Step up Your Fishing Game With the Best Fishing Flies
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Fly fishing is a fun, clever sports activity that requires precision and attention to detail. To land a catch, you basically need to outsmart the fish to catch it using a wide array of fishing flies. These flies are made to look like local insects and baitfish that different kinds of fish enjoy. The color, size, and patterns of these flies are used to trick fishes into believing they are real insects or bait, which can help you catch these fish easily!
That said, each type of fish likes a different kind of bait. Fishing flies are customized according to different fishes one may catch while fishing, so how should you choose which set of fishing flies would be the best for your upcoming fishing trip? To help you out, we’ve curated a list of some of the leading fishing flies of 2024.
- Fishing Flies Buying Guide
- People Also Asked
- Which flies should I buy for fly fishing?
- Why do you need separate rods for freshwater and saltwater fishing?
- Which style of fishing fly is the best for catching fish?
- Do I have to be skilled to use a fishing fly on the sea?
- How can I tell if my fishing fly needs replacement?
- Will I attract more fish if I go fly fishing in a large group?
- Related Reviews
What Are the Premium Fishing Flies in 2024?
Top Pick
This 120-piece fishing fly assortment kit by Croch comes with lightweight flies that are small enough to draw the attention of the fish without sinking too far in the water. The flies are hand tied by professionals to achieve extreme strength and experience. They also contain high-quality carbon steel hooks that are sharp enough to hook the fish and not let go.
The kit contains flies of different styles and colors, including 21 different styles, six hook sizes, and five types of flies to ensure that you have a wide variety of flies to choose from. All the flies have vibrant colors so they can be easily spotted by the fish and you.
We have rated this product as our top fishing fly kit because of the wide assortment of colors and styles it provides.
Pros
- You can catch different types of fish
- Comes with a waterproof box
- The flies are strong
Cons
- They do not float adequately
Most Variety
When it comes to fly fishing, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This is why having a large variety of fishing flies is never a bad idea. This 122-piece assortment kit of fishing flies by Ventures Fly Co. brings you two fly boxes that include several types of flies. Featuring everything from wet flies, dry flies, nymphs, streamer, wooly, buggers, and terrestrials–this kit is great for beginners and those who are looking to gift an experienced friend.
The flies in this kit have been tested prior on different fish and have proven to be fruitful. This kit is a great option for beginners as it comes with instruction cards for all flies and details on how to correctly install them on your fishing line.
Easy to use, these flies are beginner friendly!
Pros
- Features a wide assortment of fishing flies
- Each fly comes with instructions
- Accommodates a variety of fish
Cons
- It can be exhausting to carry
Best Value
There is no such thing as too many flies. Hence, this FISHINGSIR 120-piece fly kit comes with a large selection of fishing flies that include but are not limited to wooly buggers, elk hair caddis, and egg flies. You get the option to choose from various types of flies, including wet flies, dry flies, and nymphs–and to top things off these hand-tied flies are perfect for bringing out the most stubborn fish including a large trout.
The different shapes and colors of the flies allow you to match them with the hatch at any given time. Each kit also comes in a secure ABS plastic box that is easy to carry around.
Pros
- You can carry the flies around
- Can trick even the smartest of fish
Cons
- The flies are delicate
Budget-friendly
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this fly kit has to be your first choice. Although it contains a lesser number of flies as compared to other kits, they are still enough to help you catch a hefty number of fish.
This 64-piece fishing fly kit includes streamers, leeches, wet flies, dry flies, terrestrials, and caddisfly dries. All of these flies come in vibrant colors and resemble different fish bait and plants that can lure even the sharpest fish.
To help you organize your things, these flies come in a plastic box with magnetic fasteners for easy accessibility. You can use these flies to attract different kinds of fish including steelhead, bass, trout, and panfish.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Flies come in vibrant colors
- Come in an organization box
Cons
- Magnetic fasteners may become weak
Most Stylish
If you’ve been using fishing flies for some time now, you may recognize how crucial it is to have flies that actually resemble different bugs and insects. These fishing flies by Piscifun give you exactly that advantage. While this 12-piece kit may not have a variety of options, all its flies are recognizable and distinguishable. You can easily find the resemblance these flies have to real fish bait, and when quality is coupled with their vibrant colors you’re bound to get a bulk of fish in no time!
The flies are made specifically for targeting bass and trout fish. They come with strong and sharp hooks that are designed to promote a more efficient catch rate. Each fly is also lightweight and small enough to float on water.
