Do You Need Gear to Start Fly Fishing? (Beginner Guide)

A Twin Cities smallmouth bass - and a reminder that you don’t have to go far to find this.

So you’re thinking about trying fly fishing…

And then the thoughts start:

“Do I need a rod?”

“What kind?”

“Waders? Boots?”

“How much is this going to cost me?”

"Do I need to buy A River Runs Through It on DVD?"

Totally fair questions.

Here’s the answer:

You don’t need gear to start fly fishing.

The Myth: Fly Fishing = Expensive and Complicated

Fly fishing has a reputation.

People picture:

• Thousands of dollars in gear

• Technical jargon

• Someone yelling “mend!” like it’s a life-or-death situation

And yeah…that world exists. But that’s not where you need to start.

Casting beneath the Stone Arch Bridge - right in the heart of Minneapolis, where fly fishing is closer than you think.

The Reality: You Can Show Up With Nothing

If you’re just getting into fly fishing - especially around the Twin Cities - you don’t need to own anything yet. No rod. No waders. No flies. No clue what you’re doing.

Honestly… that’s kind of the ideal starting point.

What Happens on a Guided Trip

When you book a trip with Twin Cities Fly Guides:

• We bring all the gear

• We get you set up

• We show you how to cast

• We help you actually catch fish (if the fish are cooperating)

You don’t have to research anything. You don’t have to buy anything.

You just show up and fish.

A fish in the net and a smile that says everything - this is what it’s all about.

Why This Is Actually Better

Starting without gear isn’t a disadvantage - it’s an advantage.

Because:

• You don’t waste money on the wrong setup

• You get hands-on experience first

• You figure out what you actually enjoy

Maybe you love trout streams. Maybe you’re all-in on bluegill. Maybe smallmouth bass becomes your personality.

Now you can make smart decisions later - if you even want to.

What You’ll Use (Without Owning It)

On a typical trip, you’ll use:

• A fly rod + reel + line + leader

• A simple, beginner-friendly setup

• Flies that actually work (no guesswork)

We keep it simple. No overcomplicating. No gear lecture. No “you should’ve bought this instead.”

A simple setup - everything you need, nothing you don’t.

What You Don’t Need to Worry About

Let’s clear this up:

You don’t need:

• Expensive gear

• Prior experience

• Perfect casting

• Outdoor expertise

• A matching outfit (although…respect if you do)

You just need to be willing to try something new.

Your First Fish Doesn’t Care What You Own

The fish aren’t checking your setup.

They’re not impressed by your rod. They’re not judging your casting technique.

They’re just out there doing fish things.

And sometimes…they eat.

That’s all we need.

A Twin Cities largemouth bass committing fully to a Dahlberg Diver - no hesitation, no subtlety.

Try It First. Then Decide.

If you’ve been curious about fly fishing, this is the easiest way to start:

Try it before you invest in anything

No pressure. No commitment to gear. Just a good day on the water.

Let’s Go Fishing

You don’t need gear.

You don’t need experience.

You don’t even need to know what you’re doing yet.

👉 Book a trip with Twin Cities Fly Guides

We’ll take care of the rest.