I want to try my hand at fly fishing...

F

Furync

Joined
Oct 1, 2008
Messages
161
1- Should I buy those 50$ kits at wally world?
2- Trout rivers are a couple hours drive but have lots of other waters nearby... can they be fly-fished? (bass/pike/walleye/all that stuff)
3- Is it hard to learn and are there any tutorials or something on the web?
4- Is it as fun as it looks? :)


Thanks!!
 
My advice would be to find yourself an experienced guide and take a short trip with him (or her). Get a friend or two to go along. That will make it more affordable. I've been once in Colorado with my father and a competent guide. He taught us a few basic casts in the park across the street from the outfitter before we hit the stream. You can practice casting anywhere, perhaps even in your own back yard. The key is practice. I have not held a fly rod again since that day a couple of years ago so I would be starting from scratch again. I would NOT recommend wasting your money on cheap gear. Especially when it comes to fly fishing you're going to want decent equipment. Good luck and keep us posted. Oh and yeah, it is loads of fun! IIRC, I've seen panfish hit a dry fly before at a local resovior but never any black bass. Not sure about the pike (the equipment would probably be much different than for trout. Heavier, I would guess). Walleye are a deep water fish I think. I don't know if they feed on the top too much. Maybe someone else would know. -DT
 
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Watch the movie" A River Runs Though It" gives some sense what Fly Fishing is about, as equipment goes, same as knives, if you are satisfied with a Kershaw Blur or do you need a Sebenza? they both cut, which one is for you..........and your wallet
Tight Lines
 
Furync said:
1- Should I buy those 50$ kits at wally world?
2- Trout rivers are a couple hours drive but have lots of other waters nearby... can they be fly-fished? (bass/pike/walleye/all that stuff)
3- Is it hard to learn and are there any tutorials or something on the web?
4- Is it as fun as it looks? :)


Thanks!!
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Okay, now that I've got the "you are on a slippery slope" hilarity out of my system because fly fishing can be obsessive and far more costly than knives...you provided an outstanding topic for posting that many with far more experienced than me can chime in on.

In my opinion...
1. No, don't go for a $50 system from any where. Possibly somebody with experience could get by with it but to start out it will be like whittling with a really dull knife, you'll hate it and give up.

2. Absolutely! You can even get the feel for bringing in fish on a fly rod using bait and a bobber. As mentioned, just like with any other style of tackle, fish with teeth like northerns are going to cut line too often unless you use a few inches of wire. Chasing pan fish and bass would be a good way to get started before attacking trout in smaller super clear water.

3. Hard to learn? To me it's like golf in that some come by it almost naturally, for others it's hopeless, and the rest of us are in between. Just like golf, there are about a zillion DVD's and probably as many tutorials on the web about "how to fly fish". Many can be helpful, but getting a minimum of a couple hours of help (maybe three lessons total...a week apart and practice in between) from someone qualified to teach will make all the difference in getting you started.

4. Well...it's a lot less frustrating than golf (and dating) and aside from the great outdoor experience fly fishing is an art of knowledge and finesse that has immense satisfaction in the smallest of successes.

The easier part is learning the mechanics of casting a line and dropping a fly where you want it to drop. Next is the "art" of selecting where and when to use which fly. Do you have fishing experience or is this a first step?
 
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Ramm9 said:
Do you have fishing experience or is this a first step?
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I do have a ton of fishing experience with the regular gear & ice fishing but I've never ventured to the fly side... although it has always tempted me...
But I have to say, I am more a hunter than I am a fisherman.

The reason why I'm looking into it is that I'm going canoe-camping this summer in some really nice fishing spots and speckle trout is on the menu...

Also I am kind of on a budget... I just bought a house, so I'd like to spend as little as possible. Those beginner kits would turn me off? They seem to have come a long way...
 
I bought an inexpensive combo from Bass Pro. The rod seems competent enough but the reel falls apart during use. It also came with bright orange string. I dont understand why anyone would want something that visible too fish. I still use the rod but the reel and string got tossed. Mainly use it for bluegill.
 
dipbait said:
I bought an inexpensive combo from Bass Pro. The rod seems competent enough but the reel falls apart during use. It also came with bright orange string. I dont understand why anyone would want something that visible too fish. I still use the rod but the reel and string got tossed. Mainly use it for bluegill.
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You did attach a leader or tippet to the fly line right?

A lot of fly line is brightly colored so you can see it easier while casting. Remember that you don't tie the fly to the fly line. I normally have 10-15 feet leader/tippet between the fly line and fly.