Pros
- You can catch much fish
- Hooks are easy to connect
- Lightweight and can easily float on water
Cons
- The flies can lose their shape
Fishing Flies Buying Guide
Now that we’ve gone over several different options of fishing flies, it is time to determine which fishing fly would be the best for your unique experience!
What You’ll Need
When going on a fishing trip, you will need some basic fly fishing equipment on you. While you may come across many types of fishing gear that feature fun or bright colors, you probably won’t need them.
Your basic equipment should include:
- Fishing line
- Fly rod
- Fly reel
- Fishing flies
Many fishing fly gear kits come with these items and some more. If you’re interested in getting extra items, you’re more than welcome to get them.
The Purpose of Fly Rods and Reels
The fly rod and fly reel are two of the most important items in your fishing gear. Fly rods come in many different sizes and can cost around $50-$1000. The disparity in this range is due to different materials being used for the construction of the rod. You will need to choose a rod for yourself depending on what kind of fishing you will be doing. It is generally suggested to go for a graphite rod which is not very expensive and can get your work done just as easily.
Just like fly rods, fly reels also come in various sizes and makes. On the cheaper end, we have plastic reels that don’t last long and can easily break. It is always advised to stay away from these reels and invest in a metal fly reel that is much sturdier and will last a long time.
The most important thing to note when buying a fly rod and reel is the weight of the rod. You can also opt for a combination of fly rod and reel as they will be matched and might even cost you less than getting two separate pieces.
Fly Fishing vs Regular Fishing: Know the Difference
Fly fishing is different from regular fishing in many ways. Here are some features that set them apart:
- In regular fishing, you have a weight at the end of the line which helps you land your bait wherever you want. Meanwhile, with fly fishing, there is no weight at the end of the line.
- In regular fishing, your bait dunks in the water and is then grabbed by fish (or not). When fly fishing, your bait has to float on water as if it were a bug.
Types of Fishing Flies
Choosing the right kind of fishing fly kit means choosing an appropriate fly. Here are some of the most commonly used flies you can add to your fly box:
Parachute adams
This is a versatile, attractive dry fly that is quite commonly used on rivers. It has a dark body that can be easily spotted in daylight or even in the evening. Easy to float on water, it imitates different kinds of small flies, including mayflies and caddisfly.
Wooly bugger
Wooly bugger is a traditional fly that is used to catch cold-water species like trout. You will find a wooly bugger in almost every fishing fly kit. Even though it is an old fly, it has the perfect appearance and moves for catching several fish at a time. It has a pulsating motion which attracts a lot of fish.
Elk hair caddis
This style of fly is optimal for turbulent waters due to its feathery body that allows it to remain atop water no matter the turbulence. It has a dark body that can easily be spotted by any fish, and as its name suggests it imitates the caddisfly–which is known to bounce on the water’s surface.
People Also Asked
Which flies should I buy for fly fishing?
Normally, nymphs, dry flies, and wet flies are quite common for fly fishing. You can go for dry flies and nymphs up to a size of 16. In other cases, you may opt for dry flies of size 20. Having different sizes can actually yield better results while you fish, and keeping a variety on hand will allow you to switch out your fishing flies in the act.
Why do you need separate rods for freshwater and saltwater fishing?
There are different rods for both freshwater and saltwater bodies because of the composition of the water. Freshwater rods can not be used in saltwater as they are not made for high quantities of salt. However, saltwater rods can be used in freshwater. To promote visibility, it’s recommended to keep different rods for both water sources.
Which style of fishing fly is the best for catching fish?
The most successful fly in landing heaps of fish is the wooly bugger. An old fly that is known for its resistance to restless water, it can help you catch fish even when there is higher turbulence in the water.
Do I have to be skilled to use a fishing fly on the sea?
No! Although, like any fishing sport everyone has to start someone. To get the most out of your experience, you should make an effort to go fly fishing with those who have experience with them. If your intention is to venture out on the sea alone, then you should consider watching Youtube videos to receive a visual guide on how to cast and reel your fly. Incorrectly casting your fly can lead to a naturally lower catch rate.
How can I tell if my fishing fly needs replacement?
Generally speaking, you’ll know when your fishing fly needs replacement if it shows signs of general wear and tear. Other signs you should replace your fishing fly (or consider swapping it out with another size or color) is a lack of biting or a general lack of pull when you finally get a bite. Since certain sizes and species of fish will call for different flies, it’s recommended to research which unique fly will yield a higher catch rate for that specific fish.
Will I attract more fish if I go fly fishing in a large group?
Since there will be more bait out on the water, it wouldn’t be at all uncommon to experience a larger (and quicker!) catch rate if you went fly fishing in a group. If you have no one to go with, consider joining a local fishing group!