Gear Upgrades That Actually Matter: 5 Fly Fishing Upgrades That Are Worth Every Penny
If you’re new to fly fishing or just working with a budget (aren’t we all?), you’ve probably been told your first upgrades should be a $1000 rod and a $600 reel. That bad advice usually comes from Jeff Bezos or someone who owns a fly shop. I’m here to tell you otherwise.
As someone who spends a lot of time on the water here in Central Oregon, these are the five fly fishing gear upgrades that actually made a difference for me—things that helped me fish better, stay safer, and enjoy the day more. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, these are the upgrades that matter.
1. Casting Lessons
This is easily the most overlooked upgrade in fly fishing and trust me when I say your rod isn’t the bad caster, you are. Spend $60–100 on a lesson instead of buying a fancier rod. You’ll walk away with cleaner loops, better line control, and more confidence. Bonus: you might actually start to like that entry-level rod you thought you’d outgrown. Hit up your local fly shop for lessons. Fin and Fire is a great choice if you are local to Central Oregon.
2. Quality Wading Boots
The first time you hit wet rock in cheap boots, you’ll wish you’d spent the extra money. I’m a big fan of Korkers with interchangeable soles. Felt with studs in summer, Vibram with studs in winter. Having options makes a huge difference, especially on the slick rocks of the Deschutes. If you can only afford one pair, rubber with studs offers the most flexibility. And get the boots with the Boa instead of the laces.
3. Decent Waders
Waders are the last place to cheap out. A good pair means staying dry, warm, and fishing longer. My first pair of cheap waders served their purpose, but now I run Grundéns Vector waders and have zero complaints. They’re built tough, warm, and haven’t leaked after a season of abuse. Just wear your damn wading belt. I did a deep dive on why I love these waders so much.
4. Better Fly Line
This one gets ignored way too often. Upgrading from a cheap or cracked fly line is a huge performance boost. A $150 rod with the right line casts better than a $900 rod with the wrong one. My St Croix 5wt rod cost me $60 on Marketplace but I put a $120 line on it, and it fishes beautifully. I’m not saying throw your combo kit in the trash, but the line that came with it is probably trash.
5. Streamlined Storage
Your kit doesn’t need to look like you’re packing for a week in the woods, unless you’re spending a week in the woods. One fly box, nippers, hemostats, floatant, a couple tippet spools. I personally rock a small Fishpond chest pack for quick and easy access. Less gear = more time fishing, less time digging.
Final Thought
If you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade, don’t get sucked into gear lust. Most of the time, you’ll get more out of upgrading your skills and comfort than buying another rod or reel. Fish what you’ve got, make smart upgrades, and get out there.
-T
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