To the OP, there are many inexpensive combo sets that are great to start with. I got my first set from bass pro for around $100. It came with everything including some flys. I caught plenty of bluegills and bass before upgrading. Find someone knowledgeable in your area to go out with. Just be careful! Fly fishing is very addictive!
 
I strongly suggest you take a course through a local guide or recreation department as a first step. If you get hooked you will be venturing into an exciting challenging and potetnially expensive hobby. But what if you don't really care for it. I like to fish ALOT. My wife and I took a local rec course. Very well taught. Not my thing. Only cost to me was the course. I learned alot that i use in my other fishing. I just don't fly fish.
 
notrevo said:
You did attach a leader or tippet to the fly line right?

A lot of fly line is brightly colored so you can see it easier while casting. Remember that you don't tie the fly to the fly line. I normally have 10-15 feet leader/tippet between the fly line and fly.

To the OP, there are many inexpensive combo sets that are great to start with. I got my first set from bass pro for around $100. It came with everything including some flys. I caught plenty of bluegills and bass before upgrading. Find someone knowledgeable in your area to go out with. Just be careful! Fly fishing is very addictive!
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I use tapered leaders.It just seems like bright orange line will spook fish more than a more subdued color.Id liketoo see a cammo line.
 
Read, practice, Read, Practice....practice some more. I still feel like I dont know a heck of a lot about it and I have been Fly Fishing for many years now. I agree that you dont want to go cheap, you dont have to go in debt but good gear always helps in anything we do right?

I taught my father and mother how to cast decently last summer before they went to Alaska after Salmon. yeah it was a guided trip but they were far better prepared for having practiced. I have a large backyard and as long as the wind isnt up I try to cast at spots on the yard or at whatever and practice certain casts that way. I have a trout rod 7 feet and a 10 foot bass rod. A good place to practice for fun is out near a pond with a known sunfish/bluegill population with little or no foliage behind you. You can have alot of fun catching small fish on poppers and your not as worried about drift or even strike indicaters since most fish you'll catch will be less than 15ft away.

The biggest part for me is just timing and how you feel comfortable casting. I have tried many different techniques, I use a 10 to 2 with a 3/4 angle. Most guys go strait over the top I cast mine between sidearmed and over the top. Many people drool over distance but for me and for what I have learned accuracy/presentation and smoothness of casting is far more important to making this enjoyable.

Another thing I have learned is stronger doesnt mean better, there are some guys who I fish with you can shoot line as far as there reals would allow and it looks so effortless, you cant strong arm the line out there....just wont work.

I could go on and on and lets not even get started on proper fly selection etc. But these are just my observations, alot of people have different opinions and this style of fishing is always making you learn:D
 
I didn't read any of the other replies but...

You can most definitely fish the warm water lakes around you. It's a ton of fun actually. If you're going to do that I would recommend a higher wt rod. 6-8. If you wanna do trout as well go with the 6wt. Get the most expensive rod and reel you can afford. The Okuma Sierra is a really great budget reel. I also recommend Albright rods. They have great prices and awesome deals all the time.

I would also totally recommend getting at least 1 casting lesson, and if you can take a guided trip. You'll have tons of fun and learn more than you can remember.

There are tons of videos on the tube and reads online. Do some searching to find what you like.

As for fun? It's a blast! If you like it, soon enough you'll tying your own flies and building your own rods! I do. :D
 
Furync said:
I do have a ton of fishing experience with the regular gear & ice fishing but I've never ventured to the fly side... although it has always tempted me...
But I have to say, I am more a hunter than I am a fisherman.
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Oh boy, I think you fit the profile! You already know about species, habitat, stealth and patience, and will recognize most brands except the very high end specialty companies.

Furync said:
Those beginner kits would turn me off? They seem to have come a long way...
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I think they would, at least the really low end ones under $150. For a new combo set up of rod, reel, line and backing consider investing $200 - $350 and give yourself a fair shot at it. There are always good deals to be found on used gear but until you know exactly what you are looking for it's pretty hit or miss.

Since they specialize, only provide upscale gear, and it might be easier to navigate take a look at the Orvis site to get a feel for what's available especially in the 5wt rod combo's.


There's other alternatives. If your really more interested in catching trout and just want the option to use a fly you could use a "casting bubble" with your existing spinning gear. Also something I have heard about but have never seen in action is the Japanese "Tenkara" style using only a rod and line.


With the abundance of water near you, but not knowing where that is (where's the canoe trip?), I bet there are some fly casting clubs in the vicinity. Clubs usually provide beginners to the sport group lessons at no charge and members are always happy to provide pointers. Try google for "fly casting clubs", "angling clubs", or "rod and gun clubs" and your town or county.
 
