Fishing Forum

A cousin of mine that lives out of state talks my head off about how I should start fly fishing, since I love fishing for trout. I always told myself that I'll give it a try one day, and I'm really considering it now. I want to try and get as much information as I can now, and hopefully get out there and get some experience.If not this year, next spring. I just don't know where to start. The most I've done is held a fly rod. I obviously should start by actually purchasing one. Any help would be appreciated.
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If you are serious, I would go to a fly shop and check several rods out. Different actions Which works best for you, or with you.
Fast action for wind and big flies, MEDIUM for general all around, and slow for dries and basically old school.

For TROUT, I recommend a 8'6" 5 weight medium to medium fast action. That would cover all the basis.
Getting a rod with a warranty is a bonus also for newbies.
Get a GOOD line. Weight Forward is my choice, but there is also Double Taper which is two lines in one. One end wears out, you flip it around or even cut it in half and add more backing.
And there Triangle Taper, but I think that is more a specialty choice.

Reel...is someplace to keep your line, but a good drag is important. Plus one that balances out well with full line on a rod. Get too heavy of a reel can make casting a little uncomfortable and same true if reel is too light.

Once you get set up. Google ROLL CAST. I think that is the most important cast and is more fool proof then the FALSE casting loose flies in the trees, break the tip of the rod on that branch, etc. type of casting.

Although FALSE CASTING is good to dry out flies.

Welcome aboard by the way. Where do you fish?
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Thanks for the information. I'm from CT. I fish salmon river and farmington river a lot for trout. I'm also a member of a fish and game club so I do a lot of fishing there as well.
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hiya tt89 and welcome to the forum..

there are some good beginning outfits out there by good manufacturers.. they are usually well balanced as for the size and weight of the rod and reel combination... but as FG said.. the rod is the most important component.. but the reel balances things out.. but with most outfits like this the lines are not always the top of the line one.. so be sure and check on that as well... you will probably end up getting a better line but you dont have to lay out a ton of money to get a good wf line..

another good place to start your search is at a local fly shop...there is a wealth of information available to you just by asking questions there..

dont overlook the internet.. do some research.. as FG said.. google roll cast and you will get a ton of video clips on how to cast; how to anything with fly fishing... :-)

lastly.. please dont hesitate to ask your questions here as well.. there is a wealth of information with out members here and we are all willing to answer as best we can...

MacFly
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Thanks for the reassurance macfly. I'm looking forward to getting started. I'm pretty sure I'm going to start by getting an outfit that includes everything, along with a few flies to start out with.
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n/p... let us know what you are looking at etc and maybe we can help with any questions you may have..

MacFly [cool]
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Cabela's Genesis (s/p) is a nice complete package.
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I was actually looking at that one earlier today. I think I'll go look at it at the store this weekend. Have you heard good things about it?
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Yes I have. I know several who have bought one and it is working great. Plus down the road, it will make a good back-up.
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#008000][size 3]Hi there trophy trout - well it looks like you got some good information. While the Cabela Genesis system is not a top of the line outfit it will certainly fit the budget of a student and give you many years of enjoyment. Good luck.[/size][/#008000][/font]
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that is an awesome looking combo.. the only thing I saw wrong with it when I just looked it up was that all wt's were sold out... :-( .. its not often you get all the extras when you buy a como outfit.. if they get it restocked Id seriously look at picking one up..

MacFly
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If you think there is the slightest chance you will ever go to the ocean or tarpen fishing in the south, pick a #12, I had a #14 and lost it in a car accident and boy do I miss it. I looked all over and the best I could find was a #12.

I used it on the crome this year as was impressed with how well it handled.

I am no avid fly fisherman, I do like fly fishing and is why I got me a set up. You can pick up several inexpencive reels, this way you can use the same rod and fish for different species from gills on up.

This year I learnt a new trick/cast, I learnt how to pitch lead. For the life of me I could not figure it out on my own, but this year I was up on the Manistee river and I watched a angler 10 yards down river of me. and I watched him closely. He was casting differently from me so I watched the end of his terminal hook up and saw a couple chunks of heavy split shot.

at first I thought, that aint fly fishing, then after my false pride I decided it was and started mimicking his cast. by night fall I was doing it blind. and I mean it litteraly cuz I could not see the end of my rod because it was dark and the fog was so thick you coulnt blow it away with a floor fan.

If your are going to fish for salmon and the water is as deap there as it is hear 5-6 feet with holes your going to want to learn how to pitch lead.

I ended up doing it differently than he did and ended up easily was getting out 50 feet in the dark....
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I appreciate all the tips and help from everyone. I'm going to try and make it down to cabelas this weekend and see what they got. I'm sure I have a lot of practicing to do before I can actually start enjoying it. I'll keep you guys updated on how it's going. Thanks again for all the help
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Hello and welcome.
Ok, just so you know- I bought that Cabelas combo when
it was on sale ($99.99) as my second rod and reel set up. It was 8wt for muskie and big bass. The rod was WAY too soft and the reel broke when I was putting backing on it. Cabelas replaced the reel.
As a starter set up, yes sure , you will get a lot of stuff for
little money. Just remember it is a STARTER set up. With
time you want something better then that.
Now I have better rods and reels (Sage, TFO, G Loomis)
and I can tell the difference. Would I buy that Cabelas
combo now- No way. Would I tell someone new to fly
fishing to get one ? Well, sure just remember it is...........
Just my 2c.

P.S: Please feel free to ask anything you like. There are
some GREAT people here .

Peter
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tt .. Im betting you will be on the water soon.. after you get that first rod and reel and practice for a bit (and remember FG suggests learning the roll cast first.. in her words.. you keep the fly on the water more.. and thats where its suppose to be.. on the water..lol.. ).. you will be on the water.. and let me tell you from personal experience.. there aint nothing else in fishing like the first time you get a strike and hook your first fish on a fly rig... and the next step up from that is to hook that first fish on a fly you tied (but that is something to discuss later.. :-) )...

good luck.. and if you have any questions dont hesitate to ask away...

MacFly [cool]
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dont be afraid to show up on the water the first day, I have found that most fly fishermen will be happy to show you a few tips. and of corse there is always the vidios but nothing is better than someone standing there to toss you a few fish bones.

beleive it or not you can master the roll cast in ten minuts.

my biggest problems is the wind, and those pesky trees that jump right behind your or reach over your head to grab my fly...[:p]
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If i do end up getting something this weekend, I will surely be giving it a try that day. For now I'm just looking for something basic. If i do enjoy fly fishing(which I probably will) I'll definitely be investing more money in a much better rod and reel. Thanks again everyone.
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we all look forward to your first post (with pictures of course) of your first fish on a fly.. :-)

MacFly [cool]
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First fish caught fly fishing is like having sex the
first time...............................[]
Yeah, its that good if you are a TRUE fisherman. Now, I did say true fisherman (woman) . Not someone just "fishing" ones a year. I mean someone that see fishing as a passion and a part of hes/her live. Like me and many other people here.
Anyways, I think I will just shot up now.

Peter
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lol.. I think you made your point very well..
:-) ....

MacFly [cool]
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