As we approach the start of a new year, we hope you’ve enjoyed the holidays. We know that many of you are the proud owners of a new fly rod and reel. Now you might be wondering, “What comes next?”
Along with the rod and reel, there are a few essentials – like basic tackle items – that you’ll need to be successful on the water. Here’s a quick look at what we’d recommend thinking about next to complete your fly fishing kit…
Fishing License
The first thing you’ll need is a valid fishing license! Be sure to check the regulations for your home state or province. If you’re fishing here in Colorado, you can purchase a license online from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or you can stop by the fly shop and we will help you take care of it.
Fly Line
Along with any new fly rod and reel, this is one of the first things you’ll need to think about. If you are new to fly fishing, it’s important to know that you are actually casting the fly line – not the lure. Therefore, matching a fly line to your rod and to your style of fishing is very important.
For example, you’ll need a fly line that matches the line weight of your fly rod. Got a new 5-weight fly rod? You’ll be looking for a 5-weight fly line. But even within the line weight category, you’ll discover there are a myriad of different options. From warmwater bass lines to a variety of trout lines, there are fly lines to fit any style of fly fishing.
Here at Anglers All, we are proud of what we call our “Linebrary”, a comprehensive selection of fly line options from RIO, Scientific Anglers and Airflo. You can browse our fly lines here. But please don’t hesitate to ask for help. We are experts in matching a fly line to the rod and to your specific fly fishing needs. Stop by the fly shop or give us a call at 303-794-1104 for help.
Leader and Tippet
Leader and tippet are among those essential tackle items that you’ll need to get started. Like fly lines, leaders and tippet come in a variety of sizes and applications for different fishing situations.
You can shop for leaders and tippet here. But again, please feel free to ask for help. We’re here to make sure you have the right leader and tippet for your specific setup. Come visit us at the fly shop. Or give us a call at 303-794-1104.
Strike Indicators
If trout fishing is your primary target, strike indicators are one of those ‘must-have’ items. Especially here in Colorado on many of our popular tailwaters, this is something that should be in your kit at all times.
You can find our selection of indicators here. But like so many things in fly fishing, the options might seem overwhelming at first. We can help you narrow down the choices to something that fits your needs. If you stop by the shop or give us a call, we can walk you through indicators and what you need to know to get started.
Weights
Right along with indicators, weights are another essential fly tackle item for trout anglers. Ask any of our crewmembers here at the fly shop, and they will explain that depth is critical to success. And weights are key to achieving the right depth.
Check out our selection of weights here. But if you need advice on weights, or the pros and cons of the different options, please ask us. We’d be happy to help you find the right fit for your setup.
Nippers
No matter where you fish or for what species, nippers are a critical tool for rigging. Don’t you dare tell your dentist that you’ve been using your teeth to cut line.
Nippers come in a variety of styles and price points for everyone. From inexpensive line clippers to American-made tools with high quality, replaceable blades that will last a lifetime, we carry all the options. Check out our selection of nippers here.
Forceps or Pliers
Along with your nippers, every angler should have a pair of forceps or pliers. You might also hear anglers refer to these as hemostats or ‘hemos’ for short. No matter what you call them, it’s an important part of your toolkit, useful for rigging, unhooking, and safely releasing fish.
We carry a variety of forceps and pliers for both freshwater and saltwater applications. You can browse those options here. And of course, please let us know if you have any questions.
Flies
This might be one of those, ‘duh’ items. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it. After all, you can’t catch a fish if you don’t have a fly in the water. As of our last fly inventory count, we’ve got more than 88,000 flies here in the shop. That includes freshwater, saltwater, bass, steelhead, carp, and just about any other type of fly you could dream of.
You can shop flies here. Or check out our Custom Fly Selections to pick from specific Colorado waters and the time of year that you will be fishing. Have questions? We are here to help! Stop by the fly shop or give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we will help you pick out the right flies for your situation.
Fly Box
When you need somewhere to keep all those flies, we have a variety of fly boxes and storage options available. Whether you need a solution for tiny midges or big articulated streamers, we’ve got you covered. Check out our inventory of fly boxes here.
Landing Net
In order to successfully land fish and then to release them safely, every angler needs some sort of landing net. Whether you are wading, fishing from a boat, kayak or float tube, nets are available that meet a variety of needs. We also carry replacement bags and accessories that will extend the life of your net. You’ll find our selection of landing nets and accessories here.
Fishing Pack or Vest
Finally, you will need some way to carry your tackle, tools, and flies. And the options are as varied as the many anglers who use them. We carry traditional fishing vests, hip packs, sling packs, chest packs, backpacks and lanyards. There is no right or wrong way to carry your fishing gear. In large part, it comes down to personal preference and what you need to carry for a day on the water.
You can start by looking through our fishing vests and packs here. But ultimately, you might want to stop by the fly shop and try them on for yourself. If you’re in the Denver area or along the Front Range, stop by the fly shop. Otherwise, give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we can talk you through the different options.
Sunglasses
A pair of polarized sunglasses are absolutely a ‘must-have’ item for any type of fly fishing. Polarized glasses help cut the glare on the water making it possible to spot fish. But much more importantly, they are critical for safety. We personally know people who have taken a hook to the eye – and it’s not good. A pair of sunglasses is easy insurance to keep you out of the ER. And they will protect your eyes from harmful glare and UV rays.
Check out our selection of sunglasses here and stop by the fly shop to try them on.
Waders and Footwear
To make the most of your fishing adventures, solid waders and footwear will keep you comfortable and safe on the water. Depending on when and where you fish, wet wading (going wet without waders) may be a good option. But in many cases, having a reliable pair of waders to keep you dry is essential.
You can begin your search by looking at our inventory of waders here and footwear options here. If you are in the area, we highly recommend stopping by the fly shop so that we can help you find the right fit.
Please Reach Out with Questions
Have questions or need help? We are here for you. Visit us at the fly shop and boathouse. Or call us at 303-794-1104. We’d be happy to help you get started and enjoy a successful day out on the water.
