Fly fishing outfits

Fly Fishing Outfits

Its the time of the year when avid fishermen are reviewing their gear for the upcoming season. Every fly fisherman has at one time or another experience the frustration of being on the water with the wrong type of line on the fly outfit. Either the fish are rising like crazy and the line is a fast sinking line or there is nary a rise and the fish are busy bottom feeding and you are stuck with a dry line on the rod.

If you are alone on a boat you can use two rods with different lines to fish at different levels. However if you are fishing from shore or there are other fishermen in the boat or canoe you are restricted to using one line. One outfit is also much easier to back into those out of the way fishing holes. There are three solutions each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

The multi tip system is perhaps the lightest and cheapest way to go. This system uses a main line with four interchangeable tips about five metres in length. You have the choice of a floating tip, slow sinking, medium sinking and a fast sinking tip. Each tip has a loop on the butt end which attaches to the loop on the end of the main line. Sitting in a canoe it is not all that easy threading this five metre length and the two to three metre leader through the loop on the line to join the two pieces. One other problem is that sometimes the connection does not slip easily through the rod tip. The system is relatively cheap and light, but not exceptionally easy to use.

The next system I looked into seems to be ideal. One reel with four separate spools or cartridges each with a different type of line. This cartridge system is a little heavier that the interchangeable tips system, but is much easier to use. I even have a fly on each cartridge so all I have to do is change cartridge and thread the rod. If you consider this option check out the ease of changing cartridges. Remember that cold fingers are not as nimble so if in doubt perhaps you should consider the last option.

One fly reel for every fly line in your arsenal is a bit bulkier but likely easier to change in the field than the cartridges. Just remember to keep the reel seat in good working condition. Last fall I attempted to change a reel on an older rod and in the struggle so loosen it the seat broke the base of the reel.

Rods and reels are designed for specific weights of lines so be sure to match you outfit. Generally the lighter the weight the less effort required in casting, but the larger the fish you are after the heavier line you want to use. Line weights from 4 to 7 are the normal range for fresh water fishing, but for bass the recommended weights are from 7 to 9. I settled on a 8 weight outfit which is a bit heavy for Panfish and trout, but should be heavy enough for even steelhead fishing. Large flies and plugs require heavier lines.

Longer rod lengths are great on open water but a shorter rod is better for small bodies of water such as creeks and beaver dams. Two piece rods can be difficult to transport in a crowded vehicle, as I quickly found out. Three piece outfits still have good action and are easier to store while travelling. If you plan on back packing however a four piece rod fits into a pack and is less likely to catch on the brush. Keeping all your rods the same weight means all you have to do is change spools and you are ready to go fishing.

Now is the time for fine tuning your equipment for some great fishing in the coming season.