Gear I'd actually start with
A short list of common beginner pieces. Nothing here is a ranking, and nothing here promises fish.
The button goes to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Pflueger President reel is not on Amazon, so that name stays with the shop. This ebook stays on Leanpub and Gumroad. Read the full disclosure.
The first-rod guide explains why the list is this short. The ebook walks through the same choices at more length.
The outfit
- Redington Classic Trout 590-4 Redington
9-foot 5-weight, four-piece. The default first trout rod in the book, not the only reasonable choice.
- Pflueger President 5/6 Al Flaherty's
A 5/6 reel that holds a 5-weight line. For trout it is mostly storage with a smooth drag.
- Scientific Anglers Mastery Trout GP Scientific Anglers
Weight-forward floating trout line. Match it to the rod: WF-5-F on a 5-weight.
Leader, tippet, and nippers
- RIO Powerflex 9-foot 4X leader RIO
Two 9-foot 4X trout leaders. The 9-foot 5X is the finer one for smaller flies.
- RIO Powerflex tippet, 3X–5X RIO
Three 30-yard nylon spools: 3X, 4X, and 5X. 4X and 5X cover a first day. 3X is the starter Woolly Bugger.
- Dr. Slick nipper with pin Dr. Slick
Cuts tippet cleanly, with a pin for the hook eye and a knot-tyer notch.
Seeing the water
- Suncloud Sculpin Suncloud
Polarized glasses so glare does not hide the seam. Prefer an amber or brown lens when the page offers one.
A few flies
- Gold-bead Pheasant Tail, sizes 12–18 Flies Direct
A dozen gold-bead Pheasant Tails, three each of sizes 12, 14, 16, and 18. A small brass bead is enough weight for a dry-dropper. Skip tungsten on that rig.
- Parachute Adams, sizes 12–18 Flies Direct
A dozen parachute Adams, three each of sizes 12, 14, 16, and 18. The post is there so you can see the drift.
- Tan Elk Hair Caddis, size 16 The Fly Fishing Place
An elk-hair caddis. Buoyant enough for evenings and for pocket water. The Amazon link is a six-pack of tan size 16.
- Olive Woolly Bugger, sizes 6–12 Flies Direct
Olive Woolly Buggers, three each of sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12. The starter sizes on this site are 8 and 10. The listing spells it Wooly.
Wading basics
- Simms Tributary boot, rubber sole Simms
Wading boots for slick bottoms. Check local rules before you choose felt instead.
- Simms Tributary stockingfoot waders Simms
Breathable chest waders for cold water. On a warm creek, wet wading is a legitimate start.
A book or two
- Fly Fishing for Nerds Leanpub
The 176-page ebook this site is about. $9.74 on Leanpub.
- The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, revised Orvis
Tom Rosenbauer's general introduction. A second voice on tackle and technique, not a substitute for time on the bank.