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Fly fishing


DarkEdge

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So I've seen a number of fly fishers on here, a lot for carp, some for trout. So, it's time I pick your brains. I've owned and used a fly rod before, but it was a mismatched two piece, 7'0 rod that, other than knowing it was from two different rods, I know nothing about it. Any advice for a novice? I mostly fish for bass, carp, cats, and panfish. I'd also like to go for some trout one day. So, what weight should I be using? And does anyone have any recommendations on makers? (Please keep in mind I'm broke). I'd like to go for as long and short as possible, all at once. I know properly, I should have two or three rods. But for now, one fairly inexpensive one will have to do the trick.

I'm thinking a 5wt. Also, is there anyone who'd be willing to work with me once I get a new rig? I can tie my own flies, and sometimes they work, but I don't have the equipment anymore. So I'll have to go with pre-made, or any that someone who ties wants to sell me, at a good price.

Thanks in advance guys. Hopefully one day I can amount to something that looks like I can handle a fly rod. :)

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i'd go with at least a 7wt for an all around rod , and a good 7wt weight forward floating line reel doesnt really mean a hole lot when fly fishing so id focus on a decent line mainly , as for flies keep it simple , cheap yarn flies or bunny strips work , buy a few wooley buggers and they will catch you just about anything on the planet , i'm fairly new to this myself so maybe someone whos more experienced will chime in

good luck its alot of fun and addicting

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D_E, if you've ever seen a kid learning to skate on cheap skates you'll see a kid who is frustrated and ready to give up. The same can happen with a fly rod. Cheap means frustration and an increased likelihood that you'll give it up.

Now that doesn't mean that you have to break the bank to get set up. My St Croix spey set-up cost me $300.00 on kijiji. It would have cost me 4 times that new. Even if you do go new, $150.00-$200.00 will get you set up if you shop smart,

What you get is largely going to be determined by what and where you want to fish. If you're planning on using one rod for everything from small trout streams to big water, a 7/8 weight in 8 1/2-9 feet is a good compromise. The same goes for the line. Don't go cheap. For a starter I'd go with a floating DT line as they tend to be easier to learn with. You can buy or make sinking tips if you want to get the fly down deep. Unless you're fishing big fish on big water, your reel is nothing more than a line holder. But if you're planning on fishing big water for big fish, spend the bucks and get a good reel with an effective drag.

Don't practice casting on the water. Find a nice flat lawn and practice with a piece of yarn tied on instead of a fly. Once you can cast 30 feet accurately and consistently then you're ready for the water. You'll want to learn the basic casts but especially the roll cast.

As for flies. . . well once again much depends on what and where you are fishing. I'd be happy to knock together some flies for you if you give me some ideas of what you're fishing for.

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For a general purpose fly rod I'd lean towards a 6wt. It has enough oomph to throw poppers and streamers for bass, nymphs/wooly buggers for carp and can handle lake-run steelies ( depending upon size and location) but you'll be over-gunned for pannies (still fun tho'). I'm possibly breaking a site rule here, but check out this thread and site. It's a S. Ontario-centred fly-fishing site and has good info.

http://flyfishingforums.hipwader.com/viewtopic.php?id=5587

You've said you don't have much coin at present but I'd tend to stay clear of $50 specials. If you buy a reasonable set up (new or used) and find you don't enjoy it, you can sell it on and recoup some of your money. If you buy a cheapo you'll use the rod to stake tomatoes and the line to tie them with. I still use 10 - 15 year old fly lines and they work fine, so the initial outlay will last for quite a while and bring you much more enjoyment.

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Thanks for the input so far guys. Coachman, I was looking more along the lines of a $150-$200 combo, because that'd be the perfect marriage of price and function. From what I'd found online, everything said a 5wt would be the perfect fit for everything I'd go after, but I know from experience, sometimes practical guides and practical experience are on two separate sides. I learned that in the machine shop, by destroying a lot of tools.

As for flies, bass, panfish, and trout are the main three I'd be using it for. Moreso trout and panfish. I've seen guys fly for bass, and learned it's an art all of it's own.

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.

As for flies, bass, panfish, and trout are the main three I'd be using it for. Moreso trout and panfish. I've seen guys fly for bass, and learned it's an art all of it's own.

Trout and panfish on a 5 weight will be fine. As for flies, I find that anything that will catch trout will catch bass or pannies, although not necessarily vice-versa. I can put together some nymphs, dries, buggers and streamers, perhaps some poppers or small crease flies for you if you would like.

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Trout and panfish on a 5 weight will be fine. As for flies, I find that anything that will catch trout will catch bass or pannies, although not necessarily vice-versa. I can put together some nymphs, dries, buggers and streamers, perhaps some poppers or small crease flies for you if you would like.

That'd be awesome. But we'll wait until I can save up enough change to buy a rod and reel.

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For the bass and trout a 5-6 wt will do just fine.. I been tying and fishing the trout for 35 years now and it can be very rewarding and fun with a little practice.. As mentioned stay on the grass until you get the hang of it and with a few tricks you'll get good at it in no time.. I have taught many newbies the fine art of tying and fishing with a fly rod.. NEVER buy a cheap setup or you'll end up tossing it in the river and give the crawfish a new home...

I may be able to free up a littile time and give you a few lessons soon as August pasts due to being busy with my fly tying business and a few other ventures.. I am presently located in Niagara Falls so contact me by PM around mid August..

MMA fisherman

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Unfortunately you just missed a great chance a couple of weeks back (5 June) with the Grand Opportunities show up under Bellwood Lake on the Grand River near Fergus. (It happens every year - I think the first Saturday in June). They run a swap meet/fly fishing flea market all day where you can pick up anything from waders, flies and fly tying gear, rods/reels, everything fly fishing related. Sage and Orvis set up booths and you can play with wee little 1 weight rods!. It's a great day with fly tying demos and more importantly casting and fly fishing demos right in the river. $10 gets you a huge steak lunch and there are plenty of draws with great prizes as well. All proceeds go into the Friends of the Grand River - one of the great river rehab success stories in Ontario. It also gives you a chance to chat wth guides and master casters and get a few impromptu lessons - I highly reccomend it and I try to go every year. http://www.flyfishontario.ca/fly-fishing-e...ities-2010.html and http://www.friendsofthegrandriver.com/

Regarding actual fishing - I agree with the above - a good set up is a lot more rewarding and $150 should be about the starting point - double that starts to get into low intermediate stuff. I prefer lighter rods (up to 5wt) which is all you'd need around here unless you go for steehead or want to specialise in big Carp. For world class trout fishing look into the upper Cattarugus system and most if not all the streams in west and up state NY. Grindstone Angling in Waterdown is a great place to get lost in!

God luck - it's a lot of fun. GH

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D_E, if you ever feel the urge to come up to the Hammer, I can loan you a rod for the day if you really want to try your hand and we can spend a day casting on the harbour. My other rod isn't a great set-up, but it will get the job done. Its one of those $150.00 dollar set ups (rod, reel, line and backing), an 8 1/2' rod with a #8 WF line; not the best for learning but you'll get a line wet and maybe get into some bass (after next weekend of course) or pannies. Perhaps even a carp or cat.

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