Fly Fishing in Toronto: Rods, Tackle, and More

Whether you are starting out as a beginner or the art of fly fishing is instilled in you, understanding some of the best practices can make your day at the lake a lot easier. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our tips for fly fishing from rods, tackle, and more!

What is fly fishing?

The art of fly fishing involves imitating the behaviour of the insect. The fly used (the lure) is very lightweight and requires a fly fishing rod to cast it. The purpose of using a lightweight fly is to effectively appear as a real insect suspended on water or just below the surface of the water. 

The key difference between fly fishing and a more traditional fishing method is primarily the fly line. The fly line on your fly fishing rod is the key weight factor distinguishing it from other rods. 

 Check what The Franklin Club has to offer.

Where to begin with fly fishing rods?

Fly rods are an investment and one that can last a lifetime if taken care of adequately. It is important to consider what attributes you require from your rod. When selecting your fly fishing rod, you’ll need to consider the length, speed, weight, pieces, and material. 

When starting out, a 9’ rod for a 5-weight line is the most versatile and universally a good place to begin. And to keep travelling with your rod easier, we recommend a 4-piece rod – but it’s up to you! Keep in mind that the more pieces involved equal a flying fish rod that’s easier to carry but more fragile. 

Learn how to better your fly tying skills.

What makes fly fishing rods different from regular rods

A fly rod is different from a standard fishing setup. You will notice that the fly fishing rod has a thicker line, this is crucial to add weight and create a distance cast. 

After selecting your fly fishing rod,  you want to ensure that your rod and reel are matched in accordance with the weight of your rod. If you are looking to purchase a new rod, it’s a good idea to buy it as a combination so you avoid the potential issue. 

Other fly fishing gear you’ll need 

Once you have your fly fishing rod at hand, you’ll require the remainder components which are the following: 

• The leader: helps to provide weight to your line. It works with the tippet by transitioning from a thick line to a thin one. The purpose of this is to be discreet when luring your fish and avoid creating noise when hitting the water. 

• The tippet: may be small but plays a crucial part in attaching your fly to the leader. You want a tippet that is strong but nearly invisible at the same time!
• Fly backing: gives you extra length when fly fishing. 

Read more about other perks that come in handy when fly fishing. 

What else you will need for fly fishing 

The most important practice you will require is – safety! We recommend that you have a durable bag to store all of your fly fishing gear and prevent misplacement. It is also ideal to carry clippers to ensure that your lines and knots are trimmed if required. 

And, more than everything, it is important to have safety goggles on you. We suggest polarized sunglasses to keep your eyes safe from hazards and the sun during fly fishing.