If you're anything like me, waders are an integral part of your fishing repertoire. My favorite type of fishing is wade fishing in rivers and streams, and for that reason, fishing waders are integral to my fishing success. There are three main types of fishing waders available for anglers and they all seem to have their good and bad points. Choosing the proper kind for the type of wading you do is important. Mainly because being uncomfortable in your fishing waders means that you'll spend less time in the water, and that's no good for anyone. Below you will find the three most popular types of waders and what they have to offer.
Rubber Fishing Waders - Rubber fishing waders are the least expensive and least comfortable type of waders. If you don't fish very often and/or don't move from place to place much while fishing, rubber waders may be the best waders for you. It's also not a bad idea to keep a pair of rubber waders laying around for emergency situations.
Neoprene Fishing Waders - As far as cost is concerned neoprene fishing waders are right in the middle of the scale. You should be able to purchase a good pair for under $100. Neoprene waders are quite comfortable as well. The only downfall to neoprene waders is that they can be quite hot, when it's hot outside. They are wonderful in the winter however. If you're going to purchase your first decent pair of waders, I would go with neoprene. Neoprene fishing waders will give you a good feel as to how good waders work and perform. Neoprene fishing waders are quite durable as well, and will last you a long time.
Breathable Fishing Waders - On the cost scale breathable fishing waders are at the top. However, they are also at the top of the comfort scale. I personally use breathable fishing waders and wouldn't use any other type. A good pair of breathable fishing waders is like wearing a pair of Dockers. The comfort level is unmatched. Breathable waders aren't quite as durable as neoprene waders, but as long as you take care of them, they last a long time. I've had my current pair of breathable fishing waders for a little over 7 years, and they're still going strong.
Fishing waders come either with boots attached or with what's called a stocking foot. A stocking foot is simply a neoprene "bootie" that attached to the waders. Then wading boots are slipping into them just like normal shoes. Stocking foot and wading boots are ,by far, the most comfortable way to go. They are what I use, and I'll cover three or four miles in a fishing trip without ever sacrificing comfort at all. Again, if you don't cover a lot of distance while fishing, boot foot waders will work just fine. At the end of the day the type of fishing waders that you need have to do with the type of fishing you do and the amount of distance you normally cover while fishing.

If you're anything like me, you where a fishing vest to carry all of your fishing gear. If you do any walking during your fishing trip, a tackle box just doesn't cut it. So you need to wear a fishing vest. You can find them at any decent sporting goods store or of course on the internet. I believe this idea began with fly fishermen (or flea flickers as my mentor used to refer to them), but I'm not positive about that. In any case, it's a very convenient idea, and if flea flickers are the reason for it, god bless 'em.
So what do you need to carry in your fishing vest? Pretty much anything that you think you may need on a given fishing excursion. This will vary depending on the type of fish that you're fishing for, but there are some basics. I'll begin with them.
1) Weights and swivels - your going to need weights and swivels of various sizes. I keep them in empty film containers. They are a very convenient way to carry both weights and swivels.
2) Hooks - the same deal on this one, unless you know exactly what type you're going to use. The important thing is to have some back-ups.
3) Spinners/Spoons - your going to want a few small plastic boxes (that fit in the pockets of the vest). Then stock said boxes with spinners and spoons of varying sizes. Make sure you have at least 2 of each option that you choose to carry. Just think of Noah. If the fish are biting on a certain lure, and you get snagged and lose that lure, you'll be glad you have a back-up.
4) Stainless steel pliers or hemostats. This is obviously to remove hooks from the fish's mouth. When I trout fish, I prefer hemostats, but it's totally a preference thing. Just make sure that you carry one of the two.
5) A bait bag of some sort. This is the easiest way to carry live bait. You just hook it on your vest, and you're good to go. If you don't want to buy one from somewhere like JRWfishing.com, just read my other articles to find out how to make one.
6) Matches and/or a lighter in a Ziploc bag. You just never know when you might need a fire. Better safe than sorry.
7) A power bar of some sort. Just like the matches, better safe than sorry when you suddenly get hungry enough to eat a dead horse.
8) A small waterproof flashlight. Just like the previous two, better safe than sorry. If you're 2 miles from your vehicle and it's suddenly dark, you'll be glad you have a flashlight with you.
9) Nail clippers on a retractor. This way your clippers are always right there and ready to go. Your dentist will thank you as well. Dentists aren't too fond of fishermen biting their excess line.
10) A wader repair kit - You only need to pop a hole in your waders one time, when you're 2 miles from your truck and it's 40 degrees and raining outside to know that this ones true. Just take my word for it.
If you have at least these 10 things in your fishing vest, you should be safe and good to go. Of course, you may add things to your hearts desire, but these basics should get you through and make for a very safe and happy fishing trip.

