Women's Fly Fishing | All the gear you need - and everything you don't
Many of us are on the hunt for comfortable and properly fitting womenäó»s fly fishing gear. The good news is that with the growing number of women entering into the sport, escalating demand is creating a greater awareness from manufacturers and outfitters about what women want and need.
Finding quality equipment and accessories that embrace varied shapes of womenäó»s body types and span the range of foot sizes is becoming easier. Importantly, we are seeing the development of comfortable, functional, quality-driven products available at a range of price points in suitable colours. Hearing a group of women anglers discuss the pros and cons of different shades of camo (not all women need 50 shades of pink) might seem odd but is actually a real thing and becoming more commonplace. And for the record, I lean towards more muted shades of greens, greys and browns. While some look for an outfit which takes them from the office and then out to dinner, I feel this combo takes me from open rocky river sides to tree-clad streams with ease. So what are the essentials to invest our time, energy and hard earnt dollars in and what do we expect from these products?
In waders we expect the same quality and high end features included on waders marketed for men. While we may not appreciate the front access zip, the love the more athletic and sports minded breathable back harnesses, the inclusion of D loops, robust belt loops, sneaky inner pockets to keep valuables dry and stockingfeet which are of suitable sizes are all a must.
We like robust, breathable and washable material as not everyone has their pelvic floor muscles in tact! And for the record, fish donäó»t really care about the colour of your belt, but finding a colour you can locate in low light or one that is easily identifiable when there are groups of you with similar gear is extremely helpful! Itäó»s also refreshing to be able to äóÖpimp your kitäó». I wear the Simms G3s . I love the fit and feel. The front is high enough to wade deeply and doesnäó»t cut you off mid-chest. It feels like this latest model has the cut right matching leg length and foot sizes with short and tall options as required. The tapered leg still gives room to move in relation to the overall size and foot length, while feeling streamlined when wading and walking.
Waders require pairing with a suitable boot and this choice can be less about the brand and more about the fit to your foot. Weight of the boot äóñ dry and wet is also important äóñ long days on the river make for no fun if it feels like you are hauling around two concrete bricks below the knee (especially if you are like me and known to have the odd trip and tumble). The need for robust support, yet flexible footfall and good grip is essential. Itäó»s a tricky equation to get right, but trying on different styles, sizes and models with your waders on gives you an idea about what feels supportive, with enough rigidity. Consider the material and construction overall which is not going to hold the water and add extra weight. Consider how you will size these boots up so you can wet wade in the warmer months, for example, finding a neoprene sock which is the same thickness as your wader sock means you can use the same boots across the seasons when its too warm for wearing waders.
I tread the rivers in the Simms Flyweights in the womenäó»s style where the heel support is modified to give that little extra leverage when walking downhill or across rocky uneven surfaces. They are great for multiday trips, walking long distances and can even pass as appropriate footwear in a cafí© or supermarket at a push!
A decent wading staff is a must. Whether it is the fast current, a big crossing, rescuing a fly from a high branch or the extra oomph required on the long trek back to the truck, a wading staff is a great investment. I use the Simms Pro Staff in a hard case and attach it horizontally on my wading belt rather than vertically. This way, I can spin it around behind me to keep it out of the way, or bring it to the front when I need it. Also keeps it high up on the body rather than flapping in the current which helps with wading tricky deep rivers, stops it getting snagged on branches when I walk, and decreases the potential for the line wrapping around it.
Vest, sling, backpack, chest or hip pack? Lanyard or foam boxäó?so many options for accessorising. This is an area where I feel more consideration is needed. As a woman finding a comfortable way to store gear and still maintain movement and comfort across the chest and hips can be challenging. I have tried all of the above and currently switch between my vest for bigger days on the water and chest pack for quick excursions. For multiday, I trek with a larger pack and smaller chest pack combo. Always consider that each should have a good mounting point for your PLB/EPRB accessible on your upper body. Itäó»s a matter of experimenting and working out what works best for you as you develop your fishing style and systems.
- The Author (left) with some of the Fly Ferns Team in Central NZ
Rods and reels? I believe this is a try before you buy purchase. Do your research to match rods and reels and lines to the kind of fishing you are doing. With the rod - the numbers relating to length, weight, might be the same across the selection but the actions may be different. With reels äóñ understand your fishing approach äóñ are you indicator nymphing, euro, lake stripping from the shore? This impacts on your reel and line. Consider the weight, the grip shape of the rod handle and size. I like a fully caged reel for on the river äóñ less potential for error, but with the trade of with less flexibility. Consider how to get bang for your buck with multi-spool combinations where you can just slip a spool out to change your line over. In less than a minute you can go from stripping woolly buggers on a fast sinking line to floating a cicada in the foam line. Support the retailers who say äóñ try this one out äóñ and set up a combo for you to try in the carpark or local reserve. Feel the grip, understand the rod action, match the reel and the line.
It can sometimes be intimidating walking into a fishing shop to find what it is you are after. Sometimes it can be a case of not knowing what you need, worried you might be sold something that doesnäó»t meet your needs. We all own this feeling äóñ purchasers and retailers. It is not financially feasible for stores to carry huge ranges of gear in all sizes, and they make choices about what they stock based on inquiries and sales. So be that person to ask äóñ do you stock xyz?äó?.I am afteräó? what would you recommend foräó?.Is it possible for you to get in this for me to try? It becomes a bit of word of mouth as we gravitate to support stores and their staff who are welcoming and genuinely help us with questions and help us to solve the puzzles in the fly fishing picture. The reality is äóñ as women we have huge purchasing power. The range of equipment and clothing is increasing. This makes equipment more accessible. It's also in their best interest to support women anglers äóñ as we become their best advertisers.
Overall, I am a fan of äóÖbuy once äóñ cry onceäó». I learnt this from my nana and from memory that was in relation to purchasing good quality shoes. Buy the best quality you can afford at the time. Iäó»ve been stung a few times where I have opted for the cheaper, or äóÖoff-brandäó», only to come back to investing in quality product in the end when gear has broken, let me down mid fight, or simply has not lasted the expected distance. Expensive lessons to learn. While my husband might not agree, pitch for high quality in the areas that matter to you. Perhaps most of all äóñ treat your gear well. Look after and care for your kit, cleaning, drying, maintaining and storing each piece correctly. This extends the life of your fishing assets and ensures they remain performing at the level you expect.
About the Author
Dr Rachel McNae has a doctorate in many things, but her passion for fly fishing and the encouragement of women's fly fishing is what she is most qualified in. Rachel is the captain of the NZ Fly Ferns.