Fly rod to self teach

[Chris Roberts]

So I don't really know anyone who fly fishes, but I'm tired of waiting to find someone.  I've got the urge to learn.  There unfortunately are tons of rods.  I would like a little information/recommendation for a first timer like myself.  I would be targeting panfish, but there's always the chance at catching bass as well.

I would like a rod/reel setup for a budget, but one that would still be able to last me a few years before I grow out of it.

[jim cosgrove]

chris lots of good advice here.not a lot of flyfishers in my area.i am self taught ,fishing and tying and i learhed before the internet.the only casting lesson was a free vhs tape i got as a promotion. i would reccomend a 5/6 weight with a SLOW action.stay with the heavier line,a 5/6 i would use 6 wt line.if you have a bass pro or cabelas you can get to they can set you up.you can get rod reel line for the price of the rod if you find a special.a mistake i made was getting a really cheap reel when starting out.a large a modern arbor reel is worth the couple extra bucks.they are lighter and have a drag system and don't coil the line up like the old clicker style.you don't wnat to listen to that STRIPPED GEARS noise all day  anyhow.

[Chris Roberts]

Yea there's a lot of info really quick.  I've got some good ideas as well.  Cabelas is have a sale right now too on combo's that look like a decent setup for a beginner  I've got some digging to do.

[Allen Morgan]

Everyone here has given some great ideas!

I got started in 2012.  I bought a 5wt "Bugger" combo from BPS.  The rod was about $40, but by the time you add in the reel, backing, and line, I was up over $75.  What I didn't know when I bought this thing, was that it was a "fast action" graphite rod.  Not the best thing to learn on.

I found this out a couple weeks later by handling a different rod.  One of the residents at the Senior retirement community had watched me fish the stocked pond on property.  He had a spinning outfit, throwing some soft plastics.  He never got a nibble, while I was catching fish every few minutes on poppers with my 5wt.  The next week, he bought a 5wt combo, but a different brand.  I found this out when he asked me if I could show him how to use it.  He had never really gotten any instruction on fly-casting, and wanted some help.  I gave him the basics, and had him practice it a bit.  He insisted that I give his rod a try, just to see if he had one that was a "lemon".

HIS OUTFIT WAS BETTER THAN MINE!  I was quickly laying out close to 40' of line with his setup, while I was lucky to get 30' with mine.  He had a Dogwood Canyon 5wt, and I think it was only a 7' rod.  The Dogwood Canyon line is made for BPS.  They are a slower action than your typical graphite rod.  You can get a matched setup, already strung with line, for about $100 at BPS.  If you have the money, I would recommend it.

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

This story reminded me of a cussing I recieved from  my certified outboard mechanic, which I have on speed dial, he wanted me to go check his boat out and I told him I would bring my fly rod and he replied " I'll bring my Dad's old rod ", a Shakespeare fiberglass rod with level line, it was heavy and he was fighting to get 20 ft out of that setup,I made him trade rods with me for a little while . His rod felt like a heavy pool cue to me and when he started casting with my 8 1/2 ft graphite  featherweight rod with wf line  thats when the cussing started, he said I had done him wrong because just as soon as we got back to town he was going to have to go to the store and spend money on a new fly rod set up now that he knew what they were susposed to feel like, and he would have one before dark,  then we switched back , his old rod is now decorating the a wall on his man cave.   LOFR

[Chris Roberts]

Here's what I think I've narrowed it down to

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Fishing-Rod-...

or

http://www.basspro.com/White-River-Fly-Shop-Dogwood-Canyon-Preassem...

Opinions?

[jim cosgrove]

chris i would go with the bass pro set up.i like the 4wt 7 footit seems like a better deal and i dont like 4 piece rods.the cabelas setup is a 4 piece is a more fast rod.a slower action is in my opinion a lot easier to start with.you dont need as much snap in your cast and they roll cast better.if you are gonna mostly fish from shore the shorter rod will be easier to deal with.i have that cabelas rod in 5 weight and broke the tip off.i put 8 wt line on it and now use it for bass bugs.

[Donald Schmotzer]

  Yes, Either one should do nicely, those are nothing like the cheapies I was referring too.  I would choose the 9' 5wt myself, just because I like longer rods (unless I am fishing a creek with a lot of overhanging trees). The longer length gives you a little more leverage and rod bend when you load it.  Longer rods seem to have a better "fish-on" feel too. Also good if you have bushes behind you. That looks like a very good price ......Just my $.02 .........but any of those will most likely do a good job............Don in SC

[carl hendrix]

bass pro also has some good rods--just a suggestion -- look around a bit first;; listen to what others  here suggest and take a good look at the rods suggested to you before you buy one!  its kind of like buying a car- you look at a several before you buy!!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

"Here's what I think I've narrowed it down to

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Fishing-Rod-... or

http://www.basspro.com/White-River-Fly-Shop-Dogwood-Canyon-Preassem...

Opinions?"

My opinion is either one will do you well. Pull that trigger, man!

[carl hendrix]

a little trick I have also learned-- on the fly line. the day before I go fishing- I apply armour all to the fly line!! slick it up real good. it will help shoot the line like a rocket!!

[Donald Schmotzer]

Always a good idea to clean/dress the fly line. I never tried armour all, I use a product called "zipcast". Scientific Anglers makes a line dressing I like too.  A good dressing does seem to make the fly line slip through the guides better, and cleans the line too.............Don in SC

'

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Ive heard of Armor-All, Carl, but havent tried it. You can now, officially, bet your @ss I will!

Thank you, sir!