Next to rods, fly lines have a significant part to fulfill for fly fishing enthusiasts. Without the proper fly line, there’s a probability that casting could turn out a disaster. But before we get to that, let’s take a look at the different components of a fly line.
We mentioned that casting has something to do with the line. Also, the size of the line determines how good casting could possibly become and not by the weight of the lure. This explains why the forms and sizes of the fly lines vary as well. Eventually, the importance and difference of the different forms and sizes of the lines is evident according to how it is used. Some lines are meant to sink and some to float. There are also lines which have a sinking tip though the main section of it floats.
Fly lines have different purposes. Lines could work in different types of environments such as fresh, salt water, cold and tropical temperatures. So if you are eyeing a specific type of water for fishing, ask for an advice first about which line works best.
In maintaining the good condition of your fly line, make sure that you take extra care the moment you start using it. Simple errors like stepping on the line, casting it without a leader and pinching it in between the spool and reel could greatly affect the safety during fishing. Not only that, damaging liquids like insect repellents or fuel can damage your line. Make sure your fly line is secured.
To make sure that your line always keep its good condition even when you’re certain that it hasn’t been exposed to damaging liquids or other reasons; clean your line regularly. You never know what else is in the water that your eyes can’t see, these microorganisms could be bad or good but if it’s bad, it means it isn’t clean and dirt can eventually cause your line to sink if it’s meant to float or vice versa.
Just be sure you regularly clean your fishing line by using cleaning pads. For an extra mild cleaning protection, avoid heavy detergents. Use a few drops of water with mild soap and wipe with damp cloth and you’re good to go.

Are you wanting to know more about fly fishing reels? Here is some basic information on reels that is sure to satisfy you until your next “casting call.”
Is heavier better?
No, not necessarily. In fact, oftentimes, light fly reels are more expensive and of higher quality. If two reels are the same in all other respects, go with the lighter one. That said, when choosing your fly fishing reel line weight, the most important thing to consider is the weight of your rod and of your line.
These three weights (reel, rod, and line) should be equal and balanced. When you are considering the “weight” of your fly reel, you are not considering how heavy it is, but how well balanced it would be with your rod and reel. When shopping for a good fly fishing set-up, first consider what sort of fish you will be fishing for, find the right weight line to catch them, and then but a rod and reel to match.
Does size really matter?
The larger your spool, the faster your line retrieval can be and the better line handling you will have. Also, you want your fly fishing reel to fit your hand comfortably.
Single and ready to mingle?
Single action fly fishing reels are the most common and also the simplest. For every crank of the handle, you will get one turn of the spool. Single action reels are very easy to maintain. Multiplier fly fishing reels, on the other hand, can retrieve your line faster because for every turn of the handle, you will get two or more turns of the spool. An automatic fly fishing reel is the easiest to use but the hardest to maintain. You simply need to flick a lever to retrieve your line.
Fly fishing is not a drag!
There are a few different types of drag systems that you can choose for your fly fishing reels. Why do you want drag? Because drag applies friction to the spool, helping you in your casting and landing of fish
Spring-and-pawl drag systems is very simple and very affordable. This is a good system for lighter fishing. Look for a spring-and-pawl system with a knob that can increase or decrease your drag tension.
Caliper drag systems are a little bit more expensive. A caliper pad pushes against the braking surface of the spool, creating drag, slowing the spool spin. Be sure that your caliper drag system comes with an exposes palming rim.
Disc drag systems. If you are wanting one of the best and most expensive types of fly fishing reels, then you can go with a disc drag system. With the disc drag, you get increased control and much efficiency. Most agree that if you are fishing for large, powerful, fighting fish, a drag system is best. It will give you the most control and the most consistent drag pressure.

