The 30 best fly fishing brands
Airflo, Umpqua and Orvis lead our ranking of 30 fly fishing brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Fly Fishing brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Airflo
Airflo sells fly lines for trout, saltwater and two-handed fishing, with universal and power tapers for different conditions. Its SuperFlo lines were developed for American trout anglers. Airflo also supplies leaders, reels and rods for fly fishing.
Website: airflo.com.au |Brands like Airflo
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Umpqua
Hand-tied flies are at the heart of Umpqua Feather Merchants, a fly fishing supplier. Anglers looking for trout, bass or crappie gear will find both traditional patterns and tools for the water.
Website: umpqua.com |Brands like Umpqua
Popularity 8.1/10
-
3
Orvis
Orvis was founded in 1856, and since then, the company has been known for offering superior fly-fishing equipment. They also provide men's and women's sportswear for those who love adventures and appreciate the environment. Fine gifts, homeware accessories like decor, rugs, kitchenware, and products for dogs are also available. At Orvis, it is all about empowering and inspiring one another to discover new things while being comfortable and stylish.
Website: orvis.com |Brands like Orvis
Popularity 7.8/10
-
4
Eagle Claw
Eagle Claw produces fishhooks, including catfish hooks, trout hooks and fly fishing hooks. The hooks are modeled on the curve of an eagle's talon, a design the company has used for decades. Rods and reels are sold too, letting anglers buy hooks and tackle from one American maker.
Website: eagleclaw.com |Brands like Eagle Claw
Popularity 7.2/10
-
5
Daiwa
The fishing tackle company Daiwa sells a variety of superior Japanese fishing gear. Fishing should remain simple, according to Daiwa's product development. The issue is in the simplicity, not in the details of the creation. Consequently, it has produced goods for many years that meet customer demands, from leisure anglers to commercial fishers globally. Because its designers and craftspeople have years of expertise under their belts, they can proudly claim that their items are top-notch Japanese fishing products.
Website: daiwa.com |Brands like Daiwa
Popularity 7.0/10
-
6
Wychwood
Carp anglers setting up a bank for the night will find bite alarms, fly fishing gear and rods from Wychwood. The British brand's Slug bobbin system and rod series are among its most popular products. Clothing and footwear in soft materials cover the rest of a day on the water.
Website: wychwoodcarp.co.uk |Brands like Wychwood
Popularity 6.4/10
-
7
Shakespeare
Shakespeare supplies fishing equipment for anglers at every level. The brand's catalog, from the United States, includes vintage-style fishing reels, fly fishing gear, rods, hooks, lures and line. It offers several lines at different prices, so beginners and experienced fishers can both find suitable tackle.
Website: shakespeare-fishing.co.uk |Brands like Shakespeare
Popularity 5.5/10
-
8
VMC
VMC manufactured fishing hooks in England from 1910 as a family-owned business. Its hooks come in many styles, including treble, trout and drop shot. Its French branches now supply hooks to 96 countries, extending the English company's reach well beyond its original base.
Website: vmcpeche.com |Brands like VMC
Popularity 3.8/10
-
9
Scierra
Every product of Scierra is based on significant experience and great knowledge of fly fishing. From waders with remarkable four-way stretch abrasion-resistant material that can withstand any type of beating you throw at them to rods with painstakingly constructed actions...
Popularity 3.3/10
-
10
Drennan
Peter Drennan founded the company Drennan in 1967. The company is mainly dealing with the fishing industry. They initially started with the making of floats, and now they have expanded their business over the years. They sell baits, catapults, lines,...
Website: drennantackle.com |Brands like Drennan
Popularity 3.1/10
-
11
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia was established in 1921. Initially, the company manufactured pocket watches, telephone timers, and taxi meters. During World War II, the need for these items declined. The company started to manufacture fishing reels in the place of the other...
Website: abugarcia.com |Brands like Abu Garcia
Popularity 2.8/10
-
12
Korda
Korda creates carp fishing tackle, including hooks, hair rigs, and terminal gear. Its barbless hooks and rig components are made from high-grade materials and manufactured to consistent standards. The brand is widely recognized among carp anglers in the United Kingdom...
