new to fly fishing

[fordtruckin]

I've been wanting to get into fly fishing for a number of years now. Well I just moved and am living on the Yellowstone river in Montana. One of the greatest blue ribbon trout rivers in the state. Anyways long story short I have no excuses now. That being said since I am new to this type of fishing what should I be looking for in a fly rod / reel? I've seen several "complete" kits out there and was wondering if they were even worth considering. One was by Martin Fly Fishing and the other from Triple Fork Outfitters. Anyways any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[uplander]

For the type of fly fishiing that's done on the yellowstone I'd recommend a 5 weight rod(temple fork outfitters has great rods for not bad pricing,very good for a beginner) and your gonna want a reel to match your rod and Orvis makes some very nice ones. a complete set can be good but u have to consider that for lower priced completes the quality won't be stellar.

[Dust1n]

a 9 foot 4/5 weight if perfect for the cuttys with a fight (temple fork outfitters rod) and a 4/5 reel hobbs creek are great for only 40bucks and WF floating line. TFO is the best bang for your buck

[Doc]

Remember, a crappy rod can cast well with a good line but a good rod will cast bad with a crappy line. Don't cheap out on the line. Rio gold is a great line to start with (SA and Cortland are good too). The Temple Fork Lefty Kreh signature series is a good entry level rod, reel is not that important as it just holds line but the Pflueger Trion is a decent entry level reel. Good luck and tight lines.

Cheers,
Doc

[WillyOneStyle]

I have a six weight Fenwick and have found it to be very versatile. We backed over it with a one ton dually once, still works just fine. I have an old Intrepid Rimfly reel, as I recall, the reel that was run over did not fare well. I fly fishing, the reel is less important than one might think. You don't want something so flimsy that it will fail you when a big fish decides to run, but all it really has to do is turn. Do your research with the line, there can be a night and day difference between them. Some sink, some float, some cost a little and some cost a lot. Talk to the old guys at your local sport shop and the folks you see you on the bank, they will tell you what to avoid, at the very least. Have a great season down where the river runs through it.

[TrollGRG]

I think Willy... hit it on the head when he told you to talk to the locals at the fly shop. You will never get as much advice here as you can in just a little while talking to the local "experts". That is not to say that the people here are any less qualified (in my opinion they are as good as you can get) but the locals will be able to tell you where and when to go and what to use for rods and lines and flies. They may even offer to take you along with them - best way to learn. Fly fishermen are probably one of the friendliest groups of people going and love to share all they know with others.

[densa44]

The line is the key. One added point about , reels, don't spen a lot, they just hold the line BUT the kind where you can easily change spools are very convenient. Sometimes you can get a good one at flea markets used etc. for a low price.

When you are at the fly shop get a good supply of those knot less leaders, they are fabulous!

If you don't wear waders, they sell a small gizmo that has rubber on both sides that hooks to your vest and will straighten your leader.

I use folding scissors on the vest but there are other good solutions too.

For me, the longer the rod the better. It seems to give me good control and longer range when I need it.

Have fun, you'll love it!

[Dust1n]

the action of the rod is also important and how it loads.fast is still slow is very flexibale
fast action is ideal in windy condttions with long casts but a slow action u want if its accuracy and short casts in calm condtiotns
take notes

[Rumtan]

I started out with the cheapest pile of junk for a rod and reel, it served its purpose in teaching me the basics and ended its life when the travel trailer door slammed shut on it. The thing is, you can learn on anything and evolve to an expensive rod or just start out with an expensive rod but what happens if you find out that fly fishing isnt for you? Choices are personal and only you can justify what you buy. Choose wisely and stay thirsty my friends....(ooops we can edit that part out lol)

[FlYiNGuY]

Originally Posted by Doc

Remember, a crappy rod can cast well with a good line but a good rod will cast bad with a crappy line. Don't cheap out on the line. Rio gold is a great line to start with (SA and Cortland are good too). The Temple Fork Lefty Kreh signature series is a good entry level rod, reel is not that important as it just holds line but the Pflueger Trion is a decent entry level reel. Good luck and tight lines.

Cheers,
Doc

I second the RIO GOLD advice, Great line - I have it paired with a TFO myself. As for a reel, like most said, its pretty much a line holder, if you are planning on using the same reel for a few rods / types of fishing then get one that the spools are easy to change and are not a fortune.

Tight Lines!

