Gear Recommendations
When it comes to making well-informed purchases for fly fishing in New England, the range of considerations can be overwhelming.
These lists take the guesswork out of process by breaking purchases into activity specific groups (everyday inland/winter/fly tying/saltwater). Still have questions? Shoot us a message at info@newenglandfly.com and we'll chat through your specific needs.
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These lists contain affiliate links from which we may receive commission. We are not sponsored by any of the companies or brands included. The recommendations presented reflect our true opinions, informed by using the gear across our fly fishing lifetimes. If you would like to support our business by making a purchase through these lists, please disable any ad-blockers or VPNs before clicking the "Buy At" links, so that the cookie tracking will properly credit our business.
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The Everyday Fly Kit
- Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod - 5 or 6 wt is perfect for swinging wet flies, casting streamers into a stiff breeze, and nymphing with indicators
- Lamson S Liquid (3 pack) - 5 + size is perfect for anything from a 4-6 weight rod. Smooth drag, decent capacity for wide rivers to small pockets
- Orvis Clearwater Floating Fly Line - 5/6 weight. Often on sale, it's a good starter line but we've found it does lose buoyancy after a season and some change, even with cleaning/maintenance
- Fishpond Original Tacky Fly Box - yes it's pricy, but after dozens of trips not having flies come loose in your bag or fall out into the river when changing flies, you'll appreciate it's worth
- Umpqua Deceiver X Leader - 4X 9' is all you'll need, especially with our micro swivel to tippet system
- Umpqua Phantom X Tippet - a spool of 4X for streamer fishing, 6X for nymphing (7X if you're fishing a 4 weight rod or lighter)
Next Level Fly Kit
- Winston Air II Rod - 5 weight 9' (or if you're like Rowan, a 9'6") is the ideal. Good balance, great sensitivity
- Bauer RVR 4/5 Reel - beautiful finish, purring drag
- Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth - pairs nicely with the RVR/Winston combo and lasts longer than the Clearwater floating line
- Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders - great details, pocket placement, sturdiness and range of movement
- Nomad Mid-Length Carbon Net - a longer reach and wider diameter makes a slightly more expensive net worthwhile when chasing bigger landlocked salmon or even pike bycatch
