Fly Fishing Accessories

In the Vests section we talked a lot about some accessories that many fly fisherman would consider to be necessities while fishing. Here we'll talk about a few other accessories that may not actually be necessities (although in certain situations they may be) but some would consider them nice to have on the stream. Naturally this is not an all inclusive list to all the tools/equipment that the fly fisherman wears/uses. These items have been listed just as a point of reference to what some fly fishermen like to use. You decide.

First Aid Kit	Rod/Reel Case
Fly Dryer	Sunglasses
Gloves	Suntan lotion
Hat	Tape Measure
Ketchum Release	Wading Stick
Magnifying Glasses

First Aid Kit - You don't need a honkin' big kit here...just something small and compact containing and few bandages and some antiseptic is sufficient.

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Fly Dryer - This is a tool that dry fly fishermen use to dry the fly so that it will float again. There are different types of fly dryers so do your research and pick your favorite.

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Gloves - Not a necessity but I like using them for winter/spring steelhead fishing.

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Hat - This is more for safety than anything. Most fishermen wear hats while fishing anyway but this is actually a good thing to wear to protect your head and eyes from an errantly cast fly.

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Ketchum Release - this is a neat little tool used to dislodge the hook from the fish's mouth without the need to handle the fish. Anytime you can release the trout without handling the fish and without lifting it out of the water is a plus.

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Magnifying Glasses - these are used to aid anglers in tying knots in leaders, in tying on flies and even to tie flies at streamside. There are different types. Some hook onto sunglasses and flip down and others attach to the bill of the hat and flip down easily.

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Rod/Reel Case - this is a must to protect your rod and reel during transport. Again there are different types. Some are designed to house a rod and reel together while others are individual units. Personally I chose the kind that houses the rod and reel together so that I didn't have to take my reel off each time. Call me lazy.

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Sunglasses - Polarized sunglasses are a must for the serious angler. I went my entire first year without using sunglasses and when I finally got my first pair it was like night and day. Two things to note here are, 1) Do not skimp here. You don't have to buy a $150 pair but you also don't want a $10 pair as they are junk. 2) Make sure they are "polarized". Regular sunglasses will only keep the glare down. Polarized glasses actually allow you to see through the water to depths otherwise unseen.

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Suntan Lotion - obviously not a must but a very good idea for all day summertime fishing. I recommend a "sport" brand that resists perspiration..

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Mini Tape Measure - this is a nifty little tool that attaches on to your net to easily and quickly allow you to measure the length of your catch. Remember to try to do this while keeping the fish in the water as the longer you keep it out of water the more harmful it will be.

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Wading Stick - again this is not a necessity but is a nice aid when crossing those swift streams. There are many types but the nicest ones are the ones that fold up into multiple pieces and fit into a holster attached to your side.

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