[Dust1n]

forgot to mention tfo has life time warrenty even if someone snaps it

[FlYiNGuY]

Originally Posted by Fish Hunter7

forgot to mention tfo has life time warrenty even if someone snaps it

For $25 Bucks.

[Dust1n]

cheaper then a new rod

[FlYiNGuY]

Originally Posted by Fish Hunter7

cheaper then a new rod

For Sure!, I've used it myself!, can't beat it.

[grinr]

Doc nailed it...don't cheap out on the line!!It may well be the most important component,or at least a good line will compliment any rod,cheap,middle of road,or high-end.You don't need to spend a fortune on a rod though,the $100 rods of today were the high-end rods of 10 years ago.The reel is the least important consideration,esp. for average trout size fish.TFO offers good quality rods at prices that won't break the bank.

IMHO,disregard the advice to buy an el cheapo combo to see if you like it....you won't.Your typical mismatched Walmart combo with plastic reel and $15 Chinese line will only be an excercise in frustration.For twice the cost of the junk stuff,you can get 5X the outfit and shorten the learning curve considerably.If you have to skimp to stay within budget,skimp on the reel.

[honda450]

I use TFO's exclusively. Got 3 of them. One bought here on the forum. Didn't really need it but it was a good deal. hehe

[Dust1n]

i love the TFo finese 1wt 6 foot rods crazy on parie creek! and other cmall streams would take it on a new lake or a big river though

[diamonddave]

Originally Posted by Fish Hunter7

i love the TFo finese 1wt 6 foot rods crazy on parie creek! and other cmall streams would take it on a new lake or a big river though

I asume you are refering to Prarie Creek by Rocky Mnt Hse. Can you go into a little more detail using your 1wt TF? I would think a 1wt would be very under powered for that creek, and it more suited to a 3wt mininum or a 4wt. That creek has some good current in it, does a 1wt have enough back bone to fight the fish and the current??

[Daceminnow]

Originally Posted by diamonddave

I asume you are refering to Prarie Creek by Rocky Mnt Hse. Can you go into a little more detail using your 1wt TF? I would think a 1wt would be very under powered for that creek, and it more suited to a 3wt mininum or a 4wt. That creek has some good current in it, does a 1wt have enough back bone to fight the fish and the current??

he's casting for butterfly's on the bank. sorry. had to do it!

[gl2]

My advice if this is your first rod, go to your local fly shop explain to them that your new and need a begginer set up. Most stores have rods ready to be casted out side on the lawn.(you will get your first free casting lesson) lol.Then you can feel what you would be willing to pay for or not. All makes have entry level models. Tfo does make a good rod and probably the best selection of entry level stuff. I would not hesitate to throw a loop, St Croix, g loomis, sage.....ect. With what ever you purchase I hope your time on the water is great.

[Dust1n]

Originally Posted by diamonddave

I asume you are refering to Prarie Creek by Rocky Mnt Hse. Can you go into a little more detail using your 1wt TF? I would think a 1wt would be very under powered for that creek, and it more suited to a 3wt mininum or a 4wt. That creek has some good current in it, does a 1wt have enough back bone to fight the fish and the current??

it dosent thats why i use it its one thing when u fish for fish but its also another just for the fight and i go where the slow current i so i can dry fly theres parts of sections i cant fish its too much current

[Doc]

Oh, BTW. You could buy a Martin rod but for the few dollars more, a TFO or an Aumndson is a far superior tool.

Cheers,
Doc

[Champion]

I am another beginner that plans on starting this year, what would be a better line to start with? Floating? Sinking? Weight forward? etc...Or as others have said, talk to the dudes at FH or Wholesale?

Thanks, Kev

[grinr]

Originally Posted by Champion

I am another beginner that plans on starting this year, what would be a better line to start with? Floating? Sinking? Weight forward? etc...Or as others have said, talk to the dudes at FH or Wholesale?

Thanks, Kev

A floating weight forward.


Seriously though,that's the easiest line configuration for a beginner to learn to cast with and will cover most of your needs until you get into more specialised techniques.
Floating,full sink,sink tips etc. describes the bouyancy of the line.Weight forward,double taper,and specialty tapers describe the taper of your line.Again,WF floating line is the most versatile and easiest to learn basic casting and all you really need for most situations.You can always add sinking leaders,splitshot,or use weighted flies with a floating line if the situation calls for it.It will do in a pinch until you decide if you need/want more specialised lines.

