Do you love big bluegill?

Fly rod to self teach

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.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Leo Nguyen on January 9, 2014 at 2:52pm

You and me both Mark! I'm so fearful in getting the 2wt or 3wt because I'm a rod destroyer. This is why I got 3 Wonderods from Tooty, knowing that they 're semi-indestructible. I broke one of my 5wt already. However, I will learn to be more delicate, if I'm to enjoy ultralight fly fishing.

Permalink Reply by DAVID L EITUTIS on January 9, 2014 at 3:55pm

LEO DID YOU BREAK one of the rods I sent ya? Can't believe it if ya did.......

Permalink Reply by Leo Nguyen on January 9, 2014 at 3:56pm

You wish Tooty! It's one of the old bamboo close to two decades ago, and a graphite one I got from Bass Pro. This is why I switched back to fiberglass and up to carbon.

Permalink Reply by DAVID L EITUTIS on January 9, 2014 at 4:02pm

NO LEO DON'T WISH YOU BROKE ONE CAUSE IT WOULD BREAK MY HEART BUDDY !! GLAD IT WAS SOME OTHER ROD, HOWEVER IF YOU EVER DO BREAK ONE , SPECIALLY IN THE BUTT SECTION JUST SEND IT BACK AND IF I CAN FIX IT I WILL DO IT FOR FREE .......

Permalink Reply by DAVID L EITUTIS on January 9, 2014 at 4:06pm

WELL CHRIS THIS IS A DEEP SUBJECT AND LOTS OF DIFFERENT IDEA'S ON HERE FROM FOLK LOTS MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE THAN ME , BUT IF I CAN GIVE A HAND CALL ME ANYTIME 815-539-6596 UP TILL 1 AM MOST NIGHTS ..........ONE SUGGESTION , START OUT SLOW AND CHEAP TILL YA SEE IF YA LIKE IT OR NOT .........

Permalink Reply by Chris Roberts on January 10, 2014 at 4:44am

I guess cheap is relative, I could have went cheaper for sure but Id didn't go expensive. I bought a $90 combo from Cabelas. That included line, real, rod and leader. Picked up some tippets and a small box to store flys (came with tools too?)

I wont be fishing with it yet anyway since it's too cold so I have time to pick up the flys. Should be here next week sometime. We'll see how long it takes me before I can actually get the hang of it.

Permalink Reply by David, aka, "McScruff" on January 10, 2014 at 6:32am

Unless you call when Tootys taking his nap!

Permalink Reply by carl hendrix on January 10, 2014 at 4:57am

alright chris!! now you got a fly rod!! what weight is it? the length? type of line? what name brand is the rod? is it carbon or fiberglass?? we can all help you ;; just need a bit of info.

Permalink Reply by Chris Roberts on January 10, 2014 at 5:17am

It's a Cabelas Wind River Combo (905-4) in 5 weight. It's their matching combo.

Permalink Reply by Chris Roberts on January 10, 2014 at 6:08am

Does anyone use Tippet Rings? They look like they make sense to use. I'm just curious.

Permalink Reply by David, aka, "McScruff" on January 10, 2014 at 6:30am

I use them. I pretie my own leaders, adding a tippet ring to them as a finishing step.
The 2mm-3mm rings seem about right for bluegill. Mine are 2mm.

Permalink Reply by Allen Morgan on January 10, 2014 at 6:32am