Website: kordatackle.com |Brands like Korda
Popularity 2.8/10
-
13
NGT
NGT is all about fishing. The company has been selling fishing accessories for a long time. They are experts at creating the perfect hook and lines for all kinds of fishermen. They have also added additional items like outdoor cookware...
Website: ngtdirect.co.uk |Brands like NGT
Popularity 2.8/10
-
14
Cabela's
Cabela is the brainchild of Johnny Morris. He founded the company in 1972. He loved the outdoors and wanted to create a space where all the outdoor lovers could get the products they needed for their great adventure. It does...
Website: cabelas.com |Brands like Cabela's
Popularity 2.7/10
-
15
VARIVAS
Varivas makes fishing lines and gear, with hooks and lines for saltwater and fly fishing. Its lines are used by professional and casual anglers for strength and performance.
Website: varivas.fishing |Brands like VARIVAS
Popularity 2.6/10
-
16
Temple Fork Outfitters
Temple Fork Outfitters Offers a collection of fishing reels, equipment, and related parts ideal for recreational fishing. Expertly engineered and crafted using premium materials to provide an affordable product that will last a long time. The lightweight and adjustable grip...
Website: tforods.com |Brands like Temple Fork Outfitters
Popularity 2.4/10
-
17
Halo
Halo hair extensions are clip-in and wire-free pieces made from human hair, with the Original HALO and Layered HALO designs built to add length and volume. The Layered HALO has two or three built-in layers that blend into natural hair.
Popularity 2.2/10
-
18
Waterworks-Lamson
Fishing is possibly one of the most relaxed things a regular person can do, but then again, there are fishermen who make their living from it. In order to meet the requirements of both of those people, Waterworks-Lamson brings an...
Website: waterworks-lamson.com |Brands like Waterworks-Lamson
Popularity 2.1/10
-
19
Penn
Penn was founded in German and constructed in 1932 to make Fishing Tackle producers. They distribute it to Spinning Reel and Electric Reel manufacturers worldwide. They are Low Profile Baitcast, and they believe in product development and innovation. Penn incorporates...
Website: pennfishing.com |Brands like Penn
Popularity 1.9/10
-
20
Korkers
Korkers, the brand protects every step you take in the wild with its indigenous inventions in its 60 years of functioning. The interchangeable sole system they introduced is one of the outcomes in an attempt to solve common shoe problems....
Website: korkers.com |Brands like Korkers
Popularity 1.9/10
-
21
Ross
ROSS Controls makes pneumatic and hydraulic valves for steel, aluminum and glass plants. Press Control valves for clutch and brake control are a core line. The company also supplies Sammi blind valves for refinery, petrochemical and pipeline service, along with...
Popularity 1.9/10
-
22
Allcocks
Everybody loves the freshness that nature around us provides; it's every adventurist's dream to head out into the wild and live primal and openly. Allcocks is an online brand that specializes in outdoor accessories and equipment for hunting and survival....
Website: allcocksoutdoorstore.co.uk |Brands like Allcocks
Popularity 1.8/10
-
23
Patagonia
Patagonia is dedicated to making the most refined product possible, decreasing its environmental impact, and supporting grassroots environmental organizations. Since 1973, they've been generating huge items that are both inexpensive and long-lasting. Its mission is to provide the most excellent...
Website: patagonia.com |Brands like Patagonia
Popularity 1.8/10
-
24
Zebco
Zebco offers rods, reels, hooks and parts for freshwater and sea fishing. Its tackle is designed to be simple to use, with heavier models built for larger fish.
Website: zebco.com |Brands like Zebco
Popularity 1.8/10
-
25
Okuma
Okuma builds fishing rods, reels, combos and lures for freshwater and saltwater anglers. The Taiwanese company's FishLab lures are among its main lines. Its gear covers casting, spinning, trolling and surf fishing setups across a broad range of tackle types.
Popularity 1.5/10
-
26
Richard Wheatley
A connoisseur of traditional-style fishing boxes cannot miss what Richard Wheatley brings to you. With premium-quality fly fishing boxes with significant mechanisms suited to your style of patterns, the Wheatley fly box is perfect in what it does. High in...
