- 1). Select the type of fish that you want to catch. Typically, most fly fishermen fish for trout, salmon, tarpon, and a few other species. All of these fish will require different stiffness, or "action" in the rod, and will need a different weight test line to accommodate fighting and weight.
- 2). Select the rod size by the type of fish you want to catch. For smaller trout, a #3 rod will be sufficient, for multiple fish such as for larger trout and bass, a #5 or #6 rod size will be best. If you fish for salmon, steelhead or tarpon, a larger rod, #7 or greater will be ideal. The larger the number, the larger (heavier) the rod to accommodate the fish weight.
- 3). Select the length of the rod by the area that you'll be fishing. For smaller streams or brooks, or areas restricted by heavy brush or overhanging tree branches with little casting room, a short six-foot rod will be ideal. For larger rivers and open areas, you'll need a rod longer than six feet to allow for greater casting distance and power.
- 4). Select the reel by the type of fish you need to catch. An easy handling reel, one that has fast spin and drag settings are ideal for fighting fish such as salmon and steelhead. An all purpose reel will be ideal for trout and bass. Hundreds of reels are available for fly fishing, and many of the reels will have designated types of fish that it's best used for printed right on the packaging. It's best to have a few different reels to accommodate for different species of fish.
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