Beginner Fly Fishing Gear Guide

[@JonPMelly]

Omg I loved this dude at Camera store and to find him again in the fly fishing world is incredible

[@channelisland1]

HAHA Yes, I said the same thing! I even had to go back to DP Review just to make sure.

[@deantreloar]

Same here, I thought “I know that guy!” from camera reviews.

[@PatrickLipp]

@@deantreloar this! Hahaha literally came to the comments to figure it out!

[@AkDeluxeRider]

Haha, this is literally why I clicked this video! Pretty cool.

[@guie02]

man, I just bought a fuji film x-s10 after watching him a couple weeks ago. Then im looking for a flyrod and notice this company from Calgary being only 3 hours away from me. couple videos later it hit me that this was the same guy that sold me on the camera

[@rodneywhiting4049]

I’m 60 years old never fly fish in my life and I am seriously considering it your video really help me out with a lot of questions thank you

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad to hear it!

[@joeyharshaw3874]

You are a natural teacher. We are lucky to have a resource so close to home. Thanks!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Hey thanks for saying that! Appreciate it.

[@clayyapp6252]

That was super helpful, thanks! Canadians really do make the best how-to videos.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad it was helpful! We will continue to make how-tos and to be Canadian!

[@bjschumpert7948]

Thanks for the advice and what to get! I didn't know about the way to keep your files dry with the formulas you got that's cool and thanks for sharing! I've been a few times and caught some fish but I always wondered how you kept them floating. I'm from Savannah Georgia and I only get to go to the mountains every once in awhile but it's my favorite thing to do when I get to go! Nothing else is like catching a fish no matter the size on a fly rod it's a heck of a fight and lot's of fun! People say it is to much work to fish but I like it Old School like our grandfather's did it! But I wish everyone good luck fishing and besafe and God Bless You Guys!!!

[@AZFlyShop]

You did a great job of explaining a complicated art... you made it simple.

[@mickwilkinson87]

At last someone who will take the time to explain it all to a total beginner like me thanks

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks! We definitely want to help people get into this sport with the best possible start.

[@JohnDavis-xc4in]

I really enjoyed this video. Hope to visit the store at some time. Coming west at some time. Thanks.

[@elwha6025]

This is an awesome video for newer flyfishers. Well done!!!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@R-S_vids]

I can watch this video over and over and will. Very informative. He needs a raise.

[@bonnitaclaus2286]

One of the first things I did when I decided I would try to learn five fishing at age 75. I went and had my eyes examined and got new glasses and ordered a pair of polarized glasses. Of course… I forgot them at home on the first trip out fly fishing. It was very successful trip… at first. I wasted money on my first flyrod. My second really nice fish the pool broke. I managed to get the trout close, just out of range of my net. This is how I know it was a very nice trout. The second day, I had a replacement rod from the resort. I caught plenty of trout, The only problem was they were nice trout if I was fishing mountain streams. I was able to return all of them, except for one. Thank you for reminding me about barbless hook. For some fishing that I did in the past we always remove the Barb with a pair of pliers or bought barbless hooks. Still having problem on presentation, and line control. I have to modify everything because of an injury and surgery on my shoulder. Reading water I have to agree 100%. I’m a novice at River fishing, over the past four years I have improved greatly. Structure is 101 and all fishing, correct presentation per type of fish. I have cheated, using KZbin as a tutorial. I love the Contant. Thank you for your video. I needed it. What are the things I’m finding most enjoyable about river fishing is that it is always learning. Every year, or after every storm, the bottom changes, you need to be flexible and observant. Sport has come back to fishing for me. It used to be only wanted to have fish dinner, I go out and get a fish that I’m hungry for. Trout fishing, will never be a given. The only certainty is that the trout are in the river.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks for the input Bonnita! Glad to hear that you found fly fishing, and that it is bringing you joy! Never too late to get started.

[@thelandandwildlifechannel7785]

Thank you very much for this. I've seen hundreds of "how to cast" videos but this is the first "how to shop" video and was so helpful!

