| Finding the best fishing gear can be a time consuming task. Since much of the selection process involves discerning fact from fiction, here are a few guidelines. If you are new the sport, start with a conservative budget, then gradually upgrade your equipment. Your first fishing gear purchase should be a rod-and-reel combination. Most of these sets cost about $50. Materials for rod-and-reel sets range from wood-laminates to carbon fiber, graphite and fiberglass. You can start with a low-end model. When you have gained skill proficiency, upgrade to a set with a lifetime guarantee. Bamboo fly rods are the oldest and most traditional form of fishing reels. Although traditionalists will often swear by them, they are usually heavier and more expensive than rods which are made out of more modern materials. Fly fishing reels have simple designs. The main purposes of your fly reels is to store your line, provide a retrieval method for your fly line, while enabling a good smooth drag system. A high quality pair of waders will enable you to stay dry in the water. These are crucial for comfort, especially in cold water. Some companies manufacture comfortable, bib-overall waders that come with boots that can be attached. Make sure that the boots fit securely, so that they provide adequate stability on the wet and slippery rocks. You can usually find a pair of inexpensive waders for about $75. These are fine, if you only fish occasionally. However, if you are a frequent fisher, you should consider investing in a more durable pair. Other fishing gear you will need to purchase includes fishing tackle and lures. |