New to Flyfishing, need Advice!

Dan360 · 02-29-2008, 08:36 AM

I would like to get into flyfishing this year. I would like to start on panfish and trout and make my way to steelhead. What are some things that a beginner should know? What kinds of gear should I be looking for?

Having done a lot of bass fishing, I use rods designed for specific lures and presentations. Will I be using that approach to flyfishing, or will one rod do it?

Does anyone recommend any books that might be good resources?

Thanks in advance for your help! I'm really anxious to learn and get out on a stream somewhere.

Adofish · 02-29-2008, 09:35 AM

Here is a good book to start with:

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide: by Tom Rosenbauer

Ty · 02-29-2008, 10:17 AM

I prefer LL Beans begginner flyfishing book.. Learn the knots the lingo, and go cast on the lawn at the college... Can watch your fly

stillwater97 · 02-29-2008, 10:41 AM

If it was me,

I'd start with a decent 9ft 5wt fly rod. What defines "decent"? Tough to say really... It depends on your casting style, budget, etc. One piece of advice, don't get suckered into the "only sage/winston build worthy fly rods" mentality. There are plenty of good manufacturers that make very good fly rods that will cast just as good. My advice is to go cast a bunch of fly rods before making a decision. With today's graphite technology and rod tapers there are a lot of good choices.

Lines are 2nd in importance. Still very important to good casting. I'd probably look at spending about $50-60 on a good weight forward 5wt floating line. Scientific Anglers, Rio, & Wulff all make great lines.

Reels,

You don't need to spend a bunch on reels to start with. machined aluminum is nice, but you can also get a really good Echo reel (do a google search) for about $70 bucks that will perform as well as the really expensive reels. (I own several Echo reels as well as the expensive ones).

Thats about all you need for a trout set up.

Good luck!

Mark

fishkisser · 02-29-2008, 05:25 PM

Don't do it ... After the 3rd or 4th matched rod and reel setup you will realize to be totally effective ... You need 5 or 6 other weights of rods and more spools for your reels for the sink tips and intermediate lines ...
And then you will start tying your own flys and spending 25-30$ on materials just for 1 fly design ...
And then there are all the great places to fish ...All over the globe , oh my gosh I'm exahusted just thinking about it ...

Newbs · 02-29-2008, 06:19 PM

Some may not agree with me... but that hasn't stopped me yet.

In my opinion... The gear is secondary. You can go to Bi Mart and set up a rod for under $150.00... Rod, reel and line. You do not need to spend a lot of money to get started.

Get yourself a good rig and spend some time in your driveway learning how to cast. A good video will help you along. There are thousands of them available.

Learn and few good fishing spots. Learn how to make a good presentation with your fly. Learn the feeding habit of your target. Learn how to read the water and see the hatch...then you will one day catch a fish.

Then you will standing next to Fishkisser with the sickness... God be with
you.

Dan360 · 03-03-2008, 12:28 PM

I went down to couple of creek mouths on south Puget Sound this weekend, just to rummage around near the water. There were guys fly-fishing on salt water! What was more interesting, is that they were catching beautiful cutthroat. One was probably 18 or 20 inches. Now I'm really excited.

It sounds like flyfishing is more complicated than I thought. I went to Sportsman's Warehouse to feel out some rods, and I'm not really sure what I should be feeling for. If someone asked me to pick out a crankbait or jerkbait rod, I'd have one picked out in no-time. I know what to feel for. What should I be trying to feel with a fly rod? It seemed like there was a wide variety in action with some rods being very slow with a limber tip and some rods having a stiffer tip with less flex. Any suggestions?

I did some reading about lines. Sounds like the weight-forward would be the easiest to learn to cast, so I'll probably go with that for now.

What is the advantage of the "large arbor" reels vs the standard reels?

stillwater97 · 03-03-2008, 03:21 PM

Dan,

For what its worth, Sportsman's isn't where I'd look for expert help or instruction. While sportsman's prices are great, most of their clerks aren't really knowledgeable about fly fishing. Not bagging on Sportsman's, just my experience.

If it was me, I'd go to a fly shop, and take a class. This will really help you out.
The greased line in Vancouver offers a beginning fly fishing class for $85. It is definitely worth your money as you will get expert instruction and as a result save yourself a lot of frustration.

http://members.aol.com/thegreasedline/

Large arbors: Pro: you pick up line faster with them. Con: they don't hold as much backing.