[@SaskFisher]

Awesome video! Great info. I've fished for a long time but never fly fishing. Cant wait!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

I'm glad you found it useful! Now's a great time to get started and we can help you out.

[@jeffnelson6320]

Dang.....this guy is really comfortable in front of a camera - total professional. He ought to look into commercials or something. Super helpful video - thanks!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate that. I also host DPReview.coms KZbin channel all about cameras, and have been a KZbin presenter now for thirteen years. I hope I'm ok in front of camera after all that time! :)

[@ryandonnelly8629]

First my teacher in photography, and now I research fishing gear and the teacher appears again! I think I owe you a drink or something by now man haha

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Great to hear from you again Ryan. Never gonna turn down a free drink!

[@ryandonnelly8629]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Well alright. Future me is paying. Message incoming shortly

[@joshuabennett7334]

I got the neck lanyard from orvis that comes with clippers,pliers, floantent, tip it and a fly patch for $90 it is great and cheaper than buying each thing individually. I used to use a bulky vest but now I run a small sling pack for a couple fly boxes and a couple spair leaders

[@davidbennett8605]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video, I have been fly fishing for over 35 years, (every day is a school day) I mainly fish lakes here in England but I learned a couple of things from the video so thank you very much for the tips Tight Lines Regards Dave

[@davidchapman2757]

Plain and simple, you are a bad ass! I enjoy your videos and I learn what I need. Thanks brother. God bless and keep up the good work.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed it, and learned what you needed.

[@nirvana_someday]

wth what a surprise to see you here dude. didn't know that you were an avid angler!

[@GuysGuideService479]

Yes, sunglasses! Most overlooked I think

[@nickblaine]

Helped me last time I was in. Super helpful to a guy without a clue.

[@niccollsvideo]

Hey I really appreciate hearing that Nick! I'm glad you found the advice helpful and I hope to see you again soon. Chris

[@michaelnugara1]

Thanks again. Just found your channel and find it very helpful for a newby.

[@josephhuether9572]

Great video! You could do a whole separate video on older beginners. I would consider adding a wading staff...especially for older people who are a bit less nimble. Depending on the stream bed rock and bolder size, degree of slipperiness water speed wading can get surprisingly difficult and physically challenging. Having a "third leg" can really make a big difference even in shallow water. Another tip for beginners. Put some time into practicing the 2 or 3 basic knots you will be using. When you are on the water you will be tying knots all he time and fly fishing will get very "old" very quickly if every fly change is a trial.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

That's good advice! We are currently working on a basic fishing knots video right now!

[@NOFINCLUE]

Finally someone explained the leader / tippet info I needed.. geez to all other vids why so hush on simple terms. thank you

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Happy that you found it useful. We also did a more specific video just on leaders and tippets.

[@robstreicher5561]

This guy does an excellent job! Well done! Love your videos.

[@CROStinky]

You remind me of somebody Chris Niccolls, I can't quite put my finger on it... I think he worked at a camera store...

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Hmm... No relation... ;)

[@Kelberi]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary what about dpreview lol

[@wizzzardmonk4105]

Mac from its Always sunny in Philadelphia! :P

[@tomdunlap509]

Great to see you Chris! I always enjoyed your camera review vids. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw your face on the thumbnail for the vid. You do a great job. Keep up the good work!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate the support!

[@jaredlindsay5823]

Thank you for the video! Big DP review fan, so this was great. Thanks again from Texas.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for checking it out.

[@theyoutubeist5726]

Love it dude! Thank you!! As a new fly fisher, your videos have been incredibly helpful!

[@Sanemancured]

Chris, this camera fan loves seeing you here :)

[@TheStockWatcher403]

Wow, great video! Very well done! Thank you!

[@Brandon-qn9pr]

Great video. I have been fly fishing for about a year and have been putting gink on some of my dry flies that have CDC material 🤦‍♂

[@joedias6325]

Wait.....Chris is now taking me through my fishing gear too! I just went through all the camera gear with him 🤯

[@markwilson9800]

Most effective strike indicator... any foam fly..

