Topic: More Fly Fishing Questions (Read 3139 times)

sheltie · « **on:** January 17, 2009, 11:23:10 AM »

Thanks to all for your suggestions regarding my beginners fly fishing questions. Now to the next step.

All my past experience has been in spin/bait casting situations for bass, so naturally all my equipment except for what I've bought recently is for that sort of activity. Now I have chest waders, fishing vest, net, hemostats/forceps, rod/reel combo. I have my old tackle boxes, but they may not be the best for fly fishing. Please suggest those things I NEED in addition to what I listed above, and what I would LIKE to have as well. I will be fishing catch and release rather than keeping the fish for food.

I've been playing golf for 62 years, am an excellent golfer (handicap of 4 currently), and have spent a lot of money on golf equipment. When I started looking a prices for fly fishing equipment I almost choked to death! Even if I become an AVID fly fisherman, I can't imagine spending the kind of money I've seen advertised for fly fishing tackle. Until I find out if this is something I really like, I'll keep it inexpensive. Even after that, I can't imagine spending $300+ for a rod or $500+ for a reel. I know they are extremes (I hope), but I'll have pass on that!

Any websites/stores you like would also be appreciated.

Denny

Tom · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2009, 11:58:55 AM »

The first two things to get with those chest waders:

A belt to prevent the waders from completely filling with water in the event you slip and fall.
A wading stick. They come in basically two flavors - a folding or telescoping, and solid.

Tom · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2009, 12:02:14 PM »

Forget the tackle box and get yourself a fishing vest. Lots of places to keep all the tackle. If you plan on wading deep, get either a short vest, or one that had a detachable (zippered) lower half. Here's a Simms vest. More vests at Cabelas.

You might comsider a vest with built-in inflation (kinda like a life preserver).

geodrake · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2009, 12:10:17 PM »

You don't have to spend that kind of money for a rod/reel. Take a look at Cabelas.com . They have their own brand and others, sold in a package for much less. Send for their fly fishing catalog, paging through it will give you all kinds of ideas as to what you may spend money on.

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2009, 12:29:04 PM »

I agree, you don't have to spend a fortune for a rod/reel. However, I did find that there is a big difference in quality of rods/reels. A good rod will help with your casting. I tried, I don't know how many rods, in the parking lot of a fly fishing store and found that the one I liked and did well with was entirely different than the rod that my husband ended up with. It's a very personal decision. I love my sage rod and can't cast worth anything with my husband's G.Loomis rod.

This is killing me, I need to go flyfishing.

Marsha~

Tom · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2009, 06:54:25 PM »

Quote

This is killing me, I need to go flyfishing.

Me too Marsha.

Marsha/CA · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2009, 07:01:09 PM »

I have these visions of the "Howling Moon" RV park and the Madison River. Of course it's covered with snow and cold weather at the moment. But it sure looks good in my mind's eye.

Marsha~

mariekie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2009, 08:12:29 PM »

Marsha,
All this Fly fishing talk is getting to me as well!!!! This coming July we are going to stay at Ennis MT for the month and I can hardly wait for the time to pass.
Madison River here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talking of rods.......I have a very nice Sage and a Winston as well, but here is the kicker - I LOVE my inexpensive TFO. Of course it depends where and what you fish for - that is the determining factor for choosing your rod and flies.

Mariekie

Tom · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2009, 10:23:19 AM »

I've flyfished for many years using inexpensive equipment. No need to break the bank to get your first outfit, but beware that there's a difference between inexpensive and junk. Marsha makes a good suggestion to try out a combination before buying. Might be difficult to do if you're buying from some places, but you could still buy and return. Don't forget that the rod, reel amd line work together as a system, so do your best to match the various components.

I finally bought a "good" fly rod at Marsha's local tackle dealer. That was at the end of our last fishing trip, so I didn't get a chance to use that new rod, and I can't wait to get back out on the water. If I don't make it before then, I'll be doing some fishing before and/or after the RV Forum rally in Utah.

geodrake · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2009, 10:57:47 AM »

Denny, If you buy a rod and reel from a flyshop they will help you select one, and generally take you out in the parking lot to try it. If you mail order you are pretty much on your own. Fly rods are sold by "weight" with 0 being a super light weight rod. The weight has to do with how flexible the rod is and how heavy of fish you are going to be catching. For most trout a 3 or 4 weight rod works well. I personally enjoy rods on the lighter side, it makes catching a lot more fun.

I have a stack of short books (30 - 35 pages) at home that I used to give to newly interested flyfishers. It walks you through some basic entomology, talks about knots, leaders, casting, dry fly vs nymphs, etc. Unfortunately, by the time we get home again you will either have this mastered or will have chucked the whole idea. I have looked on the internet thinking I might be able to figure out where I got them, but to no avail.

