You have your rod, reel, line, flies, as well as waders and wading boots, and you feel ready to cast your line and catch trout. After all, you have all your basic equipment, so what more do you need?
What about fly fishing accessories, though? If you want to take your fly fishing excursions a step further, you can invest in accessories that will make fly fishing easier and more enjoyable.
When you stand in the middle of a river, you need to stand as still as possible, or you will spook the fish. Inevitably, your movements are limited, as you are holding your line and casting it. What happens when you catch a fish, though?
To remove hooks from fish or cut your tippet, you need to have the proper equipment that makes things easy and quick. That’s where fly fishing accessories come in handy.
What Sort of Fly Fishing Accessories Are There?
Cool fly fishing accessories are fun. But that’s what we’re talking about. The best fly fishing accessories are not about how you look but about making your life easier and your hobby more enjoyable. As you become an expert at fly fishing, you will realize that there are some essential fly fishing accessories that can help develop your skill and maximize the fun.
Net
You might think we are getting ahead of ourselves believing that we need a net when we haven’t even caught our first trout yet. A decent landing net is essential to actually safely landing and releasing fish. Without a net you don’t really have a good way to handle and remove the hook. Grabbing your line above the fish will often create so much tension on the line that it will either snapp and you lose the fish and your fly. Or the fish will thrash around and unhook itself and that thigh line will make the fly go right into your hand(OUCH!) A net helps to protect the trout from being handled or dragged up on the bank.
NOTE: Trout have skin, not scales. Their skin is protected by a slimy coating, that coating protects them from diseases. By handling a trout with dry hands you are essentially going to slowly kill them. Always handle Trout with wet hands if you must.
Wading Staff
A Wading staff is a very essential piece of equipment in most western rivers. The bottom of the rivers or streams are almost always rocks, boulders and other debris that maybe you can’t see. Think of a staff as a third leg when you need it. Wading in rivers is sooooooo much easier and safer with a staff, no matter your age or physical ability. Falling down in the river is no fun. Wading staffs are available in many different styles and can easily be attached to your wading belt with a tether or even a simple bungee strap.
Wading Belt
Wading belts are good for a number of reasons. First of all a good wading belt will keep water from filling up your waders if you should fall in or wade too deep. Nowadays wading belts are made to serve more than just to keep water out of your waders. Most wading belts now come with a net holder in the back for your longer handled nets that have become so popular. Quick access to your net is essential. Wading belts also have many places where you can attach small packs with your flies, leader/tippets, tools and much more. Fishpond has great Wading belt systems that can make your day just that much more pleasant.
Clamps/Forceps
Clamps/Forceps help you remove hooks from fish, crush barbs, cut your tippet, open and close split shots, tie knots, and more. Knowing what tasks you regularly perform stream-side will help you select the clamp(s) that best suit your angling needs. By using clamps/forceps to and a net you don’t have to physically handle fish. Trout especially should not be handled at all if possible.
Fly fishing aficionados can be particular about their fly fishing clamps. Some like them long, others prefer them short. Some choose straight clamps while others opt for curved ones. Once you have your chosen clamps, you will likely stick to them and no fly fishing trip will be complete without your clamps in your bag. You will also find clamps that are coated in titanium to withstand salt water.
Nippers
Nippers are like nail clippers. They cut tag ends and strands of line and tippet and help you with hooks.
Quality fly fishing nippers should be non-slip for better grip and made of stainless steel to weather humidity.
Indicators
If you are fly fishing with nymphs that sink in the water, you want to know whether fish have taken the bait. The easiest way is to attach an indicator to your fly line. When you catch your fish, the indicator will start wiggling.
Indicators are made of different materials that float on water, such as foam, cork, or yarn. There are many types of indicators, so ask a pro which ones are best for your fishing conditions.
Lanyards
If you want to carry all your accessories in a tidy fashion, you need a lanyard. Quality lanyards are perfect for docking your tools and equipment and will not stand in your way when you cast your line. Lanyards have clips and other smart docking options for your fly fishing tools, accessories, and equipment. They will hold your tools in place and keep them easily accessible when you need them. For instance, if you want to have quick access to your flies to attach them to your fly line and cast, then you need to place them in your lanyard.
Lanyards are made in such a way that they don’t swing when you move. This way, they will not impede your fly fishing. Instead of looking into your pockets and losing flies and fly lines, keep everything well organized and close at hand.
