Most fly-fishermen aren’t known for being minimalists. Your typical bug-thrower heads to the stream with about 800 flies, a net with magnetic release, vest with 46 pockets, stack of six spools of tippet, gadgets and gewgaws bursting out of their waterproof pack, and full sun protection with a hat, neck gaiter, and sunglasses (with retaining strap). And that’s just for starters…
For them to even get close enough to present a carefully selected fly, there’s a whole other batch of gear needed. Mainly, that’s the stuff that allows you to walk through rivers and pools and creeks without freezing your ass off, or slipping and sliding into the water: a good pair of waders along with some sticky boots, maybe a collapsible wading staff if you’re on the clumsy side.