While flyfishermen are invited and welcome to use their own flyfishing equipment on all outings, Captain Adrian LaSorte’s Guide Service provides clients with the best in contemporary flyfishing equipment.

     Rods and reels used on an outing are selected by Captain LaSorte based on the rivers to be fished, current conditions, fishing style and the type and expected size of fish to be caught.

     As an independent guide, Captain LaSorte provides rods produced by some of the best-known rodmakers, including Sage, Winston, Orvis and Loomis. He also provides some of the best-known reels, including Orvis, Sage and Abel.

      If you plan on using your own equipment, here are Captain LaSorte's recommendations for the three trips he guides:

       Delaware Drift:   For the tailwaters and Main Stem of the Delaware, Captain LaSorte recommends a 9' to 9'6" medium-fast to fast action rod for a 4-, 5- or 6-weight line. Reels should have a smooth-working drag that can handle big fish, but be gentle enough to accommodate the 6x or 7x tippet it can often take to fool them..

       Beaverkill Streamside:   For the Beaverkill and Willowemoc rivers, anglers often prefer lighter and shorter rods, ranging from 7' to 9' with line weights between 1 and 5. The actual length of the rod isn’t too important, since both the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc are large enough to accommodate longer rods without hassle.  A medium- to medium-fast action rod is preferred for softer presentations, matched with a good, single action reel.

        Slammin’ Salmon: With lunker salmon in the offing, Captain LaSorte typically chooses a much heavier and stronger rod. Choices range in rod length from 9' to 10', for weights between 9 and 12. There are plenty of sports who prefer even heavier stuff, and occasionally are glad they have it.  Anti-reverse reels are essential if your going to avoid snarls during the screaming runs of the salmon.

    The types and kinds of flies that are used (and the tippet material employed) changes with the season, the river and the fish. While clients are free to select and use their own flies, Captain LaSorte always has a supply of flies and tippet on hand that are right for the day.

Adrian’s recommendations:

    Captain LaSorte recommends that anglers follow the the many excellent hatch charts developed by Catskill anglers over the years.   Art Flick's classic "Streamside Guide" is a standard for the Catskill river hatches, and also works well for the Upper Delaware river system..  Captain LaSorte makes his own observations on insect hatches and the flies to use in the Fishing Report section of this site.

     No matter what the time of year, the Catskill flyfisher should always have on hand clothes that will keep you comfortable and dry.  During the course of a day's fishing, temperatures and conditions can change dramatically. As a result, we recommend dressing in layers to enable you to adapt your outfit to both warm and cool temperatures. The Upper Delaware River system is a tailwater fishery, and the river's cold water can put a real chill in the air, particularly during the early morning and late evening.

     There's plenty of room on board for stowing an extra sweater or jacket, so come prepared.

     Since waders are an essential piece of the flyfisher's equipment even for driftboat fishing, rain pants aren't required. But, a light rain jacket to keep your head and shoulder's dry is a must. Other required equipment: A fishing hat, polarized sun-glasses and sun-screen. Quick-dry clothing -- or a complete change -- also can be helpful in the event of a misstep.

Equipment Rentals

     For those who have not yet gathered the flyfisher’s necessaries (or have left home without them), Adrian has made arrangements with local flyshops and outfitters for renting equipment for a day, a week or even longer. Rentals are available for almost all of the necessary equipment, from waders to wading sticks. If you know you will need equipment for your trip, let Adrian know in advance.

Adrian wears and recommends Ocean Waves Polarized Sun Glasses