Dan360 · 03-03-2008, 04:05 PM

I have gotten that impression from big retail stores. I've had some strange advice from big stores, especially at the rifle counters.

I will definitely look into the class. Sounds like a reasonable price for good information. Thanks for the tip.

StickFish · 03-04-2008, 05:13 AM

If you want to learn either take a class or hire a guide for a fly fishing trip. Both of our girls learned from guides we use on the Mckenzie from a drift boat. One trip and you both will be hooked. The oldest was 10 on her first trip, the youngest was 7. We launched the boat anchored and a two minute lesson got them casting, within 5 minutes both had already landed two fish and had mending down, by the end of the day both were out fishing everyone on the trip. Now I'm no expert at fly fishing, but the key is let the rod do the work and keep that elbow at your side.

Here is Twig #1 with one of her many fish

clarkman23 · 03-04-2008, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan360

I went to Sportsman's Warehouse to feel out some rods, and I'm not really sure what I should be feeling for.

Head over to one of the fly shops in town...hang out, ask questions. They're the ones who can give you the most help...then reward that by getting some of your equipment there...personally, I try to stay away from the big box stores (I do get some stuff at some of them) because I really want to small fly shops to stay in business. You just can't get the personalized service that you get at the small fly shops at the big box stores...but that's just my opinion...plenty of people are more motivated by what kind of deal they can get...

but before that, be prepared to go broke going into this hobby because pretty soon you'll "need" more rods, reels, lines...then you'll think to yourself that you want to try bamboo and then you'll be even more broke...and finally, you'll start telling your girlfriend or wife how little you actually spend on fly fishing equipment (even though the actual amount is more than 3 times the amount you told her) and hope that she doesn't ever read this board...oh wait...

oh, and one other thing, don't let anyone tell you what you have to have. try out different setups (at the fly shop--they should have multiple demo setups) and decide for yourself...

~Randy

FisherJoe · 03-04-2008, 10:31 AM

You can also go to the Clark Skamania Fly Fishers meeting held once a month. They do instruction, have guest lecturers, and go on outings.

Dan360 · 03-04-2008, 02:16 PM

I looked at some rods and noticed there are 5 weights, 6 weights, and 5/6 weights. What is a 5/6 weight?

OutdoorBum · 03-04-2008, 03:28 PM

"weight" refers to the weight of the line that the rod is designed to cast measured in grains...you don't really need to get into the math of it but a heavier weight is obviously designed for heavier flies and thus, heavier fish

so a 5/6 is designed for a 5 or 6 weight line...which for you should be a weight-forward line as most people have mentioned..

most of your more expensive rods are for one weight only, so I only assume that the 5/6 your seeing is on a lower end rod such as Scientific Anglers, etc. and as Newbs said...go with an inexpensive set up at Bi-Mart or wherever and get your feet wet and learn how to cast first. An $800 rod isn't going to make a guy that sucks at casting any better...(I learned from experience) plus, after your first few wind knots, you'll want to break the rod anyway...don't do it to yourself!

And do what these guys are saying...take a class, practice on grass and have fun...when you catch your first on a well presented fly...ain't nothin' like it

stillwater97 · 03-04-2008, 03:39 PM

5/6 weight is kinda an in-between taper. (some people say its a 5wt others say its a 6wt. nobody can agree as to what it is so they compromise and call it a 5/6) I'd recommend casting both 5 and 6 wt lines with the rod to determine what works best on it with your casting style. Then you know what the rod really is to you (5wt or 6wt).
Keep in mind that line weights are only guidelines. I normally over-line by one weight with a lot of my fly lines especially those that are over 6wt and larger.
There is very little standardization in the industry as far as what is a 5wt or what is a 6wt. Some MFG's like sage make rods that are very fast and stiff that feel like a rod two sizes up. It depends.

Anyway,

Get the class behind you first. Most likely they will provide you with a rod/reel/line set up to cast with. That way you have some experience casting to "know" what feels good to you and what doesn't.

