Getting Started
Fly Fishing Basics Series
Selecting Flies and the
Tools of Fly-fishing is
a Fly Fishing Basic
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Fly fishing basics of choosing the right fly, fly line, fly rod, fly reel, leader, tippet, etc. for your
particular needs and requirements is a step in the right direction towards success on any
fly-fishing excursion.
Trout Flies
The purpose, function and features of each fly-fishing tool, fly rod, fly reel, fly line, flies,
waders, etc. , including its construction and material, are thoroughly covered.
Fly Reel
This “encyclopedia of fly fishing gear” covers the complete spectrum of fly fishing rods, fly
reels, backing, fly lines, leaders, tippets, waders, boots, accessories and much more.
James fishing the Snake River, Wyoming
Fly Reel Parts
Large trout flies
Salmon Fly
Popping Bugs
Popping Bug
Fly Box
Fly Reel
Trout Flies
James Selecting Streamer
Angie Rigging Up
James Selecting Fly
James with a Largemouth Bass
Trout in Landing Net
Example Script Segment on Tippets:
The following are some fly fishing basics that you should know if you are going to consistantly catch trout. Smaller size leaders are designated by their length and the
tippet size number, which is designated by a “X” that identify the size and breaking strength of the tippet. The larger the number immediately preceded by  “X” the smaller
the diameter and lower the breaking strength of the tippet. Larger size leaders do not use the “X” system to designate size. They are identified as being extra light, light,
medium, heavy or extra heavy and may also be designated by the diameter of the tippet. If the tippet size is larger than the zero ”X” size designation, they are referred to
by length and tippet size designated as the tested breaking strength. For instance, a designation of a tippet may be, a nine, foot leader with a .015-inch diameter tippet, or
nine-foot leader with a breaking strength of ten pounds.
The larger the tippet, the more difficult it is to make the fly look and act natural. So from the standpoint of the presentation the tippet should be as small in diameter as
possible. However, since the tippet is also the weakest link between the angler and the fish a balance of choices must be made between the quality of presentation of the
fly and the risk of a fish breaking the tippet.  
Another fly fishing basic is that length of the tippet is, of course, is reduced each time you tie on a fly. At some point, the reduction in tippet length will began to adversely
affect the presentation of your fly. For this reason, it is smart to tie on a new tippet of the proper length or change to a new leader altogether any time the tippet becomes
too short.
Long tippets are more so affected by wind than shorter ones. In fact, wind can easily form an overhand knot in the tippet during a cast. This effectively reduces the
breaking strength of the tippet as well as the presentation of the fly. As a rule of thumb, you should always use the smallest size leader and tippet that you can get away
with.
Copyright 2011 James Marsh, All Rights Reserved
James Two Weight Fly Rod
Starting Outs
Streamer Selection
Fly Fishing DVD
A series of DVDs on fly fishing for trout - some available now
A series of DVDs on mayflies, caddisflies and midges - coming soon
A series of fly tying DVDs  - coming soon
A series of DVDs on the basics of fly fishing - available now
Destinations
More fly fishing DVDs produced by us available now
Information about host Angie and James Marsh
Some places this series was shot
A list of DVDs available - click to purchase
Saltwater fly fishing DVDs coming soon
Get Your Ph.D. in Fly-Fishing Right Here!
Dry Fly - Mayfly Dun
Tippets are usually made of nylon monofilament. Fluorocarbon tippets are popular because they are less visible to the fish than monofilament tippets and have higher wet
knot strength. There is also what is called “bite” tippets, which are made heavy for a short length in order to protect the leader from the sharp teeth of some species such
as the northern pike. These are usually made from single-strand wire, heavy monofilament, nylon coated wire, fluorocarbon and other heavier material. Bite tippets,
sometimes just referred to as bite leaders, are not the weakest link between the angler and the fish.
The larger the fly, the larger the size tippet you can use without it adversely affecting the presentation of the fly. For example, this larger size streamer fly can be
effectively presented on a much larger size tippet than this very small dry fly. Ideally, you would use a very small, light tippet for the dry fly – as small as possible without
it compromising your ability to successfully fight and land the fish. Most anglers would much rather take their chances fighting a fish on light tackle than to fish heavier
tackle
Catch More Fish
Fly Selections
Trout and other speciess
Trout Flies
Trout Flies
Drags
Reels
Fly Line
Reels
Fly Fishing DVD Video Logo
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Getting Started