Photo Courtesy of
Dennis McCarthy
Dennis McCarthy
Copyright 2009 James Marsh
Fly Fishing Gear for Big Flat Brook River New Jersey
An angler could do well fishing the Big Flat Brook River using only a 5 weight outfit for both
their dry fly and nymph fishing. That would even work for smaller streamers. However, to be
more versatile and better equipped, we suggest the following:
Fly Line:
There are many anglers who prefer to use a 4 weight floating fly line for all of their dry fly
fishing. As we just mentioned, a 5 weight floating fly line would probably work for about
everything. For fishing larger nymphs and steamers, many anglers would prefer a 6 weight
floating fly line. Certainly, these three line sizes would handle all of the flies you would want
to fish and any of the trout you may catch in the Big Flat Brook River.
Fly Rods:
You would want a rod for each of the above line sizes you choose to use. We recommend a
medium slow to medium action fly rod for the 4 weight line, in an eight foot to eight and one-
half foot length. The 5 weight rod would be best in a medium action and eight and one-half
to nine foot length. You would probably want a little stiffer tip on the rod used for the 6
weight line. We suggest a medium fast action, nine foot fly rod for the 6 weight.
Fly Reels:
You would probably want a reel (or at least an additional spool) for each line size you use.
We prefer lighter fly reels with good drags. You don’t want to hang a good trout and lose it
because of a poor drag.
Leader:
You may want to use a seven and a half foot leader in the fast pocket water in the upper
part of the stream. A 9 foot leader would probably be best for most situations. There would
be places and times a 12 foot leader may be necessary, such as the Trico hatch. For
streamer fishing, many anglers prefer shorter, 3 to 4 foot leaders.
Tippet:
We suggest having extra tippet material in sizes ranging from a 2X size for streamers up to
a 7X size for small flies such as the Tricos and midges.
Waders:
You would want to use waders although there are a few places you could fish from the
bank. We suggest you only wade when it is necessary to get the fly where you want it to go.
We prefer the breathable type.
Wading Boots:
We recommend felt soles for this stream. We have not tried the new rubber soled shoes or
other new type soles on this stream.
Landing Net:
A landing net is recommended although it is purely optional.
Wading Staff:
A wading staff could always come in handle in certain situations. It would be purely optional.
Trout Flies:
We recommend our “Perfect Fly” trout flies. We have specific imitations of every important
insect that exist on the Big Flat Brook River. It is best to use the hatch chart and select the
flies to use for the specific insects that will be hatching when you are fishing. If you haven't
already done so, please give our flies an opportunity to work for you.
An angler could do well fishing the Big Flat Brook River using only a 5 weight outfit for both
their dry fly and nymph fishing. That would even work for smaller streamers. However, to be
more versatile and better equipped, we suggest the following:
Fly Line:
There are many anglers who prefer to use a 4 weight floating fly line for all of their dry fly
fishing. As we just mentioned, a 5 weight floating fly line would probably work for about
everything. For fishing larger nymphs and steamers, many anglers would prefer a 6 weight
floating fly line. Certainly, these three line sizes would handle all of the flies you would want
to fish and any of the trout you may catch in the Big Flat Brook River.
Fly Rods:
You would want a rod for each of the above line sizes you choose to use. We recommend a
medium slow to medium action fly rod for the 4 weight line, in an eight foot to eight and one-
half foot length. The 5 weight rod would be best in a medium action and eight and one-half
to nine foot length. You would probably want a little stiffer tip on the rod used for the 6
weight line. We suggest a medium fast action, nine foot fly rod for the 6 weight.
Fly Reels:
You would probably want a reel (or at least an additional spool) for each line size you use.
We prefer lighter fly reels with good drags. You don’t want to hang a good trout and lose it
because of a poor drag.
Leader:
You may want to use a seven and a half foot leader in the fast pocket water in the upper
part of the stream. A 9 foot leader would probably be best for most situations. There would
be places and times a 12 foot leader may be necessary, such as the Trico hatch. For
streamer fishing, many anglers prefer shorter, 3 to 4 foot leaders.
Tippet:
We suggest having extra tippet material in sizes ranging from a 2X size for streamers up to
a 7X size for small flies such as the Tricos and midges.
Waders:
You would want to use waders although there are a few places you could fish from the
bank. We suggest you only wade when it is necessary to get the fly where you want it to go.
We prefer the breathable type.
Wading Boots:
We recommend felt soles for this stream. We have not tried the new rubber soled shoes or
other new type soles on this stream.
Landing Net:
A landing net is recommended although it is purely optional.
Wading Staff:
A wading staff could always come in handle in certain situations. It would be purely optional.
Trout Flies:
We recommend our “Perfect Fly” trout flies. We have specific imitations of every important
insect that exist on the Big Flat Brook River. It is best to use the hatch chart and select the
flies to use for the specific insects that will be hatching when you are fishing. If you haven't
already done so, please give our flies an opportunity to work for you.
 | |  | |  |
Big Flat Brook
New Jersey
New Jersey
Free Shipping Continental U. S.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |