Fly anglers don’t actually need many accessories. Here’s the gear that matters

THE MAYBES

These items are helpful, depending on where you’re fishing, how long you expect to be on the water, and whether you tend to change techniques during the day.

WEIGHT Tiny splitshot, putty-type mouldable weights or a couple of sinking leaders will get your fly down to the fish.

LEADER ORGANIZER Among the few gadgets I use are frame or lanyard arrangements to keep my spools of mono handy, and all in one place.

PACK OR BAG If your pockets can’t accommodate your gear, a comfortable option is a waist, shoulder or sling pack, which can also carry a raincoat and water bottle. Purpose-built fly bags are wonderful, but regular ones work just fine.

WADING STAFF If you’re at all unsteady on your pins, a staff helps you traverse slippery, uneven rock, and probe the streambed. After 30 years of pretty regularly stumbling into holes, I got a light, collapsible staff, something I should have done much sooner.