To Buy or Not to Buy

Breaking down the fishing-gear basics—without breaking the bank.

Like all of our favorite outdoor pursuits, fly fishing is a “gear sport.” Step into any fly shop, and you’re sure to find various gizmos and gadgets with hefty price tags that would make anyone balk at the idea of taking up fishing in the first place. We’re talking $800 waders, $1,000 rods, $1,500 reels—and that’s before you even get set up with a net, a handful of flies, and a cooler of beer.

With all this fancy stuff, it’s easy to get ahead of oneself. But fear not, young grasshopper. We’ve run this gauntlet ourselves, and we’re gonna set you straight so you can start ripping lips without taking out a second mortgage or donating your blood and plasma.

When starting out, make do with what you have and what you can afford.

Obviously, you’re gonna need a rod and reel. Most fly shops carry an entry-level version of each, but if you can’t find something in your price range, check the second-hand stores and pawn shops. Keep an eye out for a combo setup, which can save you a few bucks.

From there, you’ll need to get floating line, tippet, and a handful of flies. Talk with your local fly shop about where you plan to go and when. Find an inexpensive fly box or just use an empty Zyn or Copenhagen container. The latter could earn you some social credit with the old timers; the former, not so much.

Folks won’t judge you for fishing on a budget, but they might if you’re fully “kitted out” with no clue of how to catch a fish.

Reasonably priced waders and boots can easily be found at second-hand stores and pawn shops. However, you can also just slip on your sandals and wet-wade once water temps come up.

When starting out, make do with what you have and what you can afford. Fingernail clippers cut line just as well as anything you’ll find in the fly shop; you can pull a hook out just fine with basic needle-nose pliers; and cheap nets can land fish just as well as expensive ones.

Most of all, remember that the river is not a runway. Folks won’t judge you for fishing on a budget, but they might if you’re fully “kitted out” with no clue of how to catch a fish. Don’t put the cart before the horse; leave the fancy hip bags and rooftop rod boxes to those with more than a handful of seasons under their belts. You’ll catch fish either way.