Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryRamey
Hi everyone, I am not a beginner in fishing, yet flyfishing is something new for me. I've been out flyfishing several times and I even haven't got my own reel lol. That's the reason why I decided to post here. Can you folks recommend a good kit for the beginner that will include at least the most important things...? Or going with a complete kit is a bad idea and it's better to pick everything separately? Appreciate all your help and comments!
Thanks,
Gary.
|
All the fly shops in the Calgary area are super helpful and knowledgeable. This is one of those purchases that I would consider making through a fly shop. Prices are not more than a box store for the same items (often cheaper). With every purchase comes some advice.
As a conventional angler, there are some differences in how gear is prioritized. If you are buying a complete kit from a fly shop, they will usually give a discount on a line. But for the sake of budgeting, I will not include it here.
The difference in fly fishing is you cast the line, not the lure. The line has a huge impact on how a rod casts. A good line costs $80-$100. I know that sticker price is gonna hurt, but most people will agree that a good line is worth the money.
Fly fishing has been around for a long time. So, for the most part with rods and reels, you get what you pay for, with limiting returns as the price increases. 10 years ago, a $200 rod was close to twice as good as a $100 rod. A $400 rod would be better than a $200 rod, but probably not twice as good. An $800 rod is nicer than a $400 rod, but the nuances as a casting tool takes years of practice to begin to appreciate. When you buy a rod or combo kit, just make sure it has a lifetime warranty, which usually means for a small fee, you can get a replacement. The warranty covers all sorts of human stupidity. The same goes with reels. For freshwater fishing, a $200 reel will have a nice smooth drag, an attractive finish, and hold line.
However, things have somewhat changed in the last few years. You can get a completely functional rod for $100. The Echo Base is around $100. It has some cheaper components. I have used this rod for several outings. It is completely functional and will last a lifetime if treated properly. Sure, I would rather use my $500 Sage rods, but using the Base in no way detracted from my fish catching or enjoyment of actually fishing.
Unlike conventional angling, the reel in fly fishing has much less value. It is basically a line containment device. There is really only one place in Alberta that benefits from having a good reel and that is the Bow River (and the brown trout in the Red Deer river, which are from the Bow River). It is the only place that I have ever caught fish in Alberta that will legitimately scream drag. I have $400 reels and $50 reels. For a day in the mountain streams, the $50 reel is just fine.
So, that being said, I know the Echo Base combo is a good beginner kit. It has a medium action rod that is 100% functional. The reel is plastic, but the drag system is actually OK for the value. It comes with an Airflo line (the best line I have seen a kit) and a leader. It has a warranty to the original owner. I am sure TFO has something similar.
In addition to the rod, reel, line, and leader, you will also need some flies. When purchasing flies, advice from the fly shop is your best bet. There are some flies that work all the time, but fly choice tends to be dynamic and seasonal. Be prepared to lose a lot of flies. It is the cost of learning.
There are a few things that will really improve the over experience fishing. A couple spools of tippet is a good idea. Tippet extends the life of your leader. The other exceptional awesome fly fishing tool is a pair of scissor clamps. Primary purpose is removing flies from fish. Secondary purpose is pinching barbs to make primary purpose easier. They are also great for cutting tag ends and they have a little pokey thing for clearing hook eyes. (ASIDE: pinching barbs is fabulous idea as a newbie---everybody eventually impales themselves with a fly. You will appreciate having a debarbed hook)
In total, it is about $300-$350 to get full equipped for fly fishing. You can piece it together or buy a kit.
As a final comment, do not underestimate the value of a teacher. Taking a fly fishing course (usually $100-$200) will teach you more in 8 hours than you would learn in 8 weeks on your own. Also, a day with a guide will really teach you where and how to catch fish.
Good luck.