One of the attractive things of fly-fishing is that you can travel light. It’s easy to become weighed down like our fellow coarse anglers with their extra rods and tackle boxes etc., but there are a number of accessories that are important to have with you on any trip.

Sunglasses

A lot of people don’t think these are important when fishing, however, they serve a number of purposes. Firstly, they protect your eyes from the dangers of flying hooks and also help relieve the strain of glaring at water for hour upon hour. Polarizing sunglasses will also help you spot fish under water that you would not normally be able to see.

Priest

This accessory item takes it name by the fact that it is used to administer the ‘last rites’ to fish that you choose to keep for eating. It is basically a small ‘cosh’ with a heavy head normally made of brass or hollowed material filled with lead, which will kill the fish humanely with one blow to the back of its head. Please, please, please never use sticks, stones or a convenient fence post to kill your fish. This behaviour is unacceptable and gives anglers a bad name.

Scissors or Snips

Again, these items are a vital accessory for cutting leaders, changing flies and trimming knot stubs etc. It is advisable to keep them on an elasticated extendible zinger so that they are always ready for action.

Forceps

It can sometimes be quite difficult to remove a fly from a trout’s bony mouth, especially if the fish has swallowed it. A pair of long nosed forceps allows you to rescue the fly and quickly unhook the trout.

Bass Bag

Dead trout can quickly deteriorate if left exposed to either sun or wind. A well-ventiled and dampened bass bag will help preserve the fish and keep it fresh until you get home. Make sure to wash the bag thoroughly afterwards - otherwise it will smell very fishy.

Floatant

Floatant normally comes in the form of a gel or spray which you apply to your dry-flies to help keep them afloat in the water. A must when dry-fly fishing.

Sinkant

Does just what is says. Sinkant removes grease and shine from the leader, allowing it to cut easily through the surface film of the water and sink.

Fly Boxes

Don’t get bogged down carrying huge fly boxes crammed with every pattern you own. Instead, break patterns down into dries, nymphs, wets, lures etc, and put them into small boxes that can be carried easily in your waistcoat pockets.

Landing Net

Landing nets come in many different shapes and sizes and something appropriate to the type of fishing you are doing should be chosen. I don’t know how many stories I’ve heard of people losing fish at the last minute because they never used a net. Don’t be caught out !

Bag

You will need a bag to put all your accessories in. There are many available and you should choose a well-stitched waterproof one that is comfortable to carry and has sufficient pockets to carry all your extras.

Fly Rods | Fly Reels | Fly-Lines
Flies - Trout & Salmon | Accessories