I do have to contradict the above statement about buying your first rod at bi-mart. I have seen more people frustrated at fly fishing because the equipment they bought was shabby, cheap, and unsuitable for fishing with. I recalled one trip with a good friend that had some fly gear laying around that he bought on sale at fred meyer for "cheap". he was floundering the entire morning with this set up. I proceeded to cast his setup to see if I could help him, and I could hardly get the rod to work for me and I know what I am doing. The majority of the stuff at bimart and fred meyer is junk and will only make learning to cast harder and will be more expensive to own as you will end up replacing it with a rod that casts eventually.

I'm not saying that you need to spend $800 on a set up. I sure don't spend $800 on a set up. You can get a decent setup for $100-200 for the rod (4piece from TFO or Echo), $70 for the reel (echo reel), and $50-$55 for the line Rio or SA. Whatever you do, buy the rod that casts the best in your budget.

I wish I could say "go get this rod, with this line, with this reel", but it wouldn't be good advice.

Dan360 · 03-05-2008, 07:50 AM

This sounds like its going to be time consuming, but it also sounds like its going to be very rewarding. I can't wait to get into it. I'm looking into signing up for a class. Maybe there will be an assortment of rods that I can try out during the class.

saltchucker · 03-05-2008, 08:56 AM

Great low cost reel tip: okuma graphite/plastic reel, I bought a 7/8 for about 30 buck on the internet (I think it is called an airframe). It was recommended to me by a 40 year veteran fly fishing guide in florida, he had em on all his rods we were bass bugging with. I am using mine for trout and bass fishing. It is very light weight and has a very serviceable drag. I would not hesitate to fish small bonefish, baby tarpon, small snook etc.with it. IT is large arbor which means that it picks up line almost as fast as a spinning reel when you are reeling in. It would be a great starter reel, especially if you are trout fishing. Remember that you need almost no drag on a fly reel even for most small saltwater fish - just enough to put a bend in the rod on a hard running fish. IF you are fishing any rod under a 7 weight a really heavy tippet (end of you leader) would be 10 - 12 lbs, conclusion: there are lots of inexpensive reels that will do the job.

Also I suggest you consider "overlining" your rod when you start to learn casting. I would be happy to give you an old worn 7 or 8 wt line for lawn practice.. Putting a heavier line on a rod than it is rated for (e.g. 7-10 wt line on a 4-5 wt rod for example) slows the action down and makes it easier to get a feel for the basic casting stroke. This is because the timing required on a slow action outfit is much less precise than a faster action rod line combo. It is easier to learn timing if you can feel it in your hand. Not good for casting far but very good for learning and special applications like throwing big bushy flies short distances.

drop me and email if you want a practice line I would be happy to send you one.

Will

OutdoorBum · 03-05-2008, 09:05 AM

Stillwater is right...Echo makes a good product at reasonable prices, and I guess my Bi-Mart statement was overkill...I just see so many newbies get told they need to really spring for the ultimate setup and how gear is everything and I've outfished TONS of guys with great gear and awful casting mechanics...

and a class is definitely a good place to cast different rods and see how they feel..everyone is different and I've seeen beginning casters do better with an entry level Echo rod than a Sage Z-axis.. don't be afraid to ask the instructor what each rod costs...most pros want you to have a good experience out of the gate and won't "over-gear" you from the start

It will be time consuming, but have you ever taken up a hunting/fishing hobby that wasn't?

stillwater97 · 03-05-2008, 09:17 AM

OB,

I completely agree with what you are saying.

a good rod won't help someone cast better if they don't know how to cast, but a shabby designed rod will hold a person back.

Stonedfish · 03-06-2008, 06:12 PM

Dan,
Was it the Sportsmen's Warehouse in Federal Way that you visited? If it was the Federal Way store, there is a great resource for you at that store. His name is Michael Martin. Michael worked at the Morning Hatch Fly Shop in Tacoma for a number of years before it closed. He could help get you set up.
If you are in the south sound area again in the future, also pay a visit to Puget Sound Fly Co. They are located on 256th and Pac Hwy So. Both Clark and Anil will help you get set up. They also both fish Puget Sound a lot.
Just my personal opinion, but I think a 6 wt would be a good starter rod. Likely a little heavy for panfish and small trout, but really versatile for many applications. I use a 6 for light summer run rod, larger trout and smallies. Excellent in windy conditions when you need that little extra punch that a 4 or 5 may not give you, depending on the rod.
A 6 would be a great rod for Puget Sound Coho and Searun Cutt fishing.

You've gotten some good advice from the folks here.
Have fun selecting your new outfit. There are lots of good choices available that won't break the bank.

