Ready to get hooked?
By now, I hope you’re hooked on the good vibes fly fishing can give you and want to immerse yourself in it (if you haven’t already). So, where to start?
A good fly fishing shop would be my recommended first port of call. Aussie Angler in Greensborough and the Fly Fisher in South Melbourne are top notch outfitters. Jo and Rick Dobson at Aussie Angler are among the most knowledgeable and generous people I know. They are passionate about helping people get into fly fishing and level up and will give you honest, good value advice and kit.
The lads at the Fly Fisher have the gold plated gear and can give you a good steer on tactics and what the fish are biting on. Saying this, if you’re new to fly fishing, walking into a shop can feel a bit intimidating. So, here are the things you need to know that will make you feel more confident.
Give it a go before you commit
If you want to ‘try before you buy’, joining a fishing club is a good way of testing the waters. Some clubs run ‘come and try’ days and these are good for sussing out the vibe of the club and getting some free tuition. If the fit is good, joining up will allow you to make new friends who can lend you kit and show you the ropes. The Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club and Calder Fly Fishing Club are friendly and progressive clubs that always get a good wrap. For a full list of clubs in Victoria, visit: http://www.cvffc.org.au/
Essential kit
You don’t need a small fortune to go fly fishing but you do need to spend good money on essential gear. In addition to a waterproof jacket, backpack, drink bottle and wide brimmed hat, you’ll need to invest in the following items:
Fishing licence
Unless you’re exempt, you’ll need a fishing licence before you hit any Victorian waters. Good news is they’re not that pricey. It’s just over $36 for an annual licence and the money gets invested into projects that improve fishing that include improving facilities, fish habitat and educating anglers sustainable fishing practices. Grab one here: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/fishing-licence
Waders and wading boots
Good quality waders start at around $250 and entry level boots come in at a similar price. I spend more because I really value quality, comfort and duration. I bought my Orvis Pro Waders six years ago and with a few patches and a bit of Aqua Seal they’re still going strong. With boots, get studs because they reduce the risk of slipping on rocks and this is an absolute non-negotiable in my opinion.
Rods and lines
The sky is the limit when it comes to this kit. However, if you’re starting out, you can get a rod, reel and line combo kit for around $370 and this will serve you well. I don’t have the space here to give this subject the attention it deserves, but I have six rods in my armoury (purchased over many years) that range between 2-6 weight and different types and tapers of line that cater to the different waters I fish. Rods tend to get all the glory but the fly line is central to the rig, so I’d recommend talking through the details with an expert and spending a bit more on the right line.
Fishing vest, fly box and net
Vests have lots of pockets and attachments for the necessary accessories like your fly box, line nippers, waste line holder, floatant, tippet line, and hook forceps. When it comes to flies, there are thousands to choose from, so I’d recommend getting a selection of tried and trusted wet and dry flies to start with—a good fly shop can guide you. Finally, get a fish friendly net made from rubber because it won’t remove the slime coating on the fish and reduces the potential harm caused when you do land one.
Safety on the water
As a woman who fishes alone, I’ve been asked if I’ve ever feel scared for my personal safety. Thankfully, I haven’t. We are lucky to live in a very stable and safe country and I’ve never felt threatened or frightened while fishing. Long may that last. However, I carry a good basic first aid kit, an emergency beacon, and a snake bite kit everytime I venture out into the bush. I also let my family know where I’m going and how long I intend to fish (although I’m guilty of staying out a tad longer, for “one more”). I suggest you do the same.
And if you want to find some like-minded girls to go fly fishing with check out Girls Gone Fly Fishing or Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating.