Website: richardwheatley.co.uk |Brands like Richard Wheatley
Popularity 1.5/10
-
27
Montague
Montague produces fishing rods with a long history in American rod making. Its vintage line includes bamboo fly rods and the Red Wing and Sunbeam series, along with fiberglass rods for surf and saltwater use. Collectors value its split bamboo...
Popularity 1.4/10
-
28
Sougayilang
Your fishing experience just got better with Sougayilang! Are you tired of your hooks getting loose and missing out on big fishes? Then it's time to ditch them! With Sougayilang, find the finest fishing hooks in all convenient shapes to...
Website: sougayilang.com |Brands like Sougayilang
Popularity 1.3/10
-
29
Strike Pro
Strike Pro manufactures and exports lures and fishing-related things to meet the changing market. They have sold their products in over 60 countries since 1973. It had its headquarters in Taiwan. Many anglers all throughout the world choose these goods....
Website: strikepro.com |Brands like Strike Pro
Popularity 1.3/10
-
30
Jackson
Jacksons Fencing is a British fencing manufacturer with headquarters in Stowting Common, Kent, near Ashford. Jacksons Fencing has an online store with over 1,300 items that enable clients to determine the quantity of fencing, decking, gates, and accessories they would...
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airflo | airflo.com.au | – | – | – | – |
| Umpqua | umpqua.com | /umpquafeathermerchants | umpquafeathermerchants | – | Umpqua Feather Merchants |
| Orvis | orvis.com | /Orvis | orvis | @theorviscompany | orvisvideos |
| Eagle Claw | eagleclaw.com | /eagleclaw | eagleclawfishing | – | – |
| Daiwa | daiwa.com | /DaiwaGlobal | – | – | DAIWA GLOBAL |
| Wychwood | wychwoodcarp.co.uk | /Wychwoodtackle | wychwoodcarp | @WychwoodSpeci | WychwoodSpecimen |
| Shakespeare | shakespeare-fishing.co.uk | /Shakespeare.UK | shakespearefishingeu | – | Catch More Fish |
| VMC | vmcpeche.com | /vmchooks | vmchooks | – | UCJ6yPtWyasDPio9X2OLSeg |
| Drennan | drennantackle.com | – | – | – | – |
Fly Fishing Buying Guide
Fly fishing is a sport that has been around for thousands of years, and it's still popular today. In fly fishing, you use a specially designed fishing rod, reel, and line to cast a fly, which is a type of lure that mimics a natural insect or other prey. Fly fishing is known for its peacefulness, as it involves being outdoors in nature, as well as the skill it takes to cast the line properly and catch fish. If you're interested in getting started with fly fishing, this buying guide will help you understand the equipment you'll need and what to consider when choosing it.
Fly Rods
The fly rod is the centerpiece of your fly fishing gear. It should be a comfortable length and weight for you to cast, and it should be made of quality materials. Fly rods are made in different lengths and weights, and the right choice for you will depend on the type of fishing you'll be doing, as well as your own physical abilities.
The most common types of fly rods are:
- Single-handed rods: These are the most versatile and can be used for a range of fishing situations. They range in length from 6 to 10 feet.
- Switch rods: These are shorter than spey rods but longer than single-handed rods, and they're designed to be used in tight spaces. They're also used for fishing in situations where a longer cast is needed.
- Spey rods: These are the longest type of fly rod, and they're used for fishing in large rivers or when you need an extra-long cast.
When choosing a fly rod, consider the following:
Length
The length of a fly rod affects its casting distance, accuracy, and the type of water it's best suited for. If you'll be fishing in small streams or ponds, a shorter rod would be perfect, but if you're fishing in larger rivers, you'll want a longer rod that can handle both the wind and the weight of a larger fish.
Weight
When looking at fly rod weights, keep in mind that lighter rods are best for smaller fish while heavier ones are better for larger fish. In general, a 4-weight rod can handle fish up to one or two pounds, while a 6-weight rod is better for fish that weigh three to four pounds. If you're going after bigger fish, you'll need a heavier rod.
Action
The action of a fly rod is how much it bends when casting. A slow-action rod is more flexible and bends more, while a fast-action rod is stiffer and does not bend as much. If you're new to fly fishing, a medium-action rod may be the best choice for you, as it offers a balance between flexibility and stiffness.