Go Dawgs, sorry couldn't resist

hpalmer · 03-07-2008, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan360

I would like to get into flyfishing this year. I would like to start on panfish and trout and make my way to steelhead. What are some things that a beginner should know? What kinds of gear should I be looking for?

Having done a lot of bass fishing, I use rods designed for specific lures and presentations. Will I be using that approach to flyfishing, or will one rod do it?

Does anyone recommend any books that might be good resources?

Thanks in advance for your help! I'm really anxious to learn and get out on a stream somewhere.

hpalmer · 03-07-2008, 05:40 AM

I'm fairly new to the sport myself. My advise is to find a friend who has equipment to loan to you and will work with you on how to use it. It's not difficult to learn, but it can be an expensive mistake if you don't like doing it. I'm no expert , but I would work with you.

Dan360 · 03-07-2008, 07:49 AM

Stonedfish: But of course, this means war.

I've tried to go to the Morning Hatch Fly Shop, but ironically, they don't seem to be open until the early afternoon. I might try and see that guy you mentioned at Federal Way. Thanks for the info.

hpalmer: Whereabouts are you located? I travel quite a bit between Olympia, WA and Portland, OR. I'd like to take you up on your offer sometime.

Stonedfish · 03-07-2008, 07:57 AM

Dan,
The Morning Hatch is no longer in business. It was a great shop and had a long history, but the owner decided not to continue doing business.
I'm up in Seattle and know the So. Sound area well. If you need any advice on shops, let me know.
Brian

Dan360 · 03-07-2008, 08:02 AM

I think the local fly shop here, "Fishy Business" also went out of business. Its really sad that specialty shops are dying out. I like to support local business when I can.

Which shops do you recommend?

Stonedfish · 03-07-2008, 08:22 AM

Dan,
I believe the fellow that ran Fishy Business is now running the fly department at the new Cabelas, so I was told.
I really like Puget Sound Fly Co. Good guys, laid back shop and they know their stuff.
As I mentioned, Michael Martin at Sportsmen's can help you also, although they don't have the selection a true fly shop can offer. He knows his stuff though.
I also like to support the local shops. There just aren't as many as there used to be.
Brian

rob allen · 03-07-2008, 08:47 AM

Dan

this is what I would recommend The Clark Skamania fly fishers is a great organization to become involved with and a great way to get involved with the club is to start out with their introduction to fly fishing class which this year falls on April 19
all of their information can be found on their website http://www.clark-skamania-flyfishers.org/

this class would give you a really nice jump start into the sport...

Dan360 · 03-07-2008, 04:02 PM

I really appreciate all of the great advice and pointers. I'm really excited to get started.

Moldy45 · 03-07-2008, 06:22 PM

11 oclock 1 oclock 11 oclock 1 oclock

Thunnus · 03-12-2008, 10:38 PM

I am surprised no one has suggested the: "Curtis Creek Manifesto". It is written in kind of comic book fashion, but is easy to read and has lots of great info.

Dan360 · 03-17-2008, 09:43 PM

I got myself a rig guys! I spent some money, but not too much. I bought a 9 1/2 foot Fennwick 5 wt with an Okuma large arbor reel with an extra spool. I put a 5 wt floating WF line for dry flies on spool #1 and a 6 wt sinking tip WF line for streamers on the bay (got lots of sea-run cutts here). I have dacron backing on both. Now if the weather would just cooperate!

stillwater97 · 03-18-2008, 05:39 AM

Congrats!

good luck moving forward! If you ever get over to Central Oregon, PM me and I'll give you a report as to what is fishing good.

Newbs · 03-19-2008, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan360

I got myself a rig guys! I spent some money, but not too much. I bought a 9 1/2 foot Fennwick 5 wt with an Okuma large arbor reel with an extra spool. I put a 5 wt floating WF line for dry flies on spool #1 and a 6 wt sinking tip WF line for streamers on the bay (got lots of sea-run cutts here). I have dacron backing on both. Now if the weather would just cooperate!

I set up a rig almost identicle to that for my son's Christmas present this year. I love Fennwick rods.