Fly fishing is absolutely never complete without a fly fishing rod. A rod has several specifications and parts as well so before you decide on taking a splash for the fish you just can’t wait to get your hook in to, be sure you have an idea what your rod is really made of.
First, although fly rods have different shapes and sizes; some are longer, heavier or more colorful than the others, the different parts of a rod doesn’t change at all. The important part of the rod is referred to the rod blank. It is the central shaft of the rod and it’s where everything, where the rest of the rod is attached. Rod blanks is also called the tip and then the heavy section is called the butt. Generally, blanks are made of graphite but there are still other materials that can be used.
Next is the reel seat. This is located at the butt of the rod. The purpose of this is for the fly reel; the rings found on this part are meant to lock the reel and the foot in place. The material used for reel seats can be either graphite or metal. Then we have the rod handle. This is located just right above the reel seat. This part of the rod also varies in different sizes and shapes. You can find different materials for this one. For more expensive rods, the usual material used on this part is made of rubber. But for the usual cases, (rods that are less expensive) cork is the more common material.
And lastly, the rod guides. These are attached to the rod blank. The purpose is to “guide” the fly line through them. As always, this part of the fly fishing rod varies in shapes too. You’ll also notice that the first guide is identical to the ones found on conventional fishing rods. What they are referred to as well is stripping guides. For the rest of the rod, the wire used is thin and it’s usually addressed as snake guides. The last guide found at the tip of the rod is called the tip top.

Throughout the longstanding history of fly fishing, fisherman who practiced it - or anglers, as they are known - have always understood the importance of bringing skill, technique, and grace to the sport. But successful anglers have equally understood the comparable importance of superior equipment in order to be their most effective. And when it comes to fly fishing, some of the most important equipment is fly fishing flies - those small but significant items for which the sport is named.
The selection of fly fishing flies is extensive and is often broken down by wet and dry fly fishing. Fly fishing is considered “dry” when the fly is cast over the water. The angler works to make the fly dance above the water, hoping to attract the attention of the fish below it. Such fly fishing flies are designed to replicate mosquitoes and other insects to which the particular fish may be attracted. Fly fishing is considered “wet” when the fly fishing flies are actually submerged under the water - where their design allows them to sink to the bottom if necessary - in order to entice fish beneath the surface. The wet fly fishing flies are made with the use of soft hackling which gives them mobility below the water’s surface. In the case of wet fly fishing, often the angler will use multiple fly fishing flies at once in order to improve their chance of success.
Some anglers choose to design and construct their own fly fishing flies - using a variety of materials of natural and synthetic origins. But still others choose to purchase their flies in accordance with the type of fish they are looking to retrieve. Fly fishing flies can be purchased at any number of different locations. For skilled, knowledgeable guidance regarding a choice of fly fishing flies, it is best to visit a retailer that is focused solely on fly fishing. There are also a number of Internet resources where anglers can browse and purchase their fly fishing flies online and have them shipped right to their door.

With the increasing offer of fly fishing gear a person that wants to begin fly fishing can be overwhelmed. How a person that just starts to fly fish can do his or her first steps and buy only the needed fly fishing equipment. I'll try to assist you to stay focused and to keep you on a budget that will not cost you your arm and leg.
Let's walk through the essential fly fishing gear in order to make your fly fishing experience a positive one.
Fly fishing flies – Well, this is where this section of fishing got its name from. Without flies it is just not fly fishing but more important is that without the suitable flies, you probably will not catch anything at all. There are number of parameters that determine what fly to use like the type of fish in your fishing area, is it a lake or there is a current etc.
Fly fishing rod – The rod is kind of basic and elementary piece of equipment in fly fishing and there are many different types of rods. Most rods differ one from another by material, number of pieces, weight, length, rod action and price. Make sure to understand all these fly fishing rod features before buying one.
Fly fishing reel - Looks like it has a simple role and its true but make no mistakes, you must have good quality reel because the fly fishing reel real value is when you catch a fish and the reel is under stress, then a poor quality reel might cost you by losing the fish and even damage your equipment.
Fly fishing line - The fly line is what enables an angler to cast the fly and once again it is important to have the right type of fly fishing line. Fly line features to pay attention to are the fly line density, fly line weight (must match your rod and reel), the color of the line and match it to the type of fish you expect to be fishing.
Fly fishing vest – This is something that will make your fishing experience much easier and organized. The fly fishing vest helps you to make sure that you will not lose any item and to keep all required fishing items in a reach of a hand. Just make sure to pick one that you feel comfortable with and that is not too heavy for you.
Wading boots – I know, it seems not so relevant but let me tell you this, while fishing, you will move on wet and slippery rocks and wading boots are designed to hold on wet surface which will prevent you to twist your ankle, break a leg etc.
Generally, There is more fly fishing equipment that will make your experience of fly fishing smoother and enjoyable and the mentioned above are just a good necessary start.