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

THE FRILLS

These items are so strongly identified with fly angling, it’s easy to assume they’re must-haves. I consider myself a pretty serious fly fisherman, however, and did without them for decades.

CHEST WADERS I got my first set of stocking-foot chest waders and wading boots in 2021. Before that, I occasionally borrowed waders, but most of the time I got by easily with a $50 set of hip boots. If you mostly fish smaller rivers, there’s a good chance you can do the same. At the very least, don’t drop a grand on wading gear until you’re experienced enough to know what you need.

LANDING NET I like landing my catch, but not enough to lug around a net all day—then fumble the fish anyway while trying to get the net out.

VEST Setting aside fashion concerns, vests are ill-suited to carry anything bigger than a fly box. They can also hamper casting, especially if your upper body is already bulky. Plus, the tabs and rings tend to grab your fly line. I like gear behind my back, where it’s handy, but out of the way. Sizing is also a problem. A vest that comfortably fits over a shirt will be too small when you put on a fleece or raincoat, and vice versa.

PREMIUM RODS & REELS Today’s affordable fly rods and reels perform more than well enough for 90 per cent of the fly fishing you’re likely to encounter in this country. (Here I’m talking about gear from legit fly brands, not sketchy Amazon-only sellers.) And moving up a step or two, the mid-tier tackle I mostly use these days gives away nothing to gear that costs three times as much. It’s just not as pretty. If you’re prepared to spend money to become a better fly angler, use it take some casting lessons and go fishing. Experience always trumps tackle.