Newbie needs Rod/Reel for bonefish in Roatan

[Ryder]

Hi:
I am totally new to this. I'm going to Roatan (Honduras) in a few weeks and need decent gear to fish for Bonefish. Would like something I won't outgrow immediately if I like it. Doing a little reading seems a line weight of 7-9 is recommended (that is a total abstraction to me) with med. flex.

I'd rather not waste lots of $$, as I do not know what I like, but don't want junk either. Been poking around , Cabela, St.Croix, Orvis sites and reading "Flyfishing for Dummies" which is where I found this forum --127-3- .

Are there not so obvious mistakes to avoid re gear or particularly good stuff for starting out? Anything else I should make sure I take down there with me?

I'm told it helps to be good at it if you want to get Bfish so I'll be happy just to stand in the saltwater and practice casting for a couple weeks.

Cheers and Thanks
Craig Ryder

[DavidS]

Rod wise check out Temple Fork rods. Good quality affordable rods that come with a warranty. Dont let the price fool ya (especially after looking at the prices associated with Orvis products) these rods are good!

[Mark Cahill]

(#$115)
The Temple Forks rods (I don't have one) always get a good review around here. So to for the Teton Tioga reels (I do have one and love it).

While getting great gear for bonefish is important, it's also nice to be able to use it for other species...what area of the country do you live in?

[Ryder]

Hi Mark and David:

While getting great gear for bonefish is important, it's also nice to be able to use it for other species...what area of the country do you live in?

I live in Northern Michigan and you are right that is a good point. I see lots of gear divided into fresh and saltwater catagories and was hoping that I could get something that could work a littel in both.

Thanks for the advice I'll look at that rod and reel.

Cheers
Craig Ryder

[Ray]

I couldn't agree with Mark more. The TFO / Tioga combination is becoming very popular. I have landed Bonefish on my Tioga #10 with not even the slightest proplems.

[striperboyz]

TFO all the way, the guys at Temple Fork Outfitters and Lefty Kreh are making their rods just for guys like you, it's affordable and you won't out grow it, heck, veteran RT guys are using them. Go with a moderate priced reel($200range) because then you can invest in a extra spool and line to go with it. The TiCr TFO rod is really fast and I recommend casting it to see if it suits your ability. The TiCr goes for just over $200, but you can also try out the standard saltwater rod, which is a great deal at $140, it is a little bit more of a moderate action then the TiCr, but still plent fast for tight loops.

Cheers,

Josh

PS: the 9wt TiCr might be too heavy for most bones, id go with a 7 or 8wt.

[PhilDKreal]

I'd reccomend an 8wt rod. If you lived in the northeast, I might say 9wt, so you could use it for Stripers as well.

Regardless, you should definitely practice casting before you go. Practice a lot.

As a matter of fact, you should take a casting lesson or two and then practice for a solid month before you go. It will be very frustrating for you (and the guide!), if you cannot place a decent cast to fish. You have to be able to make a 50-60ft cast with some accuracy if you expect to hook up.

[Ryder]

Hi:

Well I'll try to get this stuff ordered to get some practice in. I ordered a couple Lefty Kreh videos off Ebay (Lessons w/ Lefty and Bonefish Saltwater Fly Fishing).

-I read below that Teton Tioga is "restructuring" under Chapter 11. What does this mean re getting one of their reels? --124-3

-I've read that a #10 TT reel balances with a #8,9 pole better than an 8. True?

- What size reel do I need for saltwater re enough "backing."

- Prior to reading about chapter 11 and based upon your guys great help I was looking at a #8 Temple Fork Pro Series ($150) from Cabela and a TT reel #8 ($140) from Flydepot.

I can get a package from Cabela with a Drake reel too. How are they. The Chapter 11 has me thinking a little re repair parts etc... --125-3

Cheers
Craig Ryder

[MatMet]

a thought about the reel. if thinking bout the TT a #8 hold enough line, but a #10 large arbor also holds enough , listed at 100-150 of 30, but you only need 20, so you r fine. the 10 balances a lot better. that being said everyone has their own opinion on large arbor. one side you have people saying it is better because you have a greater retieve ratio. the other people say just use more backing. Ask lots of questions, and use your best judgement. as far as chapter 11??? People love tioga's and claim they dont break! Good reel , good price? Might b worth buying one get 3-5 years out of it, if Teton goes under, buy something later? just a though. small $$$$ out at this time, get a few years atleast out of the reel, and a lifetime out of the rod.

