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.

[Leo Nguyen]

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.

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

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

[Leo Nguyen]

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.

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

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 .......

[DAVID L EITUTIS]

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 .........

[Chris Roberts]

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.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Unless you call when Tootys taking his nap!

[carl hendrix]

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.

[Chris Roberts]

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

[Chris Roberts]

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

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

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.

[Allen Morgan]

I don't.  I just tie a loop in the end of my leader, and do a loop-to-loop connection.  On my furled leaders, they already have a loop at the end.