New to fly fishing.

[JEB]

I am trying to get started on fly fishing. I'd like to get a polivalent outfit that allows me to do largemouth bass and light saltwater. I live in South East Florida and I do not have a boat, so I will be wading the flats I can find for my saltwater fly fishing.

I thought I 'd do my homework by going on the internet to find a rod and reel, etc, but at this point I am kind of overwhelmed with all the choices at hand, and, to tell the truth, with some of the prices I have seen.

Does anybody know anything about Redbone rods? They are the most inexpensive I have found. Is an 8wt. enough for what I want? What others would you recommend?

How 'bout them reels? What is a nice but inexpensive fly reel? I read something about a Pflueger Supreme 1878, but I am concerned about the backing capacity. Anybody owns one? Any other advice?

To make it short, any help or tip about tackle, places to fish, accesories needed, etc. is VERY WELCOME.

Thank you all in advance.
JEB

[sammy]

As far as sizes, an 8 or even a 7 wt should do well. G Loomis, and Sage are probably my favorite rod brands, but they are pretty costly. I have heard some good things about St. Croix for the money. Having broken a rod, I am a big fan of the lifetime guarantee. I just had to send back an orvis rod.
Personnally I woudl be more inclined to skimp on the reel and get a better rod, if cost is a big factor. I have a Lamson 3.5 which pairs pretty well with a G Loomis GLX that I got used. i have a friend who has an Old Florida Reel that he likes, and a Scientific Anglers system II. Both are good reels for the money, but the Old Florida does not seem to have interchangeable spools.
My best advice is to try to find good equipment used. You can try Ebay, or the Virtual Flyshop classifieds, or auctions. Sometimes you can find good deals there, but make sure you know what the retail price is (just search the internet for a shop selling the same thing) so you don't get ripped off. I got my Glooims 9wt GLX from a guy advertising on virtual flyshop for $275. It was a great deal.
I know there are lots of other brands out there, but I only have experience with those.

[wahoofly]

I would get a rod with a lifetime warranty because it will break! Try looking at the Redingtons. Some good cheap reels are made by Redington, Penn, and Orvis. You can get an Orvis freshwater reel for under $30. I have the Rocky Mountain one and it is fine in saltwater if you wash it off each time you use it. I heard the Redingtons are good and they have a lifetime warranty. If I were you I might get one of those. The last one is the Penn 2.5, and you can get it at www.bigfishtackle.com for $245. You cannot beat bigfishtackle's prices for Penn fly reels.

[dunfly]

Welcome to fly fishing. You didn't really give a budget and as you will find out, inexpensive to a fly fisherman can have a wide range of interpretations. In fact, most fly fishermen are compulsive equipment collectors.

I would suggest you get a very inexpensive combo setup. I don't know anything about the Redbone but I believe it is about $100 for the rod. Add a cheap reel, backing and a line you will be up to $175 in a hurry. I would suggest you consider the Cabelas Prestige Combo in a 9 foot, 8 wt. The whole setup can be had for about $75.00. (Cabelas.com) It's a medium action rod and is very forgiving for a beginner. It is not a saltwater rod and reel but will last if you take care of it. By spending so little on the rod now, you will be more likely to get a "good" setup later when you know you like the sport and have a better idea of what you like.

I wouldn't get anything less than an 8 wt for saltwater flats fishing. Its not that you can't pull in the fish on a smaller weight. To me the 8 wt. is the minimum you can comfortably cast into the wind, particularly for a beginner.

Like I said, most fly fishermen are equipment freaks. I am more of a minimalist. All of my flies and equipment fits in a fanny pack I got from Sports Authority. It has two outside pockets, one for leaders and one for a fly case, plus a holder for a water bottle. For wading, I recommend wading shoes rather than tennis shoes. Tennis shoes tend to stink and tear up. I got a pair of Hodgman canvas wading boots at Sports Authority for about $26.00. I wouldn't bother with hip or chest waders in Florida. If the water is cold enought to need them, the fish won't be biting.

Good luck and tight loops.

[JOEL714]

REDBONE AND THE WHOLE LINE IS EXCELLENT. THEY HAVE VARIOUS PRICE LINES AND ALL ARE GOOD. NATURALLY, THE MORE YOU SPEND THE BETTER THE ROD.YOU CAN BUY AN ADEQUATE ROD FOR 200-300$ LESS IS USUALLY NOT A BARGAIN, AS YOU WILL WANT SOMETHING A LITTLE BETTER PRETTY FAST. TRY ORVIS BATTENKILL REELS. THEY ARE FABULOUSLY DURABLE AND REALLY GOOD. AN 8/9 REEL IS PRICED ABOUT 100$ AND WILL DO EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR FISH UP TO 40/50 POUNDS. I HAVE 3 AND HAVE USED THEM FOR UP TO 12 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND. I ALSO HAVE A" BILLY PATE-BONEFISH" THAT COST 450$ AND IT IS NO BETTER THAN THE ORVIS BATTENKILL-ONLY MY EGO IMPROVES WHEN I CARRY IT. GOOD LUCK AND PRACTICE YOUR CASTING IN THE WIND. BE SAFE.

[JEB]

Thank you all for your advice.

I ended up ordering all my staff online. Here is the lineup:
Cortland CL Saltwater Rod 9/10wt
Cortland Magnum 140 SW reel
Cortland 444 WF9F line
Micron backing
I am tying my own leaders, etc.

Anything I really need to know about these? I might still be on time to change my mind if something is wrong...

JEB