Essential Tools and Accessories
The small items that make your day on the water easier and more productive.
Tools You Absolutely Need
Nippers / Clippers
Purpose: Cutting leader and tippet material
Types:
- Basic clippers: Inexpensive, work fine
- Pinch-and-release: Good for crushing barbs
- Built-on zinger: Retractable, convenient
- Nippers with needle: Clear hook eyes
Features to look for:
- Sharp, replaceable blades
- Built-in hook eye pick
- Attachment point for zinger
- Durable construction
Recommendation:
- Abel nippers (premium)
- Orvis or Orvis nippers (mid-range)
- Basic clippers work fine
Never be without: Nippers are essential. Bring a backup.
Forceps / Hemostats
Purpose:
- Removing hooks from fish
- Crushing barbs
- Holding flies while tying
- Many other uses
Types:
- Straight: Most common
- Curved: Better for some hook removals
- Clamp: Locking mechanism
Features:
- Locking mechanism
- Scissor jaws (optional but nice)
- Serrated or smooth jaws
- Attachment point
Recommendation:
- 5-6 inch size
- Locking mechanism
- Either straight or curved
- Good quality steel
Never be without: Forceps are absolutely essential.
Hook Hone / File
Purpose: Keep hooks sharp
Why it matters:
- Sharp hooks catch more fish
- Factory hooks aren’t always sharp
- Quick touch-ups make a difference
Types:
- Small hone: Ceramic or diamond
- Hook file: Traditional
- Retractable: Convenient
Use:
- A few strokes before fishing
- Check hook sharpness regularly
- Replace when dull beyond sharpening
Very Useful Items
Landing Net
Purpose: Land fish quickly and safely
Net types:
- Rubber bag: Fish-friendly, recommended
- Traditional mesh: Cheaper, harder on fish
- Catch-and-release: Best for fish
Size:
- Trout: Small to medium net
- Clear nets: Less visible to fish
- Rubber: Protects fish slime coating
Handle length:
- Short: Small streams
- Medium: Most versatile
- Long: Large rivers
When to use:
- Not always necessary
- Essential for large fish
- Helps land fish quickly
- Protects fish
Recommendation: Small rubber net with clear bag.
Polarized Sunglasses
Purpose:
- See into the water
- Spot fish
- Protect your eyes
- Reduce glare
Lens color:
- Copper/amber: All-around choice
- Yellow: Low light
- Gray: Bright sun
- Brown: General purpose
Features:
- Polarized (essential!)
- UV protection
- Wraparound frames
- Quality lenses
Brands:
- Costa del Mar (premium)
- Smith Optics (mid-range)
- Costa/Smith make great glasses
- Inexpensive options work too
Never be without: Polarized glasses are game-changers.
Zinger Retractors
Purpose: Keep tools accessible but secure
Use for:
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Small tools
- Light items
Features:
- Strong retraction
- Multiple gear clips
- Durable construction
- Pinch-to-attach
Why they’re great:
- Tools always handy
- Don’t lose things in the water
- Inexpensive and useful
Tippet Material
Always carry:
- Multiple sizes (3X-7X)
- Enough for the day
- More than you think you’ll need
Organization:
- Tippet holders
- Straws with labels
- Small spool system
- Keep organized and accessible
Fly Boxes
Types:
- Slit foam: Holds flies securely
- Waterproof: Essential for dries
- Magnetic: Quick access
- Compartment: For large flies
Carry:
- At least two boxes
- One for dries, one for nymphs/streamers
- Enough flies for the day
- Organized by size/type
Nice-to-Have Items
Thermometer
Purpose:
- Check water temperature
- Determine trout activity
- Safety (too cold/hot)
Why it matters:
- Trout prefer 50-65°F
- Above 70°F: Don’t fish (stress fish)
- Below 40°F: Slowed metabolism
- Helps understand fish behavior
Wind Meter
Purpose:
- Measure wind speed
- Determine casting difficulty
- Plan approach
Nice to have:
- Not essential
- Can be useful
- Smart phone apps work too
Split Shot
Purpose:
- Get flies down
- Adjust depth
- Fine-tune nymph rig
Types:
- Non-toxic: Lead-free, required some places
- Split shot: Traditional
- Putty: Adjusts easily
Carry: Multiple sizes for different conditions.
Strike Indicators
Purpose:
- Detect takes while nymphing
- Suspend nymphs at depth
- See drift
Types:
- Yarn: Traditional, sensitive
- Foam: More visible
- Putty: Adjustable
- Dry-dropper: Use dry fly as indicator
When to use: Nymphing, always helpful.
Lanyard
Purpose:
- Wear tools around neck
- Keep everything accessible
- Don’t lose things
Great for:
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Small tools
- Light items
Sun Protection
Sunscreen:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Waterproof
- Apply before you need it
- Reapply as needed
Hat:
- Wide brim
- Protects face and neck
- Dark under brim (reduces glare)
- Ball caps work too
Clothing:
- Long sleeves
- Lightweight in summer
- UPF-rated clothing available
Organization Systems
Vest vs. Pack vs. Sling
Vest
Pros:
- Lots of pockets
- Traditional choice
- Organized
- Good for carrying lots of gear
Cons:
- Can be hot
- More than you need
- Expensive
- Old-fashioned
Chest Pack
Pros:
- Carries essentials
- Less bulky than vest
- Cooler
- Modern approach
Cons:
- Limited storage
- May need additional pack
Sling Pack
Pros:
- Very popular
- Accessible while fishing
- Good storage
- Comfortable
Cons:
- More expensive
- Can rotate around body
- May not suit everyone
Backpack
Pros:
- Lots of storage
- Good for long days
- Carry lunch, layers
- Versatile
Cons:
- Must take off to access
- More than you need sometimes
For beginners: Small chest pack or sling pack.
First Aid / Safety
Basic First Aid Kit
Should include:
- Bandages
- Antiseptic
- Pain reliever
- Blister treatment
- Antihistamine
- Any personal medications
Safety Items
Whistle:
- Signal for help
- Works if you can’t shout
- Essential for remote areas
Light:
- Headlamp
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Essential for evenings
Knife:
- Multi-tool
- Cutting line
- General use
- Be careful traveling with it
Communication
Cell phone:
- Emergency calls
- Weather updates
- Photos
- Keep it dry
InReach / SPOT:
- Satellite communicator
- Remote areas without cell service
- Expensive but potentially lifesaving
Making Your Selection
Essential (Don’t Leave Home)
- Nippers
- Forceps
- Polarized glasses
- Tippet material
- Flies
- License
Very Useful
- Landing net
- Hook hone
- Wading staff
- Rain jacket
- Extra layer
Nice to Have
- Thermometer
- Wind meter
- Lanyard
- Extra fly boxes
- Multiple rod/reel setups
Budget Considerations
Start Simple
You don’t need everything:
- Buy essentials first
- Add as you go
- Learn what you actually need
- Quality over quantity
Spend Money On…
Polarized glasses: Game-changer Nippers/forceps: Quality lasts Net: Protects fish Rain gear: Staying dry = staying comfortable
Save Money On…
Fancy gadgets: Nice but not necessary Multiple boxes: One or two is plenty Extra rods: Start with one Premium accessories: Mid-range is fine
Final Thoughts
The right tools:
- Make fishing easier
- Help you catch more fish
- Keep you safe
- Improve your experience
But remember: The best fishing is done with:
- Practice
- Observation
- Patience
- Simple, reliable gear
Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with essentials, add as you learn what you need.
Now go fishing!