F l y F i s h i n g T r i c k s . c o m

Fly Fishing Apparel

OUTERWEAR

JACKET

The outerwear of the angler should be reasonably strong, weather-proof and inconspicuous. The latter points were quaintly brought out by Dennys in his oft-quoted verse:

"And let your garments russet be or grey, Of colour darke and hardest to descry; That with the Raine or weather will away, And least offend the fearfull Fishes eye."

Most stream fishermen favor the regulation wading jacket which has many advantages. It is made short - my little daughter aptly calls it a " monkey jacket "- so as not to drag in the water and has a wealth of pockets. A knapsack or large pocket in the back carries tennis slippers, cook kit, camera or lunch. Altogether, it is a sensible garment.

RAIN CAPE OR COAT

To wear over the shoulders while fishing in the rain a cape of light rubber is made that is most convenient. It folds in slightly larger bulk than a handkerchief.

For fishing from a boat in bad weather I recommend the so-called folding motor rain coat. This garment is made on the style of a surgeon's over-all. It both puckers and snaps at the neck and the sleeves are closed at the wrists by sewed-in elastic which prevents water running up the arm. It covers the entire body and is absolutely waterproof. It packs in a rubber envelope making a package about a foot square and 3 inches thick - handy as a cushion in fair weather. It is the first thing that goes in my duffle bag when I pack for a fishing or duck hunting trip. It should not be put away wet nor stored folded.

HAT AND CAP

Most fly fishermen affect an old, battered felt hat with a wide, loose band on which they dry their flies before returning them to the book or box. Thus decorated they look, as my friend Herb Daniels once remarked, " like noble red men on the war path."

I prefer a light khaki cap with a large, green lined visor or peak and ear laps and neck cape, such as duck hunters wear. I find it very handy to foil mosquitoes and black flies who often attack with intentions I suspect of being bloodthirsty.

HEAD NETS

Head nets, like waders, are the lesser of two evils. A cheap one is made of light netting and is held away from the face by the hat brim and ties under the arms.

It folds very compactly. A more elaborate one is made of metal gauze. If you smoke get a head net provided with an opening for the purpose.

GLOVES

A pair of light leather gloves is a comfort on " nippy " days and also protects one from mosquitoes. For the latter purpose tackle dealers sell a thin gauntlet that covers the entire forearm.

GOGGLES

Some anglers find the sunbeams dancing on the riffles very trying to the eyes, making a pair of green or amber-colored goggles very comfortable. They cost from fifty cents up.

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