I agree with ^. My first rod was a LLBean kit. I think it was about $80. After my first lesson the guide let me use his Sage rig. Huge difference. I sold the rod and bought Sage with a Lamson reels. I have a custom made bamboo rod too. I have one cheap 5' 4weight that I keep in my truck for emergency fishing. Take lesions, practice, and try not to get obsessed!
 
Furync said:
1- Should I buy those 50$ kits at wally world?
2- Trout rivers are a couple hours drive but have lots of other waters nearby... can they be fly-fished? (bass/pike/walleye/all that stuff)
3- Is it hard to learn and are there any tutorials or something on the web?
4- Is it as fun as it looks? :)


Lwet me take a stab at your questions:

1) I wouldn't recommend the $50 combo but you can certainly get a decent rod and reel with a starter line for under $200. Some good starter brands 9that I still use after 20 years) are St. Croix and Redington.
2) Most of my fly fishing is in Lakes. I often use a sinking line and nymph patterns for very good results. You don't always have to cast but can troll as well.
3) As others have recommended, go out with knowledgable friends or a fly fishing club to learn the ropes.
4) What I like about fly fishing is the ability to simulate practically every type of feed that fish are eating. Results are generally better than other fishing methods and the lightweight gear make fighting the fish a fun experience.
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Wow lots of replies here, thanks everyone.

Unfortunately though, I think I'll go against what everyone says and go for the cheapy 50$ kit. As mentionned before I just bought a house and I have to draw the line between want and need. If it's a cheapy kit or no fly-fishing at all, I'll pick the cheapy. Worst case screnario, I could just transform it into a panfish rig when/if I do decide to upgrade down the road (or an emergency fishing rig to keep in the jeep :P ).

I didn't know you could fly-fish bass and panfish and carp and... well I should say I've never seen anyone do it. There must be clubs in the area, I can think of one right now. I will check it out.

I think the most challenging thing will be to find out which flies to use and when? I'm usually pretty good with anything requiring some physical aptitude so the cast shouldn't be all that bad, at least I hope not. I have a fishing encyclopedia that I got when I was a kid and there are lots of info on the subject so I will read carefully.

I saw another thread where a guy was fly fishing carp and oddly enough, there is a river that passes through my hunting club and I've seen carp (lots) in it... how would I go about catching those? I should be going there this week-end (if the weather is nice), perhaps that could be my starting point?..


Edit: I live near Montreal, PQ, so trout is in lakes and rivers up north (where I will be canoe camping) and the rest is regular stuff.
 
Very well then. It sounds as if you are resourceful enough to make it work. When it comes to catching fish on a fly, it boils down to trying to mimic what they eat. Be it mayflies or nymphs or whatever. That and practicing good presentation. Figure out what and when whatever fish you are trying to catch eats will go a long way. Good luck. As Beth Ann would say, Keep us a breast!
 
Dont waste your time with the $50 set ups.

Look into getting a 5 or 6 wt setup if your looking mostly for trout. For pike or walleye get a 9wt. There are plenty of good begginer rods from Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO), Armundson and Sage. Pieroway is a little known company that produces some amazing rods for a good price. If you follow the link and call Geoff ( president of the company) he might even make you a deal. He also sells flies as well. Canadian based company.
www.pierowayrods.com

A weight forward line is easier to learn to cast with. Your using the weight of the line to cast, not the weight of the hook.

When selecting your hook you want to "match the hatch", look around and see what the fish are eating. For pike just cast a licence plate and youll get a bite eventually ;) If your learning to cast I would suggest using barbless hooks, everyone hooks themselves a few times to start. Icky Fly Works has some good pre selected starter packs available for lakes and streams. The lake pack would be good for pike and walleye.

http://www.ickyflyworks.ca/index.php?cPath=32

Youtube has some good casting tutorials but I would suggest a guide to get the proper technique. If you develope a bad technique it can take years to correct.

Good luck, once you get your first fish youll be hooked.
 
Im a novice, even though Ive been doing it for decades. Use it exclusively for bluegills.I dont have a use for expensive reels. An old cheap Martin does me just find . I would get the best graphite rod and weight forward line that fits my budget.
 
Things that I believe will help:
- the quality of the line is as important as the rod and reel
- keeping the line clean and "dressed" is important
- practice, practice, and practice( no water needed just some open space)
- when casting, don't be concerned if others are watching
- in addition to the line a proper size leader is important
- seek out others and you will find most will be helpful
- read as much as you can on the sport
- keep your fly selection simple at first
- most importantly have fun!
 
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