Newbie Question

backlash442 · 03-17-2009, 09:59 PM

Thinking about trying out fly fishing. Was wondering if it's better to buy a cheap combo set to start out with. It will be used pretty much on my boat lake fishing not river or stream fishing. Well at least to start.

WAID · 03-17-2009, 11:08 PM

You can find perfectly serviceable inexpensive setups. Neither of my setups cost more than $100 total(rod, reel, line). They are cobbled together mostly from clearance, sale, or used components though. My first rod I bought for $35 at the recommendation of a local fly shop employee put a used reel on it and a SA air cel line and it has worked well for me for me but I don't fly fish that much. My other rod was bought at a half price sale for $30. The line was bought at the same sale for $20 and the reel was $50 at Bob's. If you have an idea what to look for in terms of quality or know someone that does that can go with you I think you can get a very inexpensive setup that will work well. Online reviews can also be quite helpful.

I did have one rod and reel that sucked. The rod was a shakespeare spin/fly that was an acceptable spin rod except for when it broke and the replacement has never stayed together well when casting(tip sections fly every few casts if I don't keep checking it) The reel was a pflueger purist something or rather and was heavy and failed quickly. It also came with a usable but poor performing flat line.

In case Ifish policy considers it necessary for negative reviews on the reel and rod my name is Ken Bean.

Redhawk-Driver · 03-18-2009, 05:16 AM

It can be rather daunting when you first jump in to the wonderful sport of fly fishing. A bit of time invested in to searching for a deal on any of the Auction sites can reap great rewards. Nice stuff for reasonable price.

Go reasonable early and see if you like the sport. Once you have it mastered, you'll realize and "feel" why the nice stuff is nice and why people pay a pretty penny for it...although I don't think the big dollar stuff catched more fish. I it all in the offering and delivery!

Fish-on!

XXXLTD · 03-18-2009, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backlash442

Thinking about trying out fly fishing. Was wondering if it's better to buy a cheap combo set to start out with. It will be used pretty much on my boat lake fishing not river or stream fishing. Well at least to start.

WW Grigg makes a great rod for novice or expert, might try Sportsman's.

Wild Chrome · 03-18-2009, 08:58 AM

Cheap fly rods generally are a little slower and heavier than the expensive ones (talkin' graphite). They are a good way to try the sport out at first, as the timing of fly casting is easier to learn with a slow-medium action rod. However, realize that the casting and catching will eventually be better with a middle to high end rod. The right rod will feel more like an extension of your arm and will be more comfortable, powerful and accurate. I learned to fly cast with a low end 8.5 foot 5 weight and (for trout) would recommend the same. Maybe 9 foot for lakes.

Also, with respect to trout, you don't need much of a reel. A low end click-pawl is fine for trout. The rod and line are more important.

bbaley · 03-18-2009, 04:29 PM

cabelas has very good deals and decent packages.

I have low end cabelas as well as $700 Scott rods with $200 reels. I wouldnt say they are truly comparable, but I still use the cabelas (4 wt) outfit and enjoy it and obviously have not found the need to replace them.

The one thing I can say is I have had a LOT, a LOT of bad cheap fly lines. that make casting a dreadfull task.

If you spend any money, buy a good quality fly line that matches what you will do with it. then you will enjoy it, rather than it being a chore and difficult.

It would be hard to suggest a line without knowing more.

Horsecreek · 03-18-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backlash442

Thinking about trying out fly fishing. Was wondering if it's better to buy a cheap combo set to start out with. It will be used pretty much on my boat lake fishing not river or stream fishing. Well at least to start.

Rod is the most important...then your various Lines...Reel is last on the list! Get a good Rod...... and it will help you tremendously to enjoy the dynamics of fly casting!..........L

Mad Mikey · 03-18-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horsecreek

Rod is the most important...then your various Lines...Reel is last on the list! Get a good Rod...... and it will help you tremendously to enjoy the dynamics of fly casting!..........L

Bingo. Reel is just a line holder.

