Tackle, including fly
rods, reels, lines
and leaders,
are not covered in this course. There is a separate course for each of
these topics.
Floatant holders
Fly Dressings
This paste type floatant
works well with a vest-mountable "holster".
The generic category of "fly dressings" is quite inclusive. We use it here to refer to the collection of products and substances that are used to "dress" a fly, line or leader: such "dressing" may include helping make our flies, lines or leaders float, making them sink, make them clean, etc.
The most commonly used fly dressings are those that assist a dry fly in floating better. Most such "floatants" contain silicone, so that when applied via a paste, spray, or gel to the hackles of the fly, provide temporary protection from being so soaked with water that it no longer floats. "Dry fly powders" also serve this purpose and work well.
Other dressings cause flies to sink; or leaders and lines to sink; "line cleaners" help clean fly lines; others make them cast easier; "knot dressings" smooth knot connections; desiccants provide drying action; etc.
Our recommendation to beginners is to "go slow" and to first determine your own type of fly fishing needs and preferences before loading up on these items. Initially, most fly fishers are in need of a dry fly floatant, and we suggest a paste or gel type as being the best way to get started. Other dressings tend to be a bit "further down the line" for most fly fishers in their angling lives. At that point, personal experience and your fly fishing environment are the best and only sure learning process regarding these products.
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| Quantity: | 1-5 different types |
| Material: | na |
| Size: | small as you can get |
| Color: | na |
| Cost: | $3.50 - $8/ea. |
| Substitutes: | na |
| Source: | Catalogs: Bass Pro Shop, Cabela's , fly fishing retailers |
| Mfr.: | Gehrke, Glide, Mucilin, Loon, Scientific Anglers,etc. |
The "powder" (desiccant) type
floatants are excellent for drying flies.