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.

[Donald Schmotzer]

 Yes, I can see your point, I guess when I pick up a cleaner intended for another purpose, I don't know if what I am reading on the label is good or bad for my fly line.

I am sure the line dressing manufactures most likely have 88 cents in a product they charge us $8 for. They need to make a good profit to stay in business.  And we are paying, not just for the dressing, but for all their product development.  So sure, use what ever you have confidence in and save $ if you can........Keep that line clean and slick. My last time out, I had not dressed my fly line for my last couple of  trips......I could "feel" that my line was not slick. I cleaned/dressed it upon my return home (I got to remember to put that dressing back  in my carry pack) Good luck, and good fishing............Don in SC

[jim cosgrove]

leo i love your take on almost any subject.using the MSDS to  find the chemical composition of the products is some thing i never would have thought of even tho i use msds at work often.i use the cortland because it came with the first flyline i ever bought .i always heard not to use armorall.i have a rv supply near me.thanks for the info leo

[Chris Roberts]

So all this talk about line.  Will the line on either of the two rods I posted be sufficient for a while?  Is one better than the other?

[Leo Nguyen]

Yes Chris, and the maintenance.

[Chris Roberts]

Cabela's also has this rod available.  I'll be buying one here today or tomorrow.  I'm sure I can't go wrong with any of them.  It's just a tough choice.  I know I'll only be buying one for a while (or my wife will kill me with one), so I just want to make sure I make the right choice.

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

[Leo Nguyen]

Very nice combo. It will last you for a while until you get acquainted with your fly gears, techniques, maintenance, and of course, enjoyment on the water. Until you become like of the masters here, that will fly lining through the cold, wind, heat of hell, or the icy tundras, you're going to enjoy the new kind of challenges on fishing.

[Chris Roberts]

So Cabelas customer service/shipping won the deal.  I should have my new rod within a week or so!

Can't wait.

[Donald Schmotzer]

 Congrats...........Now  the learning process can begin. Good luck and stick  with it........Once you get a good feel for the fly rod and can start catching fish....you will never look back.  This is a great time to buy.....You have until warm weather to build your fly-rod skills. Remember to never practice with a fly on the line, cut a small bright colored piece of yarn and tie to you leader/tippet instead. When you do start fly fishing, always wear eye protection (simple sun glasses are fine).....Once you are able to get distance and accuracy you may find you are out fishing all your buddies that are using spin-gear............Don in SC

[Chris Roberts]

I actually bought everything except the fly.  I figured I'd get some advice on those eventually before I purchase them too.

But thanks for the advice.

[Leo Nguyen]

Plenty of fly tying masters are here to full fill your fly needs. David Eitutis is famous for his stingers. Dick for his unique inventive flies. Allen Morgan, McScruff, Jim Gronaw, LedHed, and plenty more. I lost count after a while. Contact them for a few fly samples.

[Allen Morgan]

Be sure and get polarized sunglasses.  You'll protect your eyes, as well as cut the glare from the water and see more fish.

I would also recommend a wide-brimmed hat, like the one in my avatar.  This will protect the back of your neck/head, as well as your ears.  When you do start getting some flies, you might want to consider pinching the barbs closed, just in case you hook yourself.  It will make removal of the hook much easier and less painful.

[Mark Stine]

I am like a master rod breaker! bust one or two a year.  I was happy with my eight and a half foot wonder rod from 1965 to 1996 when I tried to snatch a bug out of a tree with a hardy pull.  Never knew there were so many choices till the big break.  If I were teaching the class I'd say a six weight is the classic starter and good all round fly rod, but since this is a bluegill site I  can concur with the four/five wt.  I have never spent more than $150 for one and have bought at least six in the $30 to $50 range.  ONLY one of those was a real dud (eagle claw $18 dollars).  My fishing buddy said it wasn't that bad so I told him when he got out of the boat to take it with him. (LOL) I was going to strip it and start over as the guides were not well spaced. So now the first thing I look at is how many guides and how they are spaced. For instance on 9 ft rod expect two stripping guides eight snake guides and the tip top. lower quality rods frequently don't sport enough guides to do the job right, then I will test the action then check the price.  Bass pro has the dogwood canyon series; get a complete outfit for like $100. I have had a couple of them and was pretty satisfied just make sure they are all the way in the trunk before you shut the lid!! Personally I have experienced the rod building bug and finished a half dozen over the last few years.  Now I will opt for building my own from one of the many blanks available.