Can ya help a newbie?

[G-Man]

I would like to begin fly fishing.

Can I get suggesting on what outfit to get?

I fish both fresh and salt. Is there a rod that will work for both the local bass pond and the stripers?

It's all new to me. Suggestions on wt of rod and type of reel?
I ussually fish from a kayak.

Any issue looking for used outfit?
Can I get anything decent for $200?
My dad just bought a pretty nice rig for $300.
Thx Much
-Greg

[G-Man]

Lot of positive comments on the Tioga reel.
Maybe I'll make that my first reel going on your time tested advice.

Still need to figure out size of real and wt of rod.

I hear 9wt rod more than any other. That the most versatile size?

[capemike88]

If you are going to be doin a lot of fresh, maybe a stiff 7 or 8wt, if your goin to be doin for salt, 8 or maybe 9. Go with a Tioga #8, then maybe a Temple forks, or st.croix imperial or avid, neither are too fast action, with make learning to cast a fly with many false casts easier. More room for error i believe. Good luck, I was in your shoes about 6 monthes ago. I am glad I bought into ff the salt. have fun and post on your tackle deceision, Don't forget about line and backing!

mike

[Quicksilver]

What species do you target in freshwater?

[AlderBrookFarm]

An 8 wt is a good choice. Many years ago when I got my first fly rod it was an LLBean Bass outfit (freshwater) and it was an 8wt set up. Used it for schoolies before I started buying more rods and it did just fine. Cabela's & Bass Pro both have similar outfits and the Temple Fork rods are great for the price.

[G-Man]

Thanks again gents for the advice.

OK, I'm thinking of narrowing things down to begin with freshwater first. I live an hour from the ocean and fish fresh much more often. I expect FW is a better place to learn with limited winds and abundant fly eating fish. I can try my Dad's 9wt rig in the salt.

Now, I typically fish for bass and only a few times a year for trout. Although that may change as I pickup the FF thing.
So I suspect I will be throwing small poppers, wooly buggers, grasshopper flies, and such for panfish and bass to start with. I like the topwater fishing experience. The other thing to consider is that I usually fish from a kayak, and so it may be a little heavier rod and\or line can help when you're so low to the water.

Some of what I read still splits the FW rods into 5-6 for trout and panfish and 7-8 for FW bass. I'm always fishing a lake as opposed to tight streams. So I'm thinking either 6 or 7, but welcome input. Maybe the 5wt is plenty for all FW. On another board some guy caught a 10lb bass on a 5wt!

I know I should be patient and try them all, but that's not my style unfortunately. I'm selling some mt bike parts on e-bay, and if they go then I getting a FF rig.

I will go with the Tioga and Temple. Great reviews and I need the replacement warranty. :)
It will be the affordable models @ $80. Thinking 6wt for each at this point, but open to input.
After that, I'll bother you about line and leaders. :)

[Quicksilver]

I am not really all that familiar with the aspects of flyfishing in a kayak. I did it once. I used the outfit I had on hand and it worked OK. Sounds like you have access to Dads nine weight for salt water. If that is the case then the rod/reel you are looking for may be more for FW. I hear you mention you like the topwater stuff, which means throwing poppers and deerhair flies. The normal freshwater rig would be a #5 or #6 rod. Because you will throwing poppers you might want to go a little heavier. The TFO 4 piece seven weight is an extraordinary rod. The NE TFO factory rep does "Texas Shootout" events throughout New England where participants have the opportunity to try all the TFO rods and also get casting instruction from certified instructors. I think TFO is a good choice for the rod- cast them before purchasing. With regards to the reel, if you can use Dads setup for SW, then the reel for FW does not need to be too beefy. Cortland used to make a Rimfly reel. I cannot imagine why they stopped manufacturing it. The Rimfly reel in the large size would be perfect for you. I don't think you need a reel with a drag for your FW fly fishing.

[Old Saltyfly]

Mr. G Man
Any questions on fly casting you are in luck. There is going to be a fly casting clinic sponsored by Central Mass Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting September 11, 2003 Thursday evening at 6 pm at Marlborough Fish and Game Club located at 1 Muddy Lane, Marlborough, MA.

Bring your gear what ever you have and have it evaluated.

AJ

[G-Man]

Thanks AJ!

That's right down the street from me!
Great info.
I'll go to that.

Last night the lakes were smooth and fish were jumping at flies. I was picnicing with the family.

I can't wait to try the FF thing. I have been out fishing dusk with jellyworms before, while fish are eating flies all around me. Not sure why I waited this long.

I'm looking forward to even catching sunfish again, on a flyrod.
Thx
-G

[capemike88]

I toss decent seized deer hair poppers and sliders with a 5/6 without much hassle, however, if you are mainy going to be tossing bigger flies, as well as weighted flies, I would go with a 6 or a 7. My friend owns a Flueger 7wt, and he uses it for everything, he uses it for stripers as well, not to good for tossing big salt poppers or big streamers though. go with a weight foward line. good luck, oh and I have taken 30" stripers when fishing for schoolies with my 3/4wt Cortland trout rod.

Good luck,

mike

[G-Man]

Thanks Mike

[bones]

click this: www.flyfishinsalt.com

This is a great website full of info for both the novice and the well seasoned.

Also allows you to question the renowned Lefty Kreh, the Great Guru of flyfishing.

[G-Man]

Well, I have been playing around with a 5wt rod one of the kayak guys let me borrow on the local ponds. (thanks notime!)

This flyfishing sure takes some patience. Flyline catches everything and loves to spin around the rod tip. I'm always in kayak, which can be a little tight.

Anyways, I started throwing some little poppers which I struggle to get out 20ft. Bigger poppers are even harder.
My "dry" flies were sinking at the first twitch. I just discovered the goop to make em float.

Yesterday, I tied on the tiniest fly to get some sunnies. All of a sudden I can cast a flyrod! A weightless fly is a breeze to cast on a 5wt. I still have newbie casts, but it was an eye opener. I can catch sunfish at will now. Pretty impressive, eh? :rolleyes: