We often get asked by our guests about the gear we use for our trips. While everyone has their own tastes and preferences, we feel our gear is great for not only beginners, but for anglers looking to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
Fly Rod and Reel
No need to spend an arm and a leg on a fly rod and reel for most of the fly fishing you do. Here in North Georgia where your casts need to be short and accurate, most rods will get the job done.
The Redington Vice is an excellent rod. It's performance and affordability have few rivals on the market. The Vice has caught fish for me all over the world in just about every type of stream imaginable. A 9ft 5wt is perfect for all trout anglers.
The Redington Run is a simple, compact reel that is very affordable. Though not needed on most of the small streams across North Georgia, the Run is still equipped with a smooth drag that is perfectly capable on battling trophy sized trout when luck comes your way or you decide to venture westward for bigger trout. The 5/6 model is ideal.
For beginners the Redington Fly Rod Outfits may make things a bit easier as the ease of set up is helpful. You do lose a bit of quality compared to the gear we use on our trips.
Fly Line, Leader, and Tippet
Possibly the most important part of any set up, your line leader and tippet re direct connection with your flies and trout.
Dacron Backing is important to any set up, but there is little difference among products. 100yds of 20-30lb is more than enough.
When purchasing a new setup, one area we preach to not skimp money on is your fly line. The Rio Gold Fly Line has outlasted ALL of the other fly lines we have used in both performance and longevity. A WF5F is ideal for most waters around the world.
Tried and true, Rio's leader are more than capable of getting the job done. The only choice is whether to by a single or a 3 pack. For our smaller streams here in North Georgia, the Rio 7.5ft 3X leader is optimal. For tackling the Chattahoochee Tailwater we opt for the Rio 9ft 3X leader.
Monofilament tippet will get the job done for casual fly fishermen. Anglers looking for a bit more out of their lines should opt for fluorocarbon tippet. 3X and 4X are our most commonly used in all of North Georgia's Trout Streams. 5X and on rare occasion 6X come in handy when throwing small flies in the winter or midges on the Chattahoochee Tailwater. For budget anglers that tend to solely target stocked trout, 6lbs Seaguar Red Label Fluoro will be good enough to get the job done.
Fly Fishing Waders and Boots
While wet wading is more comfortable for at least 6 months out of the year here in North Georgia, waders certainly come in handy during the colder months as well as on the Chattahoochee tailwaters.
The Escape Waders again provide comfort and affordability. The durable but lighter fabric is perfect for the streams here in the Southeast as they don't get too hot during the warmer months compared to those with more dense fabric.
These boots are lighter than many other wading boots. The felt bottoms are more than capable of navigating the slick rocks on the stream.
If you're looking for performance, the Simms Flyweights are at the top of the list. Here in the Southeast where the hike in is just as important as the wading, clunky boots can become cumbersome. These boots are the best on the market for long journeys and the rubber tread grip the most slippery bottoms.
Fly Fishing Packs and Terminal Tackle
We typically say simple is better when it comes to beginners getting out on the water. The Fishpond Canyon Creek Chest Pack or Fishpond San Juan Chest Pack are great choices when it comes to simplicity. No need to grab every overhanging rhododendron along the streamside when toting this pack around.
Fly Fishing Terminal Tackle
Oros Strike Indicators or Air Lock Strike Indicators are convenient to use and get the job done for us 99% of the time. We use the 3/4" varieties the most but occasional use the larger 1/2" indicators when fishing bigger flies on bigger water.
Gel flotant is a must any time we are throwing dry flies to get better and longer lasting buoyancy.
Tippet Rings are a major convenience for first time anglers starting out. The smaller the better.
Must Have Flies for North Georgia
Orange or Yellow Stimulators: size 12 and 14
Elk Hair Caddis: size 16 and 18, occasionally 14s and 20s
Adams: size 18 or 20
Chubby Chernobyl: Size 10, only on occasion in lieu of size 12 stimulator.
Mop Jig: assortment of colors, size is not important
Squirmy worm: assortment of colors, size is not important
Eggs flies: assortment of colors and sizes
Pheasant tail nymph: Size 14-18
Walts Worm: Size 16
Zebra Midge: Size 20 (Winters and Chattahoochee Tailwater)