Fly Reels
The fly reel is the part of your setup that holds the fly line and provides resistance when you're reeling in a fish. Reels are made in different sizes and materials, and you should choose one that's appropriate for the type of fishing you'll be doing.
When choosing a fly reel, consider the following:
Size
Fly reels come in different sizes, and you'll want to match the size of your reel with the weight of your rod. For example, a 4-weight fly reel is best for a 4-weight fly rod. Similarly, a larger reel can handle bigger fish, but it's also heavier and harder to cast all day.
Drag System
The drag system is what controls the amount of resistance when reeling in a fish. There are two types of drag systems you can choose from:
- Click-and-pawl: This is the simplest type of drag system, and it's best suited for smaller fish. It works by using a spring and a clicking mechanism to provide resistance.
- Disc drag: This is a more advanced drag system that's used for larger fish. It uses a stack of brake pads to provide resistance, and it's more adjustable than click-and-pawl.
Fly Lines
The fly line is what connects your fly rod to your fly reel. It's a thick, colored line that's specifically designed for fly fishing. Fly lines are made in different weights and types, and you should choose one that matches the weight of your fly rod.
When choosing a fly line, consider the following:
Weight
When choosing a fly line, match it to the weight of your fly rod. For example, a 4-weight fly line is best for a 4-weight fly rod.
Type
Fly lines come in different types, and you should choose one that matches the type of fishing you'll be doing. The three most common types of fly lines are:
- Floating lines: These lines are best suited for dry fly fishing, as they're designed to float on the water's surface.
- Sink-tip lines: These lines are designed to sink slowly, and they're best suited for fishing in shallow waters.
- Sinking lines: These lines are best suited for fishing in deep waters, as they're designed to sink quickly.
Fly Leaders and Tippets
The leader and tippet are what connect your fly line to your fly. The leader is a tapered piece of monofilament or fluorocarbon line that's designed to transfer energy from the fly line to the fly. The tippet is a piece of monofilament or fluorocarbon line that attaches to the end of the leader and is attached to the fly.
When choosing a leader and tippet, consider the following:
Length
The length of your leader and tippet will depend on the type of fishing you'll be doing. For example, if you're fishing for small trout in a small stream, a leader that's 7-9 feet long would be appropriate. If you're fishing for larger trout in a river, a longer leader of 10-12 feet would be better.
Diameter
The diameter of your leader and tippet will depend on the size of your fly. For example, if you're using a size 16 dry fly, a 5X tippet would be appropriate.
Fly Selection
The fly is what you're trying to catch fish with, so it's important to select the right one. There are thousands of different fly patterns to choose from, each designed to mimic a specific insect or other prey. When selecting a fly, consider the following:
Water Type
The type of water you'll be fishing in will affect the type of flies you should use. For example, if you're fishing in a slow-moving stream, you'll want to use flies that mimic the insects in that stream.
Time of Year
The time of year you're fishing will also affect the type of flies you should use. In the spring, for example, you'll want to use flies that mimic insects that hatch during that time of year.
Color
The color of your fly will depend on the type of water you're fishing in and the species of fish you're targeting. In general, lighter colored flies work best in clear water, while darker colored flies work best in muddy water.
Fly Fishing Accessories
There are a few additional accessories you might want to consider when fly fishing. These include:
Waders and Boots
If you're fly fishing in a river, you'll likely need a pair of waders and boots. Waders are waterproof pants that allow you to stand in the river while boots provide support and traction on the river bottom. Waders and boots come in different sizes and materials, and you should choose a pair that's appropriate for the water temperature and conditions.
Nets
A net is used to help you land fish without injuring them. Nets come in different sizes and materials, and you should choose one that's appropriate for the size of the fish you're targeting.
Floatant
Floatant is a liquid that's used to keep your dry flies floating on the water's surface. It's especially useful in slow-moving streams or calm water.
Conclusion
Fly fishing can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, but it requires proper gear and some knowledge of the equipment. By understanding the various pieces of fly fishing gear and what to consider when choosing them, you'll be able to make informed decisions and have a more successful time on the water. Remember, the right gear can make all the difference in a successful fishing trip.