Grantspastor · 03-20-2008, 02:36 PM

Congratulations on the new outfit! For instructional books The Curtis Creek Manifesto is a true classic and loaded with good information

Nicechromer · 03-23-2008, 08:09 AM

I thought it was a lot easier than I thought. I have never taken a class, but if you have the time and extra $, than go for it. My idea was that I would take that money and buy more gear. Research on the Net. You can find plenty of information.
Once you start enjoying it, you can take the time to figure out what kind of new setup to get. Yes, there are many rods out there that cast as well as the expensive ones. But you really get what you pay for. Also when you look for future rods. Some come with a great warranty with no hassle. Just shipping charges. Sage, St Croix, Redington etc

Dan360 · 03-24-2008, 05:51 PM

Okay guys, I'm hooked. Went to Battleground Lake to screw around. There is a dock that runs out toward the middle of the lake where I could keep from snagging my stuff in any trees. Caught three in an hour, including a 20 inch female full of eggs, all on a #12 pheasant tail. Released all three. Nearly learned a bad lesson on having the drag down too tight on the 20 incher. I was then crowded out by guys using regular gear.

I really like how the fish aren't hooked deep with a fly. It really makes releasing fish easier, especially after pinching the barbs down.

I think I will go with a lighter leader and tippet next time. I was using a 7 1/2 foot 2X leader with 2 feet of maxima 4lb for tippet. Seems like the leader wanted to float.

TroutGirl · 03-24-2008, 06:13 PM

Dan-

Stillwater is steering you right. Great that you got right into fish.

Yes, the leader will want to float. If you bought a tapered leader at the store, a trout leader would do you fine, then for tippet you can tie on You can use 2lb maxima or try 5x or 6x tippet materials.

If you're trying to fish below the surface, you'll need weighted flies and possibly a weighted tippet or sinking line. I'm not much of a nympher, so a weighted tippet that goes on with a loop to loop connection is the cheapest solution for me. I didn't want to invest in another fly line and spool and this gives a quick change out for fishing lakes below the surface or wanting to dead drift leaches and nymphs in a river. You can use split shot too, but you really want to get your casting all in order before messing with it. Not only can it make a gnarly mess, it can hurt pretty bad when you nail yourself in the head. (its always the head, never the shoulder or the arm, its the head.)

The clubs do great casting clinics and so do the shops. No better time for a class than before you learn bad habits.

Good luck.

Dan360 · 03-24-2008, 06:42 PM

Troutgirl: I already got myself on the back of the head using a heavy streamer with metal beads for eyes. Stings a little

I probably could have stayed on the dock if I had more experience. I didn't want to nail anyone. You are only allowed to fish off of one side of the dock. I'm right handed and everyone was on my right, so I figured I'd just bag it for the sake of not piercing any ears.

Kevin2023 · 03-25-2008, 02:53 AM

Congrats on a great first outing

stillwater97 · 03-25-2008, 04:12 AM

Battleground is a great place to get into fish. Sounds to me like your next purchase is a float tube! BTW, there are anglers that never in their entire life hook a 20 inch fish. Great Job!!!

veilside180sx · 03-25-2008, 04:46 AM

I would recommend buying a pontoon rather than a float tube as it's easier to maneauver. It doesn't necessarily have to be a large one (I would do a 9ft), but having the option to oar or paddle is very nice.

Dan360 · 03-25-2008, 07:44 AM

I hope I don't get spoiled! I am considering picking up a 7 1/2 or 8 foot rod the small streams near my home. Maybe a 3 or 4 wt for the 10 to 14 inch cutthroat that I've been seeing people catch. And then I need a 7 or 8 wt for steelhead! I'm totally hooked.

saltchucker · 03-25-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan360

I hope I don't get spoiled! I am considering picking up a 7 1/2 or 8 foot rod the small streams near my home. Maybe a 3 or 4 wt for the 10 to 14 inch cutthroat that I've been seeing people catch. And then I need a 7 or 8 wt for steelhead! I'm totally hooked.

As a friend of mine observed many sage people have contemplated the universal question : How fly rods does a person really need? Of course noone has ever been able to answer this question.....I just keep buying them, I assume it will eventually slow down.

stillwater97 · 03-25-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan360

I hope I don't get spoiled! I am considering picking up a 7 1/2 or 8 foot rod the small streams near my home. Maybe a 3 or 4 wt for the 10 to 14 inch cutthroat that I've been seeing people catch. And then I need a 7 or 8 wt for steelhead! I'm totally hooked.

Ah the slippery slope of fly fishing........