Fly fishing

[dick tabbert]

Looking around in the barn and found that fly rod that I didn't know I had. I was going to go to Bass pro and get a new fly rod so that I could learn how to use one. Lucky for me I went to the pole barn first. I don't know a thing about it but hope it will be good for gills and sunfish. It's a Gander Mountain Guide Series. I tried to look it up and found no info so i'm thinking it must be discontinued. Its a Gander Mountain Guide Series- Plateau PL9044 9' line wt 4. If anyone can tell me if this is a good gillen rod and maybe what these different number mean let me know. I know nothing about fly rods this is a whole new can of worms for me.

[Greg McWilliams]

http://www.ohiofff.org/osc_clubs.htm   Dick here are some clubs in Ohio!!!! Find one close with a Certified Instructor the will take you from set up to casting!!! I hope one of these places are close!!!!!! Do you know anyone close that fly rods they will be happy to help!!!! Rod sound good!!!! 

[Jim Ducy]

Dick 

The reel in fly fishing only holds the line. An auto will work but a single action fly reel will work just fine. They are simple and less moving parts to break. With fly fishing you handle the line with your hands. Give a shout out to fly rod blue giller in Ohio go out with them and see what it's all about. AS for a spare spool why not just get a pfluger 1494, it not outdated and been in production for over 80 years and served your granddad as well as it will serve your great grandson! You can spend lots more money but not find a better working reel. Check out the federation of fly fishers web site, see if there is a chapter near you. go to a meeting. Also check out the website Fly fish Ohio1  Jim Ducy

[dick tabbert]

Is an automatic fly reel better than a standard fly reel for gills.

[Flyboy]

Another good book is bluegill fly fishing and flies by Terry and Roxann Willson.  I love Hook & Hackle Hi floater line. you can check it out here http://store.hookhack.com

[dick tabbert]

Found the reel for the outfit and again I think it is out dated. I have to see if I can find an extra spool for it. Its a Cortland-Carisma 4-6. I don't even know if the is a good reel when I say good I mean Low in the line middle or high end. I purchased them awhile back and forgot that I bought them. Any info will be great.

[dick tabbert]

Thanks Jim. The rod is new never been used and in a hard case. I forgot I bought it and I've had it for awhile but I will wax the guides up good. As far as the reel I don't know what kind it is but I'll get that posted as soon as I find it. I plan on tearing the pole barn apart tomorrow till I find it. Don't know what brand it is but I'm not above replacing it if need be even though it hasn't been used and I love Pfueger reels that's about all I own even though they are spinning and bait casters who know maybe the fly reel will be one also. Thank you much for your input I'm taking everything in hoping to us it later. That will be a challenge in itself when I actually go out and begin casting. Thanks

[Jim Ducy]

Dick

First thing is clean the rod up, mild soap and water. than wax it and the guides with car wax. this will help the line work better on the rod. Next get a reel, I suggest spending around $30 for a Pfulger 1494 and get a spare spool. You will need two lines for the rod,an 5wt intermediate a line( both Cabela's and Hook and Hackle offer reasonable priced lines under $40) that will sink below the surface for about 60-70% of your  blue gill fishing and a 4 wt  Floater I the Lefty Kreh line from SA is also about $40. 

Good reading to get you started Sunfish by Jack Ellis and Strategies for Stillwater by Dave Hughes (just put  the word bluegill in when ever Dave uses the word Trout.

Feel free to PM me with any questions.  Jim Ducy

[Flyboy]

should be a great rod for gillin.  even though it's a 4 wt rod, you can "over line" it by using a 5 wt line.  this will help you feel how the rod loads the line and make casting a little less frustrating.  you'll need a reel that can handle that.

[dick tabbert]

Is there a certain size line or poundage I need. Again thanks.

[dick tabbert]

Thank you for that information. I'm assuming this is a good rod for gillin then. What is a good line for it then. Remember I don't know squat about using it.