What to Bring

FISHING TACKLE: If you already own a rod and reel, please bring it. We encourage you to learn on the tackle you own. Please note, we will assess your tackle at sign-in to ensure that it is appropriate gear for the school. We will provide leaders, tippet and a selection of flies.

If you do not have a fly rod, reel, and/or line, do not purchase them before the school. We will provide you with equipment for use during the school. A wide selection of top quality equipment is available for students to try.

WADERS: Please be sure to bring a pair of waders, as we will be in the stream for some of the instruction, and you wear them when you fish in the river. Never waded before? Don’t worry, we’ll give you special instructions.

If you are purchasing waders (either boot foot or stocking foot, which requires the purchase of boots as well) we suggest you do so at a fly fishing gear retailer where you can try them on for fit. Some Michigan options would be Orvis in Royal Oak, Grand Rapids, East Lansing and Traverse City, Jays Sporting Goods in Clare and Kalkaska, and Cabella’s in Dundee.

If you are purchasing waders as a novice and unsure of their long-term use, you may consider a good quality but inexpensive boot fit wader from an Amazon retailer called BASSDASH. Their Immerse model breathable ripstop boot foot wader comes in many sizes to accommodate both men and women.

Please note, the above retailers and products are suggestions only and do not constitute endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by TUFFS or TUFFS representatives.

CLOTHING AND OTHER GEAR: Classes are held rain or shine and most are held outdoors. Please bring:

  • Clothing for all weather conditions, from cool to warm.
  • Rain gear
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sunblock
  • Hat with a brim/visor
  • Sunglasses (polarized if possible)
  • Insect/mosquito repellant

At enrollment, each student will receive the following items, along with a description of their use:

  • Fly fishing school agenda and textbook
  • A selection of flies
  • Two leaders
  • Dry Fly flotant
  • A spool of tippet material
  • A clipper or nipper combined with a knot-tying aid
  • A forceps

WIFI SERVICE at Ranch Rudolph: There is no reliable wifi available. Verizon and AT&T hotspots will work; Sprint coverage tends to be poor.