At Queenstown Fishing, fly fishing is more than just a hobby. It’s a way of life! We know you love it, too:

• Being out there on the water
• Casting your line
• Hooking a big trout
• Hauling it all home

The Southern Lakes region offers some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the world, and it’s also a great place to go fishing!

This article discusses the kinds of fly fishing rods you need to go fly fishing, the expectations you should set, and what gear will make your fishing adventure complete.

It All Starts With the Rod

Experienced anglers develop gear preferences with experience, but your rod is the most critical piece of your fly fishing gear. Fly fishing rods come in different sizes and with different features, depending on your needs. Here are some of the basic elements to consider.

Length

The average fly fishing rod length is 8-9 feet. If you have less room to cast, or you’re angling for smaller fish, a 6-to-8 foot rod is a great choice. Most beginners will not want a longer rod than this until they gain some experience in the fly fishing basics.

All About That Action

The term “action” refers to the flexibility of your fly rod. Medium action rods are great for beginners as well as experienced anglers, because they are versatile enough to use in any environment. We recommend you start with a medium-action fly rod.

The Weighting Game

Like rod action and length, weight is variable and important. Most anglers start with a 5-weight line for trout fishing, but you can always experiment a little.

Bait Options

Whether you use soft baits or hard baits depends on the kinds of fish you’re trying to catch. Whatever your fishing expectations, tailor your kit to the fish you’re trying to hook. When in doubt, soft baits work well in more tangled fishing environments, and hard baits are more durable for stronger fish in deeper waters.

Other Gear

Be sure to pack your other gear before you go out fishing:

• Fishing clothes
  • Be sure they are appropriate for the season
• Supplies
• Snacks
• Sunblock
• Hat and sunglasses

These are some of the basic things you will want to pack. It’s also a good idea to bring along a small medical kit and plenty of snacks to make the trip memorable (and to be prepared just in case!).

Consider Charters

If you want to learn fly fishing from experienced anglers, Queenstown Fishing has decades of experience fishing all around southern New Zealand. Our skilled guides can give you tips on all the best fishing spots and how to make the most of your gear. With a private charter, we’ll show you how and where to fish, we provide equipment and refreshments, and we can promise a day of laughs, learning, and successful fishing lines. Contact us now to get started. We’d love to teach you everything about fly fishing: rods, baits, techniques, and more!