Your local proshop can set you up but it's not really rocket science.....althought there are such things as "Rocket tapers",lol....sorry,not to confuse.

Basically,you match your flyline to your rod,for instance,a 5wt rod requires a 5wt line which will be the correct weight to load the rod properly when 30ft of line is false cast beyond the rod tip.A line labelled as 5F-WF signifies a 5wt,Floating-WeightForward taper.

[fishstix]

Originally Posted by FlYiNGuY

For $25 Bucks.

its only 25$ if you have to get it shipped. If you live in cow town just drive down and walk out with a new rod.

[diamonddave]

Originally Posted by Fish Hunter7

it dosent thats why i use it its one thing when u fish for fish but its also another just for the fight and i go where the slow current i so i can dry fly theres parts of sections i cant fish its too much current

I'm going to give you a little free advise,
take notes...

When fly fishing you need to match your rod to the size of fish and the conditions you are fishing in. If you are using a 1 wt rod and manage to hook into one of the decent browns in Prarie, the time it takes you to finally play that fish out, will have some serious physical issues on that fish, more than likely kill it.
We as fishermen, outdoorsman, need to try and limit the mortality rate in the C&R streams that we fish. Match the rod to the fish, take pride in matching the hatch, fooling that elusive brown, and get him in as fast as possible and released to catch again.

[Darren N]

Good advice mentioned above. My best advice to give is to go to your library and take out a few books and videos on the basics of fly fishing. Some of it gets repetative, but you need the basics to stick with you. Then go into a school yard field and practice before you go out. If you hit the water cold turkey you WILL get frustrated. You will get frustrated even if you have tech knowledge and have practiced, but stick with it, get over the hump, and you will never look back. Everyone on this forum struggled at the start and you are not alone, but you will not regret it if you stick with it. So many new tryers get frustrated and leave to soon. Ask for help. Anyone that fly fishes will help you out.

[grinr]

I would highly reccomend,as I have many times in the past to any aspiring new flyfisher to read the "Orvis Guide to Beginning Flyfishing".It is THE complete and comprehensive,Flyfishing For Dummies/Flyfishing 101 etc and will dramatically reduce the dues payable and streamline the learning process.I wish I'd known about and read it 25 years ago.It covers every aspect of flyfishing,from the flies to the reels and everything in between,in an easy to read format that both complete novice or seasoned vets alike can understand.That said,even an experienced fly angler is sure to learn a thing or three and would benefit from the book.No doubt when I read it 6-7 years ago,with close to 20 years of avid flyfishing under my belt at the time,I had a revelation or two?Up until recently,it was available to read on-line within the Orvis website,but unfortunately I see that is no longer the case.Regardless,it is bar none the BEST $12.95 that a wannabe flyfisher could ever spend imho.Read it from cover to cover and you will make informed gear purchases to get yourself started,potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on gear you don't need or that is mismatched or not suited to your fishing.You will hit the stream for the very first time after reading it with a good working knowledge of different types of flies,insect stages,their imitations and how to fish them effectively.You will have a good understanding of rod actions,line weights,leader and tippet selection,choosing a reel,and on and on and on.......it covers EVERYTHING....and surprisingly,it is not at all a 175pg add for Orvis gear....just the facts mam.Not thaat there would be anything wrong with that either...Orvis actually does make good,top quality gear and flyfishing products.....jest sayin,it's not one of those self-promoting,manufacturer sponsored,everything but Orvis is junk type of reads.

I really can't say enough good things about this little book,it really is a complete and well done work packed full of invaluable info and will save you hours and years of frustration and get you off to good start,enjoying your flyfishing experience immediately and that much more.It should be mandatory reading before anyone is even allowed to buy a flyrod,lol.....seriously though.

[Darren N]

That Orvis book sounds like a good read. I will scope it out. I have read a few different books and the time you invest in reading it, if you only use one or two points that relate to you, it sure pays off. Sometimes I'll read a whole book and find a new way or easier way to to a knot (or someones trick of the trade). I go with my buddies and show them the same trick and they think "where does he learn this stuff?" Winter time is a good time to read. Spring and Summer time to try it out.

[FlYiNGuY]

Originally Posted by fishstix

its only 25$ if you have to get it shipped. If you live in cow town just drive down and walk out with a new rod.

Have you done that? I've been charged $25 IN Calgary, As a walk in. - but also didn't have warranty card with me ( they never asked for it ) as I was on my way to the river.