What Do You Really Need to Get Started Fly Fishing

Do a quick search for "get started fly fishing" and you're likely to find over 1,400,000 results.  Then read the top five or six of these fly fishing results.  If you've never ever before done any fly fishing, all the advise and information could be a bit intimidating.  It could completely turn you off from ever fly fishing or even wanting to go fly fishing!  Honestly, I don't know why well-intentioned people want to make the whole fly fishing thing so complicated and intimidating.  Yes, there can be a crazy, wild mystique to fly fishing.  Yes, it can appear complicated and difficult.  Yes, on your first outing, it can actually feel like a total disaster or as one buddy shared, "a royal cluster-fxxk."

I'm hoping to convince you to put all of that aside and give fly fishing a shot.  True fly fishing affectionados might spend a small fortune on the trip of a lifetime to the world's best fly fishing spot.  Or they might come close to spending that fortune on fly fishing equipment and gear.  But it's not essential.  I'm convinced that the #1 essential for getting started fly fishing is a desire -- your desire -- to learn fly fishing.  That's it!

A close second is your refusal to be intimidated or thwarted by all the high-brow, look-down-their-nose-know-it-alls who might be trying to prove something.  A person who genuinely loves fly fishing is typically delighted to share their wisdom and knowledge with someone who is sincere and wants to learn.

Essential Fly Fishing Gear

No matter what anyone tells you, you really only NEED the following things to go fly fishing right now:

• Rod
• Reel
• Line & Leaders
• Flies

Oh, I know.  Many an aspiring fly fisherman (male or female) will think that they've got to purchase ALL the perfect gear in multiples to get on the water and start fly fishing their very first time.  NOT SO!  Truth be told, you can even rent the essential gear from a local outfitter.  And that's something that I do recommend to people just getting started.

Fly Fishing Fun

Chances are you're wanting to take up fly fishing for a number of different reasons.  Everyone has their own whether it be for relaxation, enjoyment of the outdoors, the challenge, the thrill, the beauty of majestic scenery, and even a sense that you feel closer to God.  Whatever YOUR reason, fly fishing should be FUN.

A side note that you don't want to forget that can make fly fishing NOT FUN is don't forget your local fishing license.  Yep, I learned the hard way.  Game wardens do regularly patrol fly fishing hot spots and they do issue citations (aka tickets).  These fish and wildlife police have some pretty amazing authority to not only issue you a fine often exceeding $100 just for fishing without a license, but even seizure of your equipment.  When you're really into fly fishing, you could have $300+ reels.  So, don't risk it.  I've known people that have fished numerous times in a year and never been searched.  I also know people who have been searched twice in the same day.  And all the polite talk from the game warden doesn't mean you're off the hook (pun intended).  You're likely to still get a ticket if you don't have your local license.

Okay, I've said a lot but let me boil it all down to just a few things.  You wanna learn fly fishing?  Don't spend a bunch of time attempting to be the perfect fly fisherman with all the perfect equipment BEFORE you ever step set out the first time to actually DO some fly fishing.  GET OUT THERE AND ACTUALLY DO SOME FLY FISHING!  It doesn't matter what equipment you've got as long as you've got the essentials and a desire to learn.  Do this and you'll then be primed to get the coaching and help, whether in person, via books, or online, that will help you truly enjoy this outdoor activity.

Fly Fishing Lessons - Part 1

One site I really like that can give you a wealth of background knowledge without you being sold a bunch of stuff is Wikipedia.  Click on fly fishing to read their terrific article and see some super pictures.