that doesn’t work out.
4. Time-Saving
Buying fly fishing gear online saves you time in the store. You don’t have to walk through rows and racks of seemingly identical rods, looking for the perfect one for your skill level. Online stores are much more selective, focusing on high-quality, beginner-friendly gear that you can get into.
Another great advantage of buying your gear online is finding used or slightly damaged items at a reduced price. Some manufacturers allow online retailers to sell products that would be rejected in a physical storefront, such as somewhat bent or scratched rods and reels. This can save you a lot of money, especially regarding expensive gear.
Lastly, you can save even more by purchasing your fly fishing equipment from an online retailer that allows you to use rewards points. This can be a huge benefit, as you’ll often earn more than enough to buy a new rod or other gear with just a few months of regular purchases. Be sure to keep your rewards card in good standing, though. You’ll lose all your accumulated points if you don’t pay it off each month.
5. Savings
There is a common misconception that fly fishing is an expensive hobby. And, sure, it can be if you buy top-shelf gear, but there are also plenty of affordable options for beginners.
Some online shops offer discounts on purchases of a certain quantity of flies. Other companies offer military discounts on all their products for active and retired US Armed Forces members, including fly fishing gear.
Another way to save is by using a rewards credit card. If you use your card wisely — paying it off every month and not just buying things you don’t need — you can rack up points that can eventually be worth a free rod or other equipment.
Finally, if you’re a member, you can get a free fly rod from them by signing up as a life member online. You’ll support, which does excellent work to help protect our streams, and you’ll also be eligible for their annual promotions.