The Top 8 Items to Bring for Your Next Fly Fishing Trip

This is article is meant as a guide to explain the top 8 items to bring for your next fly fishing trip. This is not an exhaustive list nor does it include rods, reels, or other fly fishing tackle. These are the essential items to bring with you to ensure a fun and safe day on the water. Always check with your guide.

1.) Without a doubt, sunglasses are #1 on the list. With flies whipping around in the air, eye protection is extremely important. Additionally, the sun and glare from the water can be damaging to the eyes. Without the ability to see, fishing is not that much fun, which is why polarized sunglasses are a must. The angler and guide need to be able to see the same structure, fish, and contour of the river bed, therefore each should use polarized sunglasses to minimize glare and maximize visibility. The make of the sunglasses is irrelevant, however, my advice would be to purchase the best type of polarized lens that you can afford. Whether it’s a fancy pair of Smith’s or Bajío’s or a $20 pair of sunglasses from the gas station (been there). Do your best to match the lens color to the water color and intensity of the sun. Rivers and lakes do well with brown, amber, or copper. Harsher sun destinations, think Florida or the tropics, may require a gray or darker lens.

Polarized sunglasses are essential for seeing fish and structure while fly fishing.

2.) Hat’s are another layer of protection for the eyes and head. Not only will the bill or brim of a hat help catch errant flies, but they keep the sun off your face and neck. By keeping the sun off your face, hats can help you feel cooler. Additionally, dipping your hat in the water and putting it back on is a great way to beat that summer time heat. Don’t leave home without one especially if it’s got some good fish mojo!

“Lucky” hats are made on the water. Wear one when you go out on your next fly fishing trip.

3.) Next up is skin protection. We all know sunscreen is important when out in the sun all day but it can be messy and leave a residue on our hands. This residue isn’t great for fly lines and can make it hard to grip the fly line. A better option is a sun shirt or SPF protected clothing that can be worn all day long. Clothing doesn’t not have to be reapplied every so often and won’t leave your hands feeling greasy. If a sun shirt or pants are not an option for you, then sunscreen would be your next best bet. Either way, protect that skin!

Sun shirts are a great way to keep the sun off your skin and fly lines clean from sun screen.

If sun shirts are not an option, makes sure to apply sun screen to protect your skin from the sun.

4.) What you wear on your feet will depend on whether your plan to wade, stay on the boat, and the time of year. During the summer months in Michigan, wet wading is the best way to beat the heat. With this in mind, the best options for either wading or staying on the boat include any type of water/boat shoe/sandal. While on the boat or raft, my preferred way to fish is in either my Astral Loyak water shoe , Chaco’s, or barefoot. Having something you can kick off easily after boarding will give you one less thing for a fly line to get tangled on. If you’re gonna wear your Merrell’s or Chaco’s, make sure you kick em off and let those toes breathe!

Water shoes like these Astral’s or sandals that can be easily kicked off make great shoes for wet wading or standing in the boat while casting.

5.) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. If you’re going out with a guide, make sure they bring some water and other healthy options. Sure, beer and other adult beverages are fun to have, especially after a memorable catch, however, ensure you have H2O handy to keep your body in top fish fighting shape. Being out in the sun and wind accelerates dehydration and that is not fun!

Nothing beats having cold ice water on a hot summer day, stay hydrated!

6.) Don’t forget your fishing license! Check local regulations, ask the guide, and know the species you are targeting. Is it in season, do you plan on keeping your catch, is that allowed, will you be practicing catch and release? These are all important things to know before you head out. Respecting the laws, fish, and habitats are the cool thing to do. Poaching and snagging fish is not cool. Don’t be that person.

Respect the fish and habitat. Practice catch and release or know the regulations before harvesting.

7.) Bring a smile! Yeah, I know that sounds cheesy, but regardless, if you’re planning a trip with a guide go into it with a positive attitude. We all know fishing is more than just catching fish. Learning, trying something new, getting outdoors, and being on the water is restorative and should be fun. Putting a smile on your face can help remind you of that!

Big smiles are always had when out enjoying nature and fishing!

8.) Miscellaneous: Rain jackets are convenient when it’s raining. A change of clothes and a towel in the car can come in handy if you’re wet wading. Having your phone is useful if you want to capture a photo of your next personal best or check in with your family. More importantly, however, check with your guide and ask if there is anything else they recommend you should bring.

And there you have it, the top 8 items to bring when heading out for you next fly fishing trip. If there is anything you think I missed or want to see on the list, reach out and let me know. As always, I hope you get out and enjoy the water safely with friends and family!

Tight lines,

Allen