This is a blog about fly fishing. I have been fly fishing for a few years and have learned some things I would like to share with you. I will talk about the less is more philosophy regarding fly fishing. You don’t need all the latest gear to enjoy this hobby, but if you are new, it can be helpful to have some basic equipment. The less gear you have, the better your experience will be.
The best thing about fly fishing is the simplicity
You don’t need to know how to fly fish. You don’t need a special rod or reel, you don’t need to learn complicated knots, and you don’t have to carry around a tackle box full of fishing lures. You only need a simple rod, some line, and a fly. Oh, and maybe some waders if you’re standing in the water for extended periods (although waders are unnecessary).
The best way to learn how to fly fish is by going out with someone with experience and learning from them. If this sounds like something that interests you, then maybe it’s time for you to try it! There are plenty of experienced fly-fishermen out there willing to share their knowledge with anyone who asks.
You don’t need that six-weight rod
Don’t get me wrong; I love a good six-weight. I used that when I started as a kid, and it worked great! The ability to easily cast a dry fly is a real treat, but it’s not necessary for most fishing situations. If you’re new to fly fishing and want to learn how to fish without spending much money on gear, you should start with a four- or 5-weight rod. If you’re going to fish the local lake or pond and look for easy targets like bluegills or bass, then the four-weight will do just fine.
I’ve been thinking about this recently because I’ve been watching my friend John Cichowski getting into fly fishing. He owns some expensive rods, but they’re all eight weights which are great for big water but not so much for smaller streams or ponds where accuracy matters more than distance casting ability. John asked me about this recently, and we had a long conversation about what he should buy first to get started in fly fishing (without spending too much money).
You don’t need those $150 waders
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fly fisherman, expensive waders are a waste of money. Spending more than $50 on waders is probably the worst thing you can do for your fly fishing career.
Fly fishing is not about spending as much money as possible; it’s about buying what you need and getting out there to fish. If you’re starting, you can spend $20-30 on some cheap waders at Walmart and get just as good of results as someone who spends $150 on high-end gear. You don’t need to know how to fly fish before buying those expensive waders—you need to be willing to learn how!
You don’t need those $400 boots
I know you want them. I’m not saying it’s not worth getting a pair of great boots that fit you well and are comfortable and waterproof. But you don’t need them. You can get by with a cheap pair of rubber boots (like these) until you’re ready to invest in a good pair.
Here’s the thing: fly fishing is less about what gear you use and more about how you use it. You don’t need those $400 boots because they don’t make your casting any better; they don’t make your line go farther; they don’t help you hook more fish or catch more trout or salmon. All those things will happen because of practice—not because of the price tag on your booties.
You don’t need that $50 fly box
You don’t even need a fly box at all. You can save a lot of money and catch fish by keeping your flies in a small container or pocket. This is because most fish are so hungry that they won’t care if your fly is in the shape of a hook, a piece of candy, or an old sandwich. The purpose of a fly box is to keep your flies organized so that you can get them out quickly and easily while on the water. However, many anglers don’t use them at all—and they do just fine!
You’ll find that many seasoned fly fishermen have found ways to keep their flies organized without using a special box. Some will use old cigar boxes, while others will take some time to make their wooden boxes with compartments for each type of fly they have. Some will even carry small plastic containers with their favorite lures pre-packed inside! It’s really up to you what kind of system works best for you, but as long as it’s easy for you to access and retrieve your flies quickly, there’s no reason you can’t do just fine without spending any money!
You don’t need a flight to Montana
So when we say you don’t need to go there to fly fish, we don’t mean that at all! What we mean is: that if you have never been to Montana before and want to start fly fishing, there are plenty of places nearby where you can practice the art form without traveling across the country.
You don’t need to know how to cast like Lefty Kreh or Mel Krieger
I know you’re thinking: “But I want to learn how to cast like Lefty Kreh and Mel Krieger.” And we’re not saying that you have nothing to learn from some of the best casters in the world. But what I’m saying is that you don’t need to be able to do it all to have fun fly fishing. The best way to learn how to fly fish is by getting out there and doing it. You’ll find that after just a few trips out with an experienced guide, you’ll get comfortable with your casting style and discover what works best for you. And then it will be time for you to practice on your own!
Fish as much as you can, but enjoying the experience is also important
When it comes down to it, one of the best ways to enjoy your time on the river is by just relaxing and letting the day unfold in front of you. The less is more philosophy can be applied to many things, including fly fishing. You don’t need to know how to fly fish! You also don’t have to worry about catching every fish that swims past you. It’s about slowing down, taking a deep breath, and enjoying the moment.
