Fly Rod Setup Guide For Setting Up Fly Rod In 5 Simple Steps

Why do you need to set up a fly rod in the first place? How do you set it up? These are some of the questions that angler beginners do ask. However, how to set up a fly rod is not only a problem for beginners. Many established anger also find it a challenge.

I am very passionate about fishing and fly fishing in particular. This is simply because of the many health benefits it provides. Fishing does not only provide you with a good relaxation opportunity, but it is also a good Way to exercise. The repeated action of casting/reeling and climbing on rocks or boating exercises your muscles. Similarly, the deep focus that fishing requires resolves any internal conflicts, which in effect relieves you of stress.

That is why I have prepared this how to set up a fly rod tutorial to equip you with the knowledge and techniques for successful fly fishing whenever you go outdoors to fish.

Essential tools for setting up a Fly rod

1. Fly Rod

This is what makes it possible for you to cast the fly line. I recommend a fly rod of weight 6 because it is versatile. You can use while at the edge of a lake, in a stream and a river. While fly rods of weights below #6 are lighter and therefore suitable for exerting anglers, those of higher weight are suitable for when boating and in large ves.

2. Reel

The reel is where you store the fly line. There are three types of reels; fixed, detachable spool with a closed cage and detachable spool with an open cage. I recommend the detachable spool with an open cage because it is very easy to use compared to the rest. 

3. Fly Line

The fly line is a very important item in fly fishing. This is because it is what provides the necessary weight that makes it possible for you to cast. Just like with the fly rod, fly lines are available in different Weights, and the right weight should match that of the fly rod. It is also important to know that there are fly lines that only remain on Water surface when cast and those that sink into the water. Similarly, the taper of a fly line is something worth considering. A fly line with a weight tapered at the front is best if you are just starting out.

4. Backing line

This is the first piece of line that goes into the reel. This is the line attaches to the main fishing line. Backing lines are available with different strengths ranging from 20 pounds to 30 pounds.

5. Leader

The leader is what connects at the end of the main fishing line. It is an important item that straightens out the line in the water. It is designed to be thick at the base and tapers toward the end. The tapering serves to transfer casting power upfront. Leaders are available in different length measurements and breaking strain. I recommend using a 9-foot leader with a 7-pound breaking strain for this tutorial.

6. Tippet

The tippet serves to extend the leader and manages the leader's breaking strain. It attaches to the tapered part of leader line and is designed to be less visible.

7. Fly

This is what gives this method of fishing its name. A fly is an artificial object that mimics a live insect that fish normally feed on. It is the fly that fish will come into eating when fishing. There are different types of flies ranging from dry flies that are suitable when fishing in rivers, nymph flies suitable for deep-water fishing and lures that are designed to mimic small fish.

You are now properly equipped to learn how to set up the fly rod with all the above items in place. Note that you have the option of buying all the equipment as a kit or in pieces. I recommend buying a kit because doing so eliminates the risk of buying incompatible pieces. However, you first need to decide on whether you are going to use your left or right hand when retrieving the reel. By default, you will use your left hand when winding and unwinding the line if you are right-handed.