You can also buy a loaded lanyard. For example, this loaded Orvis lanyard comes with Comfy Grip Forceps, Comfy Grip Nippers, Hyflote Gel, Floatant Holder, Tippet Bar, and 3 spools of 30m SuperStrong Plus Tippet.
Fly Floatant
You want your dry flies to float on the water. To make sure they float perfectly, you can coat them in a fly floatant material that prevents your dry flies form sinking
Tippet Holder
Your fly is attached to the tippet. A tippet is an almost invisible filament placed at the end of the line, where you attach the fly. Because of your tippet’s light weight, the fly swims and floats in a more natural way to perfectly mimic the gentle and genuine movement of bugs and insects.
A tippet holder will hold on to your tippet dispensers and prevent them from getting tangled. Whenever you need a tippet to add to your line, you don’t need to look frantically into your pockets: your tippet holder has them all.
Zingers
When you need to attach things to your vest, you need zingers. Wire cord zingers attach to your vest without making holes and help you hang tools and keep your accessories close at hand. You won’t need to search in pockets and backpacks: you only need your zingers and you have everything you want at close proximity.
Fly Fishing Accessories Will Make Your Life Easier
The more you get into fly fishing, the more you will want to invest in accessories to make your sport even more enjoyable. Even so, you don’t need to over-accessorize your fly fishing expedition. You only need to invest in essential fly fishing accessories that will make your fly fishing easier and more effective.
Fly fishing accessories have been developed by experts who understand how they can improve the fly fishing experience. From clamps and nippers to lanyards and zingers, invest in the best fly fishing accessories from specialized companies like Orvis and Umpqua and take your fly fishing experience to the next level!
The perfect accessory to keep your net close and always at the ready.
A complete magnetic net release system with the quality and attention to detail you expect from Fishpond. The perfect accessory to keep your Nomad Net close and always at the ready. The magnet on this product is very strong.
Fish saver. Our breakout product in the fly fishing industry, years ago, we thought: “There’s got to be a better way to remove a delicately-tied fly from a hooked fish than the hoisting, clamping, and wrenching process now on display.” So we created a simply innovative tool capable of reducing fish mortality by eliminating netting and handling—then named it after our home-base of Ketchum, Idaho. This technique will preserve protective coatings and eliminate air exposure. The Ketchum Release® tool makes low-mortality release easy, plus allows you to retrieve your fly without damage. It even keeps your hands high and dry. The Ketchum Release® is available in three sizes: Big Bug for hook sizes 6-10; Standard for sizes 12-16; and Midge for sizes 18-22.
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The Mountain River Angler Lanyard is fully functional and adjustable to offer you maximum usability while fishing. The lanyard is easy to use and enables you to keep your fishing accessories close to your body so that you can access them when required. The angler lanyard comes with a horizontal tippet spool holder, a safety release, four accessory clips, trout print chamois and two foam fly rolls. Here are some features of the Mountain River Angler Lanyard:
Padded neck strap
Custom beadwork
Chamois for drying flies and cleaning glasses
Built in safety release
Carry essential tools around your neck for quick access
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Surgical quality stainless steel locking forceps with Comfy Grip handles for grip and comfort. Locking handles with half smooth, half serrated jaw. In storm, citron.
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Introducing our bundled Fly Fishing Essential Kit, a complete set featuring the Nipper, Forceps, and Zinger — the ultimate trio for any angler. Crafted from top-notch surgical-grade stainless steel with a plasma coating, the Nipper and Forceps are designed to withstand the test of time. The Forceps come with a secure locking mechanism, allowing you to attach them wherever necessary. The Nipper boasts a durable edge that remains sharp season after season, along with a handy eye-cleaning needle for added versatility. The Zinger offers easy access and organization, equipped with a 20-inch coated steel cable that retracts automatically for seamless rigging and quick return to the fishing action.
Introducing the Orvis Flow Mitten Clamp, a versatile accessory designed for anglers who brave the chill to catch fish. This innovative tool allows anglers to easily remove barbs, thread hooks, and tidy up loose ends without worrying about numb fingers. The Flow Mitten clamp simplifies tasks with its unique squeeze-to-open feature, making it a handy companion for attaching to gear or clothing, even when wearing bulky gloves or mittens. Ideal for all seasons, this tool is a must-have for dedicated anglers who refuse to let cold temperatures keep them away from the water.
