Fly Rod

[chris kowaleski]

So where I live now there are excellent looking places for fly fishing and so I need to get a fly rod. I don't have much to spare so i'm probably gonna get a fly rod and reel combo, and I was wondering which kinds any of you have had experience with.  I live near a Cabelas and was looking at this one but the reviews don't seem very good for the reel.

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

I've also looked at a couple of Eagle Claw kits and combos on the sportsmans guide but i'm still unsure.

Should I be looking for a graphite or a fiberglass rod and what length?

I was also wondering if I could buy some BBG community handmade flies from some of you fly tiers out there!

[Mark Stine]

Chris, you might try keeping an eye on craigslist.org sometimes I see great deals on used outfits. I like fiberglass but good luck finding one, sometimes you find a great used one especially if you are as lucky as Tooty! The local club recommends starting with a six weight rod with weight forward line for the easiest casting. Its a little harder to cast; but, a double taper line can be turned around to use the reel end after the business end gets worn. I haven't tried the Cabelas rods but you can probably find some reviews on line.  The picture looks good. 

   If you message (PM) me your address I will keep you in mind when I clean out my reject drawer soon. (reject drawer is where my failed attempts at a new fly don't come out as pretty as I hoped)

[jim cosgrove]

that is a great price but as mark said look for used,flea markets yard sales etc.got a wonder rod ,not as nice as tooty's but undamaged and totaly useable.paid 8 bucks.hope your not gonna go with an 8 wt for gills tho.the cabela's near me has great people working there in the fly dept.know their stuff and are very helpful.

[Greg McWilliams]

GREAT PRICE!!!!! Little bigger than I like but you will know if it is what you want to do!!!!!

[Jen Nayfly]

You can't beat a starter combo for that!  Cahill reel is supposed to be pretty good also

[Leo Nguyen]

Great deal indeed. I have something similar to that, which I purchased for my friend a while back to playing the streams in the mountains. As Greg said, it's a bit longer than normal. However, in open area, it may serve a great purpose in launching the line over the tall weeds.

[Greg McWilliams]

Not LONGER BRO. LEO, 2 HEAVY!!!!!!! BUT A GOOD ONE TO START WITH!!!!!

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Here's what little I know about fly fishing - I hope I get it right:

At that $40 price, you're gonna get a graphite/fibre composite. For your purposes, it won't really matter, so enjoy :-)

What I see in your link is one of the standard combo packs put out by most makers. Shakespeare, Pflueger and all the others offer something similar. All of them are a compromise between weight, flexibility and strength.

If I may suggest it, take the lightest weight they have, in this case the 5 wt. model. I'd prefer an even lighter weight rod, since panfish don't require real "hogging."  The trouble is, lighter weight rods cost a lot more.

As for length, I'd suggest the 9 ft model if the majority of your casting will be in the open. If you get into a lot overgrown areas or work from a small boat, the 8 1/2 footer might be better. The 6" between them doesn't seem like much difference - until you get into crowded conditions.

PS The 9' may offer a bit more casting distance and (hopefully) delicacy of presentation.

As far as I know, weight forward, floating line is also a standard offering. Take it and run with it for now. Fly rods are matched to their line and not lure weight, as in other rods. If you've never heard it said, here's the Golden Rule of fly fishing: 

"You don't cast a fly - you cast the line."

So a rod and it's line go together, like a team. Match the weights. 

One other thing that is crucial are the tippets. These are the leaders that link your casting line to your flies. Get good ones, of the right weight, or learn how to make them. There are lots of fly devotees here and Im certain they will be glad to set you up with feathered hooks. But use the right tippets for the job.

All in all, just go for it and have fun. If you are bitten by the fly fishing bug and want to sink your paycheck into it, well.... you can always do so.

[Greg McWilliams]

David, HE LISTENS ( reads) HE LEARNS!!!!!! Come on David make the plunge!!!!!

[chris kowaleski]

Seriously! With all of your fishing experience i'm sure you will be able to learn how to fly fish in no time!  I am the complete opposite of fly fishing, but i've read and seen enough on here and with already being able to cast a regular pole pretty well (i know regular casting and fly casting are completley different but i still think knowing how to do one helps with the other) i was able tofigure itout wellenough to catch fish and i know you can too!

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

HEY CHRIS,
 I AGREE WITH everything mentioned here by David. He's right on the money. DDDDDDDDDDDon't tie up a bunch of money at first cause then you aren't out a lot if the long rod isn't for you. HOWEVER that being said you should find a local guy to help with equipment selection and a balanced outfit is a must ! At some later date you can always upgrade and the list of rods is endless , and sometimes confusing and don't let it over whelm you. KEEP IT SIMPLE AT FIRST .

 GOOD LUCK

[chris kowaleski]

yes definately! I made the plunge and it has been fun so far! Still working on learning though!

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

Good for you Chris and hope it all works out !!!!!!! Stick with it cause the first time you get  a big gill on the long rod you'll be hooked for life!!!!!!