[pearson]

Hi:

Well I'll try to get this stuff ordered to get some practice in. I ordered a couple Lefty Kreh videos off Ebay (Lessons w/ Lefty and Bonefish Saltwater Fly Fishing).

-I read below that Teton Tioga is "restructuring" under Chapter 11. What does this mean re getting one of their reels? --124-3

-I've read that a #10 TT reel balances with a #8,9 pole better than an 8. True?

- What size reel do I need for saltwater re enough "backing."

- Prior to reading about chapter 11 and based upon your guys great help I was looking at a #8 Temple Fork Pro Series ($150) from Cabela and a TT reel #8 ($140) from Flydepot.

I can get a package from Cabela with a Drake reel too. How are they. The Chapter 11 has me thinking a little re repair parts etc... --125-3

Cheers
Craig Ryder

I'm doing the same thing as you are, Craig. I am going for bonefish, baby Tarpon and Large Tarpon in a couple of months. Here's what I got:

For the smaller tarpon and bonefish a TFO TiCr and a Teton 8-10 reel. Not the Tioga, but the Teton. It's finished nicer and a little lighter. For the larger Tarpon, a GL3 & a Teton 9-11. I didn't go with the LA or the Specialist because I didn't want to give up the line capacity. While I was at it, I got my wife a TFO Pro 5wt with a Teton 5 wt reel. There's a guy on ebay named Mike Scott that sells Tetons and he'll string them up for you at a reasonable price. I got all of my reels from him, and they're great. Basically I'm into these rigs for around $400 ready to fish in hand. May not be Sage/Abel, but so what.

Btw, Mike's email address is mikescottsflyshop@yahoo.com. Hope this helps.

-Jeff

[pearson]

Basically I'm into these rigs for around $400 ready to fish in hand. May not be Sage/Abel, but so what.

-Jeff

Check that number... I'm into each setup for an average of $345. Not bad!

-Jeff

[striperboyz]

-I read below that Teton Tioga is "restructuring" under Chapter 11. What does this mean re getting one of their reels? --124-3

I can get a package from Cabela with a Drake reel too. How are they. The Chapter 11 has me thinking a little re repair parts etc... --125-3


Don't worry too much about it, there are tons of Tiogas around, you'll be able to get parts, spools, etc for years no problem

My bet is one of the big boys will buy out Teton, probably Sage or Orvis, and keep the model alive, happened to reddington and Sage decided to continue parts and service for the red equipment.

Josh

[Ryder]

Check that number... I'm into each setup for an average of $345. Not bad!

-Jeff

Hi All:
A couple hundred for the rod (210 at Cabela) and balance on the reel?
Where did you get the rod jeff?

Is the TiCr better for starting out? I was thinking TFO "pro" series based on someone's advice re flex but I really have no idea.

Sounds like we are on the same wavelength though. I'm just getting one rod cause I ain't goin after the big stuff.

I'll drop Mike an email. Does he have a web site? I did a search on Ebay for mikescottsflyshop in various forms and struck out.

Thanks,
Craig Ryder

[pearson]

Hi All:
A couple hundred for the rod (210 at Cabela) and balance on the reel?
Where did you get the rod jeff?

Is the TiCr better for starting out? I was thinking TFO "pro" series based on someone's advice re flex but I really have no idea.

Sounds like we are on the same wavelength though. I'm just getting one rod cause I ain't goin after the big stuff.

I'll drop Mike an email. Does he have a web site? I did a search on Ebay for mikescottsflyshop in various forms and struck out.

Thanks,
Craig Ryder

Email Mike, tell him I referred you. He'll get back to you for sure! No site, just an enthusiastic ex-shop owner. Do a search in the fly fishing reels sections for Teton, completed auctions.

For the price, I added up all 3 sets, and averaged. The new GL3 I ebayed for around 170, the TiCr was around 200 and the Pro was around 130.

I cast both the Pro and the TiCr, and if you want to know the truth, the Pro is probably a better fit at this moment. It's a great rod, if I had a blindfold I would have been pressed to tell the difference. Only when I threw the 9 line with the 8wt could I feel much of a difference. That said, I like the thicker butt on the TiCr, and my local fly shop recommended that one for the trip. I'm not going to be a beginner for long...