Once you are seriously addicted and can afford a nicer reel, do it(just because you can)

The reel may become more important when you start targeting steelhead or salmon in rivers though.

backlash442 · 03-19-2009, 06:49 AM

Ok great info thanks. As some have surmised this will be for trout. What type of rod length do you recommend? Wt? What brand of line? Is the "tippet" the mono line attached to the fly line?

I've seen guys fly fishing next to us bait soakers and have just killed the fish while we sit and watch. Figured it's about time to do more catching.

gustav · 03-19-2009, 07:11 AM

At times flyfishers can outfish anyone on the river; but don't take up flyfishing for steelhead for that reason because most of the time it is just the opposite. I took it up after years of bait fishing, and I have not gone back. There is just more to get into with flyfishing; it is more enjoyable. In 3 years I have gone from Indicator fishing, to swinginging flies, to Spey fishing; and don't forget tying the flies.

Also, finding the right set-up is important. I have seen some guys who have gotten great deals, but the set-ups just don't work. I would suggest finding a fly shop that you really like, and spend your money there. As you get more into flyfishing, you will value the information they give out more and more. Plus the set-up you get will work.

They are having a tough time right now and they really need our support. (one of my favorite shops just went under!) This is a whole other topic.

Good luck!

JD77 · 03-21-2009, 08:48 AM

I was there not too long ago. I usually steer my friends into an entry level first rod. I agree that you don't want to spend too much on your first rod. 1, you may end up changing your mind and not liking it that much 2, if you do really like it you can eventually get a higher end rod and enjoy the upgrade. Get a 9 foot 5 weight for trout as it is a good all around model.

As for your other question about tippet... most guys use this termanology... a leader connects to the fly line. There are a few different ways to connect the leader to the fly line. Tippet, to most guys, is the last few inches (or feet) that you connect to your leader and then tie to your fly. Sometimes when you have a break off (or a tangle that is so bad it isn't worth untangling. Trust me. We all get these) you cut and rebuild your leader by tying on sections of tippet. Basically all leaders taper down from thicker, higher test to the lowest test which connects to your fly. The taper makes the leader cast (and turn over) during your fly cast.

Bottom line is a lot of times flyfishing is made to sound more complicated than it is. A little practice, trial and error and you'll be OK. It would really help your learning curve if you could find a person to show you a few basics (cast mechanics, a few knots, just the basics)

dubl_t · 03-21-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Mikey

Bingo. Reel is just a line holder.

Almost a "Bingo", but I feel Horsecreek is one number short and politely disagree. I honestly believe the line is just as important as the rod. True, for trout the reel is a glorified storage device (I can stand to be corrected). But my case in point is with a cheap entry level rod and cheap line. After outfitting it with premium line it was like a whole new setup! More distance, easier casting, etc.

In sumation, I wouldn't recommend a rod, line or reel. Get what you "can afford" in rod and reel, then go to a reputable fly shop for the line. Chances are that the rod will perform better with a different weight line, and the shop will give you the opportunity to try different lines.

Skunked · 03-21-2009, 01:11 PM

Buy a cheap rod/reel if you like, but make sure you get a high quality line.
I started out fly fishing with a cheapo 9ft 5wt outfit that was awful to cast until I upgraded the line. In my experience the difference between the $20-$30 fly lines and the $50-$70 fly lines is huge and well worth a few extra dollars.

Schmitty · 03-23-2009, 04:44 PM

My first fly rod was a "starter kit" from scientific anglers from walmart! It got me started. 9' 6wt 2pc
The next rod I bought was a cabelas stowaway for back packing and I still use that rod even when I'm not backpacking! 7.5' 4wt 5pc
The rod I use now is the Corland CL 9' 5/6wt 4pc. I'm happy with this rod for now and I use it for both trout and steelhead. It's a little light for steelhead but it makes for an AWSOME fight.
I would recomend you look into some of the Cabelas combo packages. They come complete with rod, reel, backing, flyline, etc... They are pretty affordable and the quality is a little better than some starter packages.

Good luck and remember to be patient, fly fishing is a lot of fun, but it can be frustrating when you start out.... Well it can be frustrating at times no matter how good you get!