[@toddnorsted1275]

Chris, awesome video!!! As a beginner, I loved it, very helpful and honest info! Thanks!!!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad you enjoyed it, and you're very welcome!

[@bobmailer8260]

Superb beginners equipment tutorial. Well done my friend!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it Bob.

[@Jfldhr]

I should have paid you guys a visit this year when I went to Banff , I will for sure next time when I go to Calgary for sure. Nice store

[@schnooleheletteletto]

Something that not many flyfishers think about is how you divide the weight on your shoulders. A bag hanging to your side with a lot of stuff in it is not going to be good on your back. Its better to keep the weight even on both shoulders. Have a vest with your most used stuff to be availible whenever, and then keep your other stuff in a evenly strapped backpack

[@bryceg5709]

I have really simplified. I'm down to a fannypack and waders. I have a backpack in the truck but I cannot imagine wearing it fishing unless I'm on the river for hours.

[@creativeflyfishing998]

Just now realised you are the guy from DPreview! Been fly fishing for 30+ years and started filming to take this hoppy to a new level. Not easy to film myself on multi-day solo hikes in the Scandinavian mountains (which is my primary interest), but hey, who doesn't like challenges 😃.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Filming and fishing is quite difficult, especially when you're solo. We often find it best to either just film, or just fish. However there is some excellent work being made out there with the right amount of energy and appropriate gear.

[@creativeflyfishing998]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Could not agree more, but it's hard to find some one prepared to go on 10 day hikes in the middle of nowhere. This is one effort already 4 years old: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6HOfXqai9Wla7c

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

That's a beautiful video! I don't think many will appreciate how much work you actually had to put into it. Such a rugged and beautiful landscape too. We will have to go to Sweden sometime, and you'll have to come fish the Bow too!

[@creativeflyfishing998]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Wow, that means the world to me! And I agree, most people don't understand how much work it was. Particularly the last scene where I had to start my camera and wade all the way to the other side of the river to catch the fish. Second cast though. Make sure to contact me if you're interested in fishing in Scandinavia! It has taken me decades to find the spots and I still have many more places to explore.

[@davidavi8554]

Awesome info Chris as always. Now if you could share which cameras we should use for those fishing trips of a lifetime that isn't our cell phones. Phones are pricey these days and dropping them in the stream could ruin them or be lost forever. You know, something small, economical, and easy to use.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

I appreciate it! We like the OM System cameras at the shop. Small, and light lenses, very rugged cameras, and the image stabilization and composite photo modes save you from carrying filters and tripods. Highly recommend them for fishing.

[@Vograx]

Got an interest in fishing but have no gear. These videos help a lot.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Glad we could be of service!

[@Vograx]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary Even though I am in Norway I might order out of your store if you do international shipments. I seem to struggle finding good stores / information on Norwegian sites and such. Anyways, 10/10 content and information!

[@MoisesJha]

Nice video, learned lots. Thanks.

[@germando81s]

Good information, thanks again!

[@johnmadia5229]

This is a great video for a newbie to watch and learn from

[@monsieurwesti]

Great video for beginners ! keep up with the good content.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks, will do!

[@deathbycitrus2369]

I swear Chris is the voice to all my money sink hobbies.

[@rmead65]

Well done and very helpful video. Was not aware that anyone still considers lead to be an acceptable material for split shot.

[@kaytonkay5994]

Thank you very helpful fo a beginner learning fly fishing

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Very welcome! It's our pleasure to help people get into the sport we love!

[@namnification]

he, so fun to se you in this video, only see you for all camera Reviews 🙂

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

I remember the day I decided to get a pair of pliers for fishing. 22 in fat brown taught me that it’s rude to put my fingers down his throat. 3 stitches.

[@rayflores1261]

excellent and informative video! 🔥🔥💪🏽💪🏽

[@_noname_4756]

Great video, really interested in fly fishing this video was very informative!

[@mountkamu]

Great vid. Super helpful!

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Outstanding video!

