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To start (and often to finish), you need a rod, a reel, fly line, flies, and a small assortment of terminal tackle and peripherals. Anything beyond these essentials is a luxury that can too-often cloud and complicate the true experience. And while of course you also need a place to fish (and no matter the clarion call of distant, exotic waters), sometimes the best fishing is right in your own back yard. Accepting the limitations of geography to explore the angling options nearby is another hallmark of a truly devoted and serious fisherman. From bluegills to crappies to bass to carp, not all fly fishing has to be with trout or tarpon in mind.
As matter of attitude, the frugal fly fisherman also fosters the democratic nature of the sport, receiving and sharing information in equal measure. Fly fishing is a past-time meant to be shared. Fly shops, friends, angling clubs, Internet forums, and other social avenues are all good resources for information, gear, and camaraderie. To be truly frugal is to invest time and effort in social connections, seeking out information with grace and humility.
And every so often, even the most penurious of us needs to commit to a big purchase. What is the point of life if you never eat dessert? Being consistently frugal has its long term advantages, and among them is the ability to splurge on occasion. But make the splurge another kind of investment. Hire a guide, take notes, and learn a year’s worth of knowledge in one day. Purchase a nice rain jacket. Invest in some quality breathable waders. And as you progress along your path, remember to value the relationships you’re developing with your angling companions. The bonds you create on the water are priceless.
As a fisherman, one also needs to embrace conservation and work towards the restoration of fishing opportunities. One should always leave the water in better condition than you found it. Doing your part to ensure that the current fishing opportunities stay healthy is finally an investment in the future.
And finally, one shouldn’t take fishing too seriously. Life is full of stresses and fishing shouldn’t be one of them. Be determined to enjoy yourself.