[BobG]

I got in on this post late, and you've already received plenty of good advice.
Rods & reels are well covered.

Bring two pair of GOOD, polarized sunglasses. Why two? Without sunglasses, you're sunk. You'll never see a fish. If you break or lose one pair (it happens, ask my wife) you'll have a backup.
If you're planning on doing any wading, buy a pair of flats boots. 5-6 hours on bonefish flats are tough on the feet. Murder on bare feet.
Call the resort, or speak with a local guide before you leave, and inquire as to what flies are good form that area. Bonefish flies are sort of "universal", but certain colors work much better in certain areas.

Buy yourself a flats/tropics shirt. Trust me on this one. My mom bought me one many years ago, and I sort of laughed at first. But I've worn it ever since! These shirts are made of light cotton, well vented, have ample pockets for your "stuff", and offer good protection against the noon day Caribbean sun.

At days end, eat plenty of fresh conch salad & drink cold Kaliks. :-%

[masssalt]

BTW Lefty Kreh has a new book out called, " Fly Fishing For Bonefish, Permit & Tarpon," which I am finding to be quite helpful.

Regarding your rod selection, I know that Lefty worked very hard to make the TiCr 8-weight a fantastic rod for bonefish, and I think it is one of the best rods I have ever cast for quick and accurate delivery to a target 50-80' away. So my advice to go with the Professional Series, may in fact, be wrong, but I still think that a total beginner will have a better time fishing it because it is easier to cast. The two rods are made with the same basic graphite, it is just the tapers, components and finish that differ.

If you already have a decent grasp on casting, I would urge you to try them both and make your own decision.

Whatever you decide, get someone to help you learn to quickly deliver a fly to fifty or sixty feet before you go.

Have a great trip.

Jay Horton
Pro Staff
Temple Forks Fly Rods

[Ryder]

Email Mike, tell him I referred you...

Hi:
I did just that and have exchanged an email or two with him.
He suggests a #7 because the Bonefish in Roatan are 1-3lbs generally and it will be a much better general rod for use in Michigan.

I have not decided on a pro or TiCr yet but am leaning toward the pro.

Cheers and Thanks
Craig Ryder

[Ryder]

Regarding your rod selection, I know that Lefty worked very hard to make the TiCr 8-weight a fantastic rod for bonefish, and I think it is one of the best rods I have ever cast for quick and accurate delivery to a target 50-80' away. So my advice to go with the Professional Series, may in fact, be wrong, but I still think that a total beginner will have a better time fishing it because it is easier to cast. The two rods are made with the same basic graphite, it is just the tapers, components and finish that differ.

If you already have a decent grasp on casting, I would urge you to try them both and make your own decision.




Thanks Jay for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated. I am a total beginner, have no grasp on casting, and will not have time to practice before I go. I'm going to use the trip to learn and don't have any real illusions about success. I'll keep my distance from the others so I don't spook the fish. I'll enjoy learning in a great environment.

It sounds like a bit of a toss up with the two rods (pro or TiCr). I'm just going to get one, get the feel of it, and there will be a few rods down there I can use and compare. If I choose the wrong one, I sell it and lose a hundred bucks. Chalk it up to learning.

A #7 has been recommended to me because the Bonefish in Roatan are generally small (1-3#) and a #7 would be a better all around rod to use back in Michigan where I live. What do you think?

Thanks Again,
Craig Ryder

[Vic T]

I don't mean to upset the TiCr-loving crowd here, but I cast an 8 wt. TiCr at the Marlboro Show and I was about to buy it. But then Lou Tabory gave me an 8 wt. Albright A-5 rod to try and it was so much more accurate I couldn't believe it! It was like shooting lasers to pinpoint locations up to about 50' without any false casting; the rod loads so fast you would be amazed. Albrights are a new line designed by Jim Russell (might have his name wrong), the guy who designed Redington rods. It cost only $195 and is a 5-piece rod for easier traveling. In my humble opinion, it is far better for wading situations for bonefish than the TiCr. Test cast one before you buy the TiCr.

[striperboyz]

I don't mean to upset the TiCr-loving crowd here, but I cast an 8 wt. TiCr at the Marlboro Show and I was about to buy it. But then Lou Tabory gave me an 8 wt. Albright A-5 rod to try and it was so much more accurate I couldn't believe it! It was like shooting lasers to pinpoint locations up to about 50' without any false casting; the rod loads so fast you would be amazed. Albrights are a new line designed by Jim Russell (might have his name wrong), the guy who designed Redington rods. It cost only $195 and is a 5-piece rod for easier traveling. In my humble opinion, it is far better for wading situations for bonefish than the TiCr. Test cast one before you buy the TiCr.