[@bonnitaclaus2286]

For about 56 years I’ve had backpacks for each type of fishing I’m doing. I just grab it and go. Unfortunately it’s gets expensive because there’s a lot of duplication, therefore, I had a small ditty bag that I had put in any backpack I pick up that has the duplicate tools.

[@normsebby3421]

woow great presentation.......!!!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thank you very much! Appreciate the kind support.

[@danielcroft1631]

Thanks.. for the advice 😎

[@category-theory]

Just started in fly fishing.... been shooting cameras awhile now... saw you pop up and was like WTH!!!!? :).

[@kentechies8846]

Hey, nice video! I am from Calgary as well. I been thinking of getting into fly fishing (I never did any fishing at all, lol) I was thinking of ordering a combo kit on Amazon for $140 but I think I will visit your store sometime soon (June/July 2022) and see what you guys got for beginners combo set.

[@fishingreporter2784]

Chris is the best sales person in internet world

[@IvanRiveraStagea]

I agree. His passion is contagious.

[@JoshEthanJohnson]

Really, really good video. Where have you been all my life?!

[@azoutdoors2659]

Cool video man! Didn’t know you made fly fishing videos!!! I love the camera videos!

[@stevensharpe3182]

Perfect video haven’t fly fished in 20 years learned a lot 🙏

[@odinswolf]

Super helpful!! Thanks much!!

[@laurafedora5385]

This was a great video!

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thank you!

[@rudyruiz9521]

I am 47 now and been fly fishing since I was 5 or 6. Took me about 30 years to hook myself. Got it right in the ear on a really windy day saltwater fishing. But get this. The wind layed down and I did it a second then the same day. What in the world? It was on my mind I guess

[@brianclayton1875]

Hey, it’s Chris the camera guy 😊

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Thanks! It's me!

[@samshep70]

Perfect thanks 👍

[@davidavi8554]

Wait a minute ......... !!! 5 seconds into the video I recognized you... I thought, the Canadian guy, with camera store... Yes, that's you ! Oh cool, so you're a fly fisherman now ? I can imagine selling cameras in a shop is tough business when people are buying stuff on Amazon or Walmart more these days. Maybe you still have your camera shop, and just wanted to expand your horizon ... anyhow.. cool seeing you again !

[@wiesawsramkowski2288]

Hello. It is a pity that the distance between us is so far, specialists with such knowledge are rare, I would gladly buy something from you, but I greet you on your way.

[@bptraveler6608]

Great info.

[@nickgoodrich8356]

What about a good beginning rod ? Cabelas ? Dicks ? Whats the list of good beginner rods for not wasting money yet being able to use for a while.

[@onemorething100]

Even if you are a "professional", Paying 100$ for clippers is A big waste of money.

[@KarlMySuitcase]

The dude sells gear, so he is inclined to exaggerate a bit about our needs.

[@Kelberi]

I paid 3000, and I carry with it everywhere I go. But my dentist does not agree.

[@christianalvarez2025]

you need better materials when you go saltwater because of corrosion, like he stated. minimum non corrosive are like 65$

[@jamesglenn520]

Your Not going to be cutting Braided Line with a $20 pair of clippers. A few more dollars to last a lifetime is better than a few dollars multiple times a year.

[@onemorething100]

@@Kelberi HAHAHAHAHA

[@Adventuresoffirefly]

Good lookin flies, I mean you instructor easy on the eyes 😉 I don’t think your flyfishing lessons are near me 🎣

[@antmas3507]

Good thing you covered which nets work best in different situations or types of fish ... fresh, salt water, trout, salmon ....

[@thegreggoutdoors2068]

Very helpful thank you

[@TechLineHD]

Great video, Chris!

[@davidmalone4017]

Great video!!!

[@dougbutabi5085]

There's nothing wrong with pulling out your limit of stockers, that is the reason they are planted and they can't reproduce so pull em and let there be more room for wild borns!

