I know that some our many guests for the upcoming season already now, have started the first preparations for there week/weeks in Russia. The following list may inspire you of what you should bring
The weather is very unpredictable on the Kola peninsula, and it can change dramatically within very short time so it will be very sensible to bring both something that will keep you warm and dry in rainy and windy day and on the other hand something that is more comfortable, when the sun is dancing for 20 odd hours a day.
Most fishing today is carried out with modern double hand rods between 12 ½ and 14 feet for line 8 -10. For more info and hints please check out our article library on www.salmonjunkies.com
Regarding reel. Please remember to bring a reliable reel that won’t let you down when your + 20Lbs or 30lbs salmon take off. Reel for double handled rod should contain minimum 200 meters backing (Buy the best available reel to avoid any failure – Cheap reels will always let you down in the most critical situation (I have seen that happen several times)
Lines: Traditional line / Shooting heads – Always bring sinking line. Intermediate or sink tips, and floating lines. For these lines you should bring different Poly tips in different sinking rates (Salmon Poly leaders with a Min. 20Lbs breaking strength)
Skagit lines: Bring sinking tips in Floating and T- 7. T – 11 and T- 14 – MOW. Floating tips
Nylon/Leaders: 20 – 24 – 30 lbs braking strength.
Hereby some of the hot patterns you should bring to Russia.
Traditional hook flies – Red But / Silver Doctor /Black Francis / Ally’s Shrimp / The Cascade / Green Highlander / Thunder & Lightning / Willie Gunn / Black Sheep / Hairy Mary / Blue Charm / The Undertaker/Billy But / Black bear Green But / Monroe Killer
Recommendation towards sizes would be in direction of: 2 – 6 from end of May too middle of June. Size 6 – 8 in late June / early July. In September we are back again in size 6 – 8.
Tube flies – Bring tube flies with a wing length around 1 inches – 1 ½ inches – Salmon Junkies suggest a classic “Scandi” design with a long profile in the wing a’la Tempeldog style – Productive colors – Black / Yellow / Orange / Green / Brown. The tube fly Body should be in length 10mm – 20mm – recommended in Brass, Cobber or aluminum.
In Umba and Ponoi our camp shops will keep a good stock of flies tied specially for us and the conditions. For 2011 I have ordered almost 2000 new flies for the camp shops
Accessories
Measure tape
Leader material (15 lb. Up to 25 lb.
Clippers.
Repair kit for Waders
Some sinking tip for extreme situations
Pliers
Wading stick
Pocket torch with fresh batteries.
Camera and video. With fresh batteries / recharger. (You can recharge in the camp / 22oV)
Bag or backpack for daily equipment
Mosquito juice
Sunglasses
Plastic bag for wet clothe when travelling back home
Clothes and other items
Fleece trousers and jacket
Warm socks
Fleece gloves
Hat and scarf
Waterproof fishing jacket
Breathable Waders / Boots with good studs
Fishing shirts and vest
Hat
Sneakers
It is also advisable to bring: Earplugs for helicopter flights, snoring partners and screaming fly reels. A couple of plastic bags for wet clothes and booths when leaving. Cash in Euro for Bar and gratuities
MEDICATION
* Travellers should always pack medication for such common complaints as diarrhoea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache etc. as well as prescriptions.
* Most visitors to Russia don’t experience stomach problems, but it is worthwhile to have treatment available just in case.