A lot of fly-fishing tackle these days is bought mail order or on the internet, which is fine if you know exactly what you want. However, if you are unsure, it is better to go to a traditional tackle shop and actually get the feel of the gear before making a purchase. Buy magazines to read the reviews and don’t be afraid of asking anglers on the bank or fishery owners their opinions. Even if you start out by buying economy gear, this doesn’t mean to say that it won’t be very good and won’t last you for many years. Rods and reels are now of a very high standard indeed, even when they are budget priced, so take care to buy something you really like and that you will want to use for years to come.

Rods
If you are just choosing one rod to start with, then a (9ft) or 6/7-weight is about what you are looking for, certainly for nearly all trout and grayling work. You’d even find a rod like this is capable of coping with small summer salmon in tight situations. And (3-4lb) sea trout won’t be too much for it either. Ideally, the rod will be tough, light and have a nice, easy casting action. Some rods, especially for long distance, are very fast in action and take some expertise to get used to, look for nice whippings, good-quality, cork handles, top-quality line guides and, if possible, a carrying tube for protection. Rods with lifetime guarantees are now fairly common and really worth looking for. (more…)