How to Build a Fly Fishing Kit That Actually Works

The water doesn’t care what brand is on your vest. Neither do the fish. What matters, what actually changes the outcome of a day on the river, is whether your gear works. Not just for someone else, but for you. That’s why choosing fly fishing gear should never be about trends or hype. It’s about durability, fit, and function. Everything else is noise.

At Adamsbuilt Fishing, a top rated fly fishing brand, that’s been the mindset since day one. Founded by Mont Adams in 2014, the company designs gear that’s functional, affordable, and built from firsthand experience. No unnecessary frills. Just solid equipment tested in real conditions.

Start With the Basics, but Make Them Count

It’s easy to get overwhelmed building your kit. Rod, reel, line, leaders, waders, boots, net, vest, pack… and that’s before you even tie on a fly. But most anglers will tell you this: get the core pieces right, and the rest falls into place.

Waders should keep you dry all day, no pinching, no leaking, no sagging knees by noon. Boots should grip wet rock and gravel like they were made for it (because they should be). A vest or pack ought to stay out of your way but still carry what you need. These aren’t luxury items. They’re what let you focus on fishing, not fussing with gear.

And then there’s the net.

Your Net Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

A good net does more than land fish; it protects them. Anyone practicing catch and release should pay attention here. Old-school nylon nets can scrape scales, damage gills, and remove protective slime, even if you’re being careful. That’s why more anglers are switching to rubber.

When you buy a rubber replacement net, you’re solving several problems at once. It’s gentler on fish, easier on your flies (no more barbs stuck in twisted mesh), and doesn’t smell like last week’s trout after a long day. It’s also more durable. Less fuss, more fish.

Designed by Anglers, Not Marketers

There’s no shortage of brands in this space. But there is a shortage of gear that feels like it was actually designed by someone who fishes. That’s where Adamsbuilt stands apart. Mont Adams didn’t launch the company to cash in on a lifestyle; he built it out of frustration with overpriced, underperforming gear.

Every piece is made with intent. Vests are laid out for people who know what it’s like to need quick access to hemostats mid-fight. Waders are cut for mobility, not for runway models. Even their nets hit the sweet spot between strength and weight.

That’s why Adamsbuilt belongs in the same conversation with other top-rated fly fishing brands, not because they’ve bought their way in, but because they’ve earned it with functional, affordable gear that works in real water.

Real Gear for Real Water

A lot of fishing gear looks great in catalogs, but falls apart when it meets granite banks and cold currents. That’s the test: gear that holds up when you’re knee-deep in runoff, hiking two miles upstream, or fishing through wind and sleet because the hatch is on and you’re not leaving.

Adamsbuilt doesn’t promise to make you a better angler. No brand can. But they do give you tools that stay out of your way and let you focus on what you came to do. That alone is worth more than any feature list.

And if you're building a kit from scratch or upgrading piece by piece, it pays to prioritize. Start with boots that stick and waders that don’t leak. Replace that old mesh with rubber. Don’t just chase the latest gadget. Fish don’t care.

Simplicity Isn’t Cost Effective; It’s Efficient

Fly fishing culture sometimes leans toward excess. The overbuilt vest with 30 compartments. The $900 rod that’s too delicate to fish brushy creeks. That’s not the kind of gear you find here.

Adamsbuilt strips it back. Their catalog isn’t bloated, it’s curated. Each product exists for a reason. You’ll find high-grade wading boots with real grip, landing nets that do their job without fuss, and packs that carry what matters and nothing more.

That focus is what makes them one of the top-rated fly fishing brands among anglers who fish more than they talk about fishing. There’s a difference, and it shows.

Know What to Replace, And When

You don’t need a garage full of gear. What you need is gear that works and the judgment to know when it no longer does. Most fly anglers have at least one piece of equipment that should’ve been replaced two seasons ago. Start with that.

● Still using a nylon net that tangles flies and scrapes fish? Time to buy a rubber replacement net.

● Boots without tread left? They’re not just annoying, they’re dangerous.

● Vest you never wear because it fits like a box? Find one that doesn’t.

These aren’t upgrades for show. They’re practical improvements that make a difference on the water.

Final Word: Fish First, Gear Second

Gear matters, but only in service of the experience. The tug, the drift, the silence between casts, that’s what lasts. If your gear fades into the background and lets you stay present, it’s doing its job.

That’s what Adamsbuilt Fishing gets right. Everything they make comes from that place: gear that works, lasts, and respects your time. Whether you’re shopping for your first setup or replacing one worn-out part at a time, this is gear made by someone who knows what it’s like to stand waist-deep in cold water, waiting for the take.

So, if you're ready to build a better kit, start with what matters. Look for top-rated fly fishing brands that are designed with intention. Buy rubber replacement net that handles fish with care and frees your fly in seconds. Choose gear that shows up, holds up, and lets you fish without second-guessing it.

That’s the kind of simplicity that’s earned, not sold.