Do some internet research and I think you can dig out what you need.

Flytyer2 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2009, 02:15:23 PM »

When I worked at a fly fishing store (Ozark Anglers in Little Rock, AR), I always recommended people buy the best ROD they could afford, and yes, there is a difference, particularly in weight if you're going to fish all day. I would take customers to the parking lot, let them cast several different rods, and recommend the one that felt best to them. If their upper limit was $250, would take several rods at or under that price, etc. Sage makes an excellent starter rod in that price range, as does Cortland, Cabela's, and other vendors. If you fish for trout, try a 8'6" to a 9' rod in a 5 weight. One thing to consider is that a good rod, even a starter, will generally have a lifetime warranty, and I've sent back a bunch of rods that were accidentally broken. I personally prefer Winston, and have a dozen or so, but they are pricey. As for reels, very good ones can be purchased for under $100. I'd recommend the Orvis Battenkill with disc drag. I think they are in the $80 to $90 range. Don't skimp on the rod or the fly line!

Interestingly as a golfer, you probably don't use just one club. As a fly fisher, you probably won't use just one rod! At least that's the argument I made to DW!

Good luck, and you've been give a lot of good advice by other forum members.

threeful · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2009, 03:04:53 PM »

I have been fly fishing and tying my own flies since I was 10 and I am now 59. My friends and I have fished the limestone creeks and rivers of central PA since the 1960's and we never owned a Sage, Winston, Orvis, or other high end rod. Most of us had, and still use, very inexpensive rods ($30-$50) and still use Martin's automatic reel. Central PA has cleaned up the streams and now we get fly fishers from all over the country with their Lexus SUV's, neoprene waders, very expensive rod and reels, vests, etc. My point is, we fish next to them and catch just as many, if not, more fish than they do. There is a bit of snobbishness amongst some fly fisherman...some feel the more expensive the rod/reel the better the fisherman. I say BS. While equipment may help you cast better in "bad" conditions it doesn't necessarily help you catch fish. Matching the hatch, fly line, and fly presentation is more important than owing a high or even moderate end rod/reel.

My suggestion is buy an inexpensive rod and reel, a good weight forward fly line, and then practice practice practice!! Learn to read the water so that when you see that fish suck a fly off the water and you can place a fly in the feeding lane and bam! you got a fish. Trust me, that trout or bass you just caught didn't know the rod and reel used to catch it came from Sears, Wal Mart, etc., or that you don't own a Lexus or BMW!!

Learn cheap and then upgrade if you feel it necessary if not, you can sink a ton of money in equipment and not help you at all.

Bill T

geodrake · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2009, 03:37:19 PM »

Bill makes an excellent point!

Ray D · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2009, 04:10:16 PM »

I've been flyfishing for more than 40 years. I hear the line, frequently, as to the importance of the quality of the rod, the line, the leader and the fly. So, which is more important?

None of the above! $:-\$

The most important piece of flyfishing equipment is the hat!

The hat needs a heavy duty skull piece and a floppy brim that extends beyond the ears.

If you ever snag your ear or scalp on the backcast, you'll get the picture. Oh, and the leader needs to be strong enough to hang onto the hat on the forecast, so you don't lose the hat!

If you present the hat, nicely, and a fish takes it -

- well, you are in for some excitement!

A word to the wise.

Ray D

Edited: Almost forgot. When you retrieve the hat, leave the fly stuck in it. It's a badge of honor. Surely, you've seen more than a few flyfishermen with flies stuck in their hats.

Tom · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2009, 04:11:52 PM »

As I walked around WalMart today, I was reminded that they sell a complete flyfishing kit made by IIRC Shakespear. The kit includes a matched (by weight) rod, reel and line, and it might even have a few flies. Nothing fancy but, if you decide flyfishing is not for you, you won't be out a ton of money.

Tom and Margi · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2009, 04:34:12 PM »

Ray:

I got a big kick out of your narration.

I can add that if you're a kid growing up fishing mountain streams in the Sierra, like I was, you also need a very patient Grandpa to retrieve your fly from a tree.

As I recall, h never complained or became impatient. He and Tom are the reason I enjoy fishing so much. Catching has nothing to do with it.

Margi

threeful · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2009, 05:22:12 PM »

Ray makes a point about the fly hook and the potentail harm to hats and ears.

One thing all fly fishermen should do...bend the barb. We will say it is done for sportsmanship...experienced fly fishers know it is easier to get a hook out of you ear or head if the barb is bent.

