Tackle, including fly rods, reels, lines and leaders, are not covered in this course.  There is a separate course for each of these topics.

Repellent

It is common that fly fishing involves bugs: both the kind you fish with (“bugs” is slang for flies) and the kind found in those locations where we enjoy the best fishing.   (It is almost axiomatic, that , "if the bugs are bad, the fishing is good.")  A good insect repellent is a necessity if you want to avoid the stress of fighting biting bugs.

There are currently 3 repellents approved for use: "DEET" (the proven, "old reliable" deterrent); oil of lemon eucalyptus and picaridin.  Always have some in your accessories bag. In those areas with known concentrations of annoying insects, we suggest you carry some in your vest.  For areas with mosquito infestations, such protection is strongly advised to avoid the risk of contracting the deadly disease, West Nile Virus (WNV.)

A word of caution: be sure to determine ahead of time if your repellent will harm the finish or your equipment (rod, reel, lines, etc.).  The purest form of DEET will "eat" or mar such items, causing not only grief, but also premature deterioration.  The other two types do not.

Another alternative for extreme infestations (normally associated with northern Canada, Alaska, NW Territories, etc.) is the use of a garment like the “BuzzOff” insect repellent clothing.  This process is used in shirts, pants, socks, etc.  Garments are impregnated with Permethrin, a proven insect repellent.

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