-Vic, do you have any links to more info on the Albright or know of a shop that carries them in Boston Area? I can't wait to try them out, I'm a huge fan of the TFOs, with todays rod prices start up companies get me excited. I've decided not to support Orvis or any of the big name rod companies anymore; I just don't like the impact they have on the sport. Let the golfers pay $600 for titanium, graphite, space age, magic sticks, and leave fishing to fisherman. We owe it to the future of the sport to support the little guys.


Josh

[Ryder]

Hi:

I don't mean to upset the TiCr-loving crowd here, but I cast an 8 wt. TiCr at the Marlboro Show and I was about to buy it. But then Lou Tabory gave me an 8 wt. Albright A-5 rod to try and it was so much more accurate I couldn't believe it! It was like shooting lasers to pinpoint locations up to about 50' without any false casting; the rod loads so fast you would be amazed. Albrights are a new line designed by Jim Russell (might have his name wrong), the guy who designed Redington rods. It cost only $195 and is a 5-piece rod for easier traveling. In my humble opinion, it is far better for wading situations for bonefish than the TiCr. Test cast one before you buy the TiCr.

Thanks for the insight.

Your comment made me wonder about rods. Is there anything that can be said re 2,4,5 piece rods? Does one type cast/handle better? I am interested in taking it on a trip so I need one eto break down but is there an advantage to 3 as opposed to 5 piece? The more pieces the more extra ferrules to possibly interfer, the more gaps there are in the graphite that can "break" the rod's motion? Or is this wrong headed?

you say "the rod loads so fast you would be amazed." Is this another way of saying that the rod had less action or that it's action was more to the tip of the pole? Could it be that the rod just fit your casting style better?

I'm a total newbie so thanks for the patience.

Cheers
Craig Ryder

[AlderBrookFarm]

I think most of us will agree that an even number of rod pieces is best as you can take it apart in two equal length pieces and it will fit in a rod case for 2 pc rods. Break down a 3pc rod and just take off one section and it won't fit. It usually does make a difference in the way a rod casts, but sometimes it isn't real noticeable. The smaller rod parts will go in your suitcase better which seems to me to be a slightly safer alternative than a rod tube as a separate piece of luggage. A would be thief is going to have to know that your luggage contains fishing equipment whereas a rod tube leaves no doubt as to its' contents. Nowadays you never know if you'll be able to carry on your rods (or reels for that matter) as you can see from some of the older threads at Reel-time.

[Vic T]

Ryder & Josh,

You can reach Albright at wwwalbrighttackle.com or call them at 866-359-7335 (that's in Westbury, NY). The rod-designer and owner 's name is Jim Murphy. I personally preferred their A-5, 5-piece rod ($195) over their EXS, 3 piece rod ($350 +/-) because the A-5 loads faster in my hand and is better for traveling. As far as traveling with a rod, I'd choose a 5 or 6 piece rod over a 2 or 3 piece rod any day because I can put 2 rods inside my carry-on bag and I know they will be there when I arrive. Today's ferrules seem to have no effect on casting performance like the older ferrules did years ago.

The way I would describe the rod "loading faster" would be that when you begin the backcast, the weight of the line immediately puts more flex deeper into the rod without having to false-cast and develop line speed to make the rod perform. I may not be describing it well or accurately, but just go cast one of these A-5 rods and you will immediately see the difference. Up to 50' out, I swear you could hit a dime every time casting with this rod.

By the way, the TiCr 8 wt. is a fine rod, but I think their 9 wt. suddenly gets too heavy for presenting flies to flats fish. Some of the guys at TFO agreed with that observation as well. But cast them all and pick the one that feels like it belongs in your hand.

[Ryder]

Well, I bought a Teton reel from Mike Smith (last years model/Ebay) and he was very helpful and an Albright #7 A5 rod. I found out that there are going to be a number of rods there and I bought the Albright out of curiousity as much as anything so I could make comparisons.

It will always be a handy traveler.

With any luck by the time I get back I'll have a feel for what I really like.

Cheers and
Thanks for the help.

Craig Ryder