Bill T

Tom · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2009, 05:26:28 PM »

I once had a barbed hook caught in my arm while tying a fly in the coach (don't ask!) Went to a doctor in the nearest town (they had no hospital or ER). He gave me a tetanus shot, then pulled out the rustiest pair of pliers I've ever seen. After cutting the hook, he backed it out. Now, if I'd remembered to flatten down the barb, I could have saved my fly

sheltie · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2009, 05:32:04 PM »

Quote from: Ray D on January 18, 2009, 04:10:16 PM

I've been flyfishing for more than 40 years. I hear the line, frequently, as to the importance of the quality of the rod, the line, the leader and the fly. So, which is more important?

None of the above! $:-\$

The most important piece of flyfishing equipment is the hat!

The hat needs a heavy duty skull piece and a floppy brim that extends beyond the ears.

If you ever snag your ear or scalp on the backcast, you'll get the picture. Oh, and the leader needs to be strong enough to hang onto the hat on the forecast, so you don't lose the hat!

If you present the hat, nicely, and a fish takes it - - well, you are in for some excitement!

A word to the wise.

Ray D

Edited: Almost forgot. When you retrieve the hat, leave the fly stuck in it. It's a badge of honor. Surely, you've seen more than a few flyfishermen with flies stuck in their hats.

Especially coming from an ex-Zoomie, that is really funny!

sheltie · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2009, 05:35:30 PM »

I should've added much earlier that my wife bought me a combo kit from Scientific Angler to get me started. As with golf, if I get better I'll upgrade as needed.

Denny

Tom · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2009, 05:45:53 PM »

Quote

...my wife bought me a combo kit from Scientific Angler to get me started.

Denny,

I was probably thinking about Scientific Angler, but typed Shakespear. I have several Scientific Angler reels and lines that I carry as spares. Their price is right.

Tom · « **Reply #21 on:** January 31, 2009, 10:45:58 AM »

Denny,

I was curious if you've wet a fly line yet. Any photos of the big catch? Just talking about this is making me antsy for our next fly fishing trip.

sheltie · « **Reply #22 on:** January 31, 2009, 07:42:22 PM »

Tom,

Nope, still haven't tried it yet as I'm still recovering from Achilles tendon surgery in November. But, the recovery is going great and I should be able to get lessons in a couple of weeks or so. Also, I bought an entry-level fly tying kit and just watched the cd today. It really looks interesting. I've also bought a float tube, backpack tackle box and some smaller accessories since the last time I visited you. Like you, I'm raring to go. If this is anything like my experiences with bass fishing, I'd be much better off financially buying fish in Safeway! But I wouldn't have near as much fun.

Denny

Tom · « **Reply #23 on:** January 31, 2009, 08:03:13 PM »

Denny,

Sorry to hear about the achilles tendon. Sounds painful.

Looks like you're getting the hang of spending money on fly tying and fly fishing gear. Don't go to the fish department in Safeway. One suggestion for when you use the float tube - get yourself a life preserver. One of the automatic inflation ones are less bulky, or you can even get one that's built into a vest.

Tim Lassen · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2009, 01:11:09 AM »

Save money on wading sticks. We buy wood handle brooms and cut off broom end. Pick a color you like. Drill hole in the rounded non-broom end and string a heavy cord or hiking shoelace so it will hang on your wrist. I loop mine over the belt around the waders and it floats behind me when I am not using it. For rods, reels, flies, etc. Bob Mariotts in Orange, Ca. has a great catalog/website..enjoy...tim

sheltie · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2009, 01:26:11 PM »

Geesh! I'm quickly finding out that fly fishing is a dangerous sport. I thought it was supposed to be easy. Now y'all (sorry, but I'm a Texan) tell me that I need to get a belt in order not to allow water to get inside my waders and possibly drown me and also a life vest for when I use a float tube in order - again - not to drown! Are you sure that Safeway isn't easier?

Tom · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2009, 01:30:46 PM »

I hate shopping at the grocery store, so Safeway isn't easier for me, nor is it as much fun

threeful · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2009, 03:41:15 PM »

But it may be cheaper!!!!

RLSharp · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2009, 03:50:04 PM »

Quote from: threeful on February 01, 2009, 03:41:15 PM

But it may be cheaper!!!!

One thing Tom has never been accused of is being cheap!

Richard

Ray D · « **Reply #29 on:** February 15, 2009, 10:30:00 PM »

Quote

But it may be cheaper!!!!

One of the idiotic things I used to do, from time to time, over the years - calculate what trout was costing me, by the pound.

$300.00?

$400.00?

Worth it?

Build a very small fire on the steep rocky bank of an Idaho river and let it burn down to coals. While it's burning, land a half pounder, fresh from the stream. Clean and gut, run a sharpened willow through the fish, and roast.

Sit - relax - eat. No seasoning needed.

Wonder what the poor folks are having for breakfast, this morning. $:-\$

Yeah, it's worth every dime I spent!

Ray D

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Author Topic: More Fly Fishing Questions (Read 3139 times)