[@Arthur_Wellesley]

Just getting into fly fishing an I love it, but I'm struggling with the cost of a lot of these items. A decent rubber net costs $160. Also finding these items used is difficult because they are poor quality or are gone fast. Hard to afford brand new stuff when in a recession.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

It can be tough, no denying the sport can be expensive. However, one of the best ways is to get involved with your fellow flyfishers. They will often have lots of gear that they don't use and may be willing to offer it for very good prices. I know I've certainly benefitted from a lot of hand me downs and have in turn helped out a lot of new anglers themselves.

[@Sunbear415]

That’s some fancy smancy stuff.....

[@ovidiuciuparu6421]

Lol... beginner 0 hooks on me! If you go in hiking boots you will go for a swim ... if you go on serious streams waders and boots are a must. Make sure the boots are the ones that take studs!

[@trout_spankn_dominoeacosta6914]

Question. I wanna start making flies right. But not sure what size tungsten bead to use. I wanna use a #6 or 8 hook. An 1/16 weight. Cuz I have been using regular ball head jigs. An work great. So any help would be appreciated ty an dope video man

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

The largest bead we will usually do is a 3/16ths size bead. Good match for 6 to 8 sized hooks, and it will get them down fairly quickly. Maybe not lead head ball jig fast, but it will sink them.

[@trout_spankn_dominoeacosta6914]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary how bout in mm size?? Cuz there all selling in that specific. So you know in mm size. Thanks alot brotha.

[@theupsetter8874]

That’s a cool bet you’re holding what brand is it?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Those are the Rising nets. All aluminum, and they can have extension handles added to change from streamside to boat length nets at will.

[@theupsetter8874]

Perfect thanks for the quick response!

[@morrowoutdoors1336]

What brand are those hemostats with the cutter

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

I believe you are referring to the TFO Temple Fork Outfitters brand hemostats. These particular ones have a rainbow trout theme and come in a gift set with nippers, and a fly box all from TFO.

[@lonniedyer9305]

Thank you

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching our video!

[@BJJandBS]

Whats the best rod n reel for a beginner?

[@jimamccracken5783]

Mind boggling all this info in 17:16 secs my my . I am headed to a shop and have a sitdown talk with a pro. As you may read I am grenner than grass on the North side of a tree. Oh dear oh dear thanks guys. Sympathy gladly accepted.

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

If we can get you a good start in fly-fishing with our videos and help you out with any of the mysteries involved, we are happy. Thanks for watching!

[@FLYSHOPBRASIL]

when you go fish, you keep talking about cameras or when you go take pictures do you talk about fishing gear?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

When I go fish I forget to bring cameras, and when I go photographing I often wish I was fishing.

[@PeacockFishin]

say i want to keep the fish and eat it does it matter or nah

[@samh4232]

Umm Chris you still work at the Camera Store?

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

Chris works here at the flyshop with us, and has been making camera vids for DPreview.com for a few years now.

[@samh4232]

@@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary that’s awesome.

[@DrHavok1]

Holy salesman batman! Lol....very informative though

[@ZachBrimhall]

Wait, you're the camera review guy🤔

[@emilywhelan4471]

Rod/reel combo with fishing kit as an emergency setup kzbin.infoUgkxntWMOZsO1Zfv-pdn_XuffEtNkTYAYu4Z recommend but started to use this every day. The rod is thick and seems durable. I keep it neatly tucked into a regular backpack all the time with my fishing gear, and can grab it anytime, put it on my back and go anywhere. I just read in another review that the rod length below the reel is adjustable as well, so I will try that too for even more portability. Probably the best setup I've ever owned. I lost the cap for the eyelets, but no big deal since I still have the black cloth sheath that came for the pole and I use that. Very portable and high quality.

[@donkeyfarmtoolsproductions]

Where's Jordan? Could use a bit better production :-)

[@davidm1796]

Thanks man

[@BowRiverTroutfittersCalgary]

You're welcome!

[@Khoa20]

You review camera right?

[@spencermorrow2899]

Do they make those sun glasses for people who wear glasses everyday

[@BroShredGnar]

What the heck I’ve watched the camera store for years and now this pops up

[@JoshBenBernales]

Whoa, where’s the camera!?