Stainless steel. Imported.
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The Orvis Flow Nipper is a upgrade from your average line/tippet nipper. This essential tool was designed by Orvis and built by Loon Outdoors. Constructed from high grade stainless steel. The Flow nipper is more durable and ergonomic and includes hook eye cleaner.
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In the realm of fly fishing, the Orvis Flow Scissor Forceps stand out as a versatile tool that grows in value with each use. Crafted from high-quality surgical-grade steel with a plasma coating, these forceps boast a scissor blade, precision tip, and an eye-cleaning needle for optimal performance. With the added visual appeal of painted handles, these forceps are sure to become a staple in your fishing toolkit for a lifetime of use.
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When you head out for a day of fly fishing, there are a lot of things to remember. But one thing you don’t have to worry about is keeping your wading staff within reach. The Gear Keeper Staff Tether features a durable Spectra/nylon cable that can hold up to 60 pounds, making it the perfect way to keep your staff close at hand. The strong stainless steel spring and hardware can be mounted anywhere with the included threaded stud, making it easy to find the perfect spot on your gear. Whether you’re wading through a river or hiking through the woods, the Orvis Gear Keeper Staff Tether will make sure your staff is always within reach.
100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
has been our commitment since 1856. It’s who we are. If you aren’t happy with a product or service, we want to know about it. And we’ll make it right. THAT’S THE ORVIS WAY.
The Orvis Gear Keeper Super Zinger is a Maximum strength super zinger with 40-lb. breaking strength Spectra cord with 3′ reach. Excellent for heavier gadgets or big forceps. Threaded stud attachment keeps it secure through webbing straps or fabric. Quick connect and disconnect for tools. The Orvis heavy duty retractor is saltwater resistant. 1 7/16″ x 1¼”.
Introducing the innovative design of the Orvis Lanyard, designed to enhance organization and efficiency for fly-fishing enthusiasts. With its Molle-style webbing that sits smoothly against your body, this lanyard eliminates twisting for a seamless experience. Featuring a lower webbing strap that offers ample customization options for tool storage, along with six paracord loops for convenient docking and attachment points. The upper forceps dock ensures secure placement to prevent swinging, while the lower fly dock provides a designated spot for quick access and drying of flies.
Introducing the innovative design of the Orvis Lanyard, designed to enhance organization and efficiency for fly-fishing enthusiasts. With its Molle-style webbing that sits smoothly against your body, this lanyard eliminates twisting for a seamless experience. Featuring a lower webbing strap that offers ample customization options for tool storage, along with six paracord loops for convenient docking and attachment points. The upper forceps dock ensures secure placement to prevent swinging, while the lower fly dock provides a designated spot for quick access and drying of flies.
Loaded lanyard comes with Comfy Grip Forceps, Comfy Grip Nippers, Hyflote Gel, Floatant Holder, Tippet Bar, and 3 spools of 30m SuperStrong Plus Tippet (3X, 4X, 5X). Built-in shirt clip to keep lanyard secure when bending to release fish.
Nylon Webbing. Imported.
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The Orvis Gear Keeper net retractor is another must have for the fly fisher. very durable, will attach to just about anything. 42 inch nylon cable makes for a long reach. Constructed with Stainless steel hardware. It has a 60lb breaking strength. Made in the USA
Looking for an easy and convenient way to carry your scissors while you’re on the go? Look no further than the Orvis Mitten Scissor Clamp! These innovative clamps open and close with a simple squeezing motion, making them perfect for attaching to a pack or vest. They’re made of surgical stainless steel for lasting durability and feature a stealthy matte black finish that’s resistant to rust. Plus, the Comfy Grip handles provide extra tackiness for comfortable use. Whether you’re clearing out fishing line or cutting 0X-6X tippet the Orvis Mitten Scissor Clamp is an essential tool for any angler. The mitten clamp is perfect for when you’re wearing gloves during cold weather. The Orvis MittenScissoer clamp is a top seller for all anglers.
6″L.
100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
has been our commitment since 1856. It’s who we are. If you aren’t happy with a product or service, we want to know about it. And we’ll make it right. THAT’S THE ORVIS WAY