A look at what you need to get started
Lines Rods Reels Leaders

Let me say at the beginning that it is best to go along to a reputable tackle shop that has experienced staff who can help and advise you properly.

I have met lots of newcomers to the sport who have been given tackle by someone or have bought what they thought was a bargain all with the same results. There are so many misconceptions about the size of rod and weight of the fly line that beginners find themselves usually penny, wise pound foolish.

It is important to realize that there is not one set up that will do everything perfectly and as a beginner it is best to seek professional advice. If you are only going to fish on a very tiny trout stream running through the next village, you would not want the same outfit as your friend who only ever fishes the local reservoir from a boat, and he or she would not thank you for the 7 foot brook rod that you just bought.

I have found that most beginners can learn to fly cast and also manage to try different venues and styles of fly fishing by purchasing the following type of outfit.
Floating fly line 6# or 7# weight
Carbon fibre fly rod 9' in length (2.75mtrs.)
Fly reel able to accommodate the fly line and at least 50 metres of backing
Backing 50 to 75 metres of suitable braided backing line
Leader tapered floating leader
Nylon 30 to 50 metre spools of different size monofilament to make your own leaders

You will notice that I have listed the fly line first, rod second and then the fly reel. I may get all kinds of emails about this but in my opinion that is the way for a beginner to approach the whole thing .

The fly line is very important and don’t let any well meaning person tell you to buy a cheap line to start with as they are doing you no favour at all. In my experience you can have the most expensive rod and reel available but it is the fly line you have to cast and the better quality the line the easier it is to learn.

As a guide you should be paying between £100 to £150 for a starter outfit depending on the equipment chosen. I don't have to remind you that nothing in life is free, you get what you pay for and a bargain may not be such a bargain when you come to use it. A good way to find out what you like is to book on a fly-casting course that is able to supply you with the equipment. You can discuss your requirements with the instructor and then have more understanding when you go shopping. Try to find a good tackle shop that will help and advise you, they will even put the backing and line onto the reel for you. Things are constantly moving forward and by the time you are reading this I am sure there will be lots of new products on the market to tempt us all.