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Fly Fishing Gear | Wet Flies

Wet flies are amongst some of the first flies ever tied and still fish as good today as they did back then. Fish them in a team or by themselves, on a river or lake, from the bank or boat, their fish pulling ability is second to none and still holds a place in every angler's box!

Here at Tom's Outdoors, we carry a wide selection of Australian favourites and timeless classics that will cover your everyday situations. Check out our curated collection online or in-store here in Tumut.

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WHAT IS A WET FLY?

A wet fly is a type of fishing fly designed to imitate insects and other aquatic creatures in their sub-surface stages. Unlike dry flies, which float on the water’s surface, wet flies are intended to sink and drift below the surface. They often mimic various stages of aquatic insects, including nymphs, pupae, or small fish, and can also represent other food sources like worms or crustaceans. Wet flies are effective for catching fish that are feeding below the surface or in areas where surface insects are not present.

WHEN TO FISH WET FLIES

Wet flies are particularly effective when fish are not actively rising to the surface, such as during low insect activity, or when surface insects are scarce. They are versatile and can be used throughout the year, making them a reliable choice in various conditions. Wet flies are ideal for fishing in both moving and still water, especially in areas where fish are holding near the bottom or in deeper pools. They are also useful in situations with varying water clarity, as they can still attract fish despite reduced visibility.

WHAT IS AN IDEAL WET FLY SETUP?

For an ideal wet fly setup, the rod, line, leader, and tippet all need to be carefully selected to match the specific conditions and fishing techniques.

Rod: A rod suitable for wet fly fishing typically ranges from 3 to 6 weight, with a length of 8 to 10 feet. The rod should have a moderate action to facilitate casting and presentation of the wet flies, allowing for a smooth drift below the surface.

Line: The line used for wet fly fishing is usually a weight-forward floating line or an intermediate sink tip line. The floating line allows for easier casting and a more controlled presentation, while the sink tip line helps the wet fly reach the desired depth more quickly.

Leader: Leaders for wet fly fishing are generally 9 to 12 feet long. A tapered leader helps with turnover and smooth presentation. Depending on the fishing technique and water conditions, a slightly heavier leader may be used to ensure the fly sinks properly and to withstand the potential fight with larger fish.

Tippet: Tippets should be selected based on the size of the wet fly and the target fish. Tippet sizes for wet fly fishing typically range from 3X to 5X, with heavier tippets used for larger flies and fish. A strong, abrasion-resistant tippet is important for maintaining control and ensuring the durability of the setup.

NEED HELP CHOOSING FLIES? CONTACT US TODAY

If you have a particular wet fly setup in mind but would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.

Fulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Tungsten Copper Bead McGoo

Fulling Mill AU
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

This fly originates from Ireland and was then further developed by Ballarat fly anglers, Vern Barby and, to a lesser extent, Craig Coltman. Alt...

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Fulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Shrek

Fulling Mill AU
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A fantastic streamer pattern that's hard to refuse to a hungry trout.  Ideal for lakes and rivers, Bassano's Shrek works when stripped, dead-drifte...

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Fulling Mill Jig Bugger Olive Tungsten Bead - Barbless

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

Get Jiggy with it The Jig Bugger is a versatile variant of the classic woolly-bugger great for lakeds and rivers, naturally drifted like a large n...

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Fulling Mill Christopher Bassano's Olive Head un-weighted McGoo

Fulling Mill AU
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

The olive thread head McGoo is another terrific damsel imitation that works very well in all of Australia's shallow impoundments. Whether it is fa...

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Fulling Mill Humungus Barbless

Fulling Mill
Original price $4.20 - Original price $4.20
Original price
$4.20
$4.20 - $4.20
Current price $4.20

A scaled-down barbless Mini Streamer, ideal as a yabbie, baitfish or attractor pattern. Fished in conjunction with standard wet flies on either th...

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Fulling Mill Viva Special Barbless

Fulling Mill
Original price $3.30 - Original price $3.30
Original price
$3.30
$3.30 - $3.30
Current price $3.30

Viva Forever! Scaled-down barbless Mini Streamer, perfectly fished in conjunction with standard wet flies on either the point, top or middle dro...

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