36 replies to this topic

[fishing with a fly]

i agree with jack lake the rod is the most important piece of the puzzle that should be thing you worry most about my advice is go to a real fly shop like wilsons or the first cast or one of the others out there and talk to the staff there are lots of options but you need to find whats gonna best suit you

[PUMP KNOWS]

I've never fly fished before but I do find it interesting. 

 

I just wished they had a place where you can rent out gear and try them out on the river before you make your purchase.

[Christopher K]

You can at any fly fishing show (not fight a fish, but you can cast). If there was enough interest we could all get together on a river some day and try each other's setups.

[fishing with a fly]

You can at any fly fishing show (not fight a fish, but you can cast). If there was enough interest we could all get together on a river some day and try each other's setups.

 

that might be an idea i might be up for an outting

[swiftcurrent]

Pump, you can cast a rod at any fly shop. Many of us started with a casting lesson offered by the shops. Usually a few hours, where you get introduced to the basic equipment (rods,reels,lines,leaders,etc). Then you go out and cast with an instructor. Its really an excellent way to get started.
I know that Grindstone Angling, Hook line and Sinker and Wilson's all offer courses. Plus there are many instructors who offer one on ones as well, like Rick Whorwood and Peter Charles(they happen to come to mind, I'm sure there are many more). They all have web pages. You should check them out.

[Jacklake]

I've never fly fished before but I do find it interesting. 

 

I just wished they had a place where you can rent out gear and try them out on the river before you make your purchase.

If you live on the east side of Toronto you can come to the West Hill Anglers Casting Club any Monday night for (almost) free lessons and a chance to try several different rods.  We have members from Markham to Ajax, and some of us live in mid-town TO.  PM me if you are interested.

[FrequentFlyer]

Jacklake has given you some sound advice, most definitely buy the rod first, besides the line, its the most important part of your set-up, depending on species and fish size, the reel is just there to hold the line.  i bought my rod and reel separate, however, when i bought my reel, i didn't bring rod with me, but the shop had the exact same make and model in stock, so i was able to balance it out that way.

 

i agree to keep money in canada, however, the parts can brought in from out of country and assembled IN canada, and they can still say its made in canada

[PUMP KNOWS]

Sorry for the late reply guys but I stumbled upon this website...

 

http://www.yellowsto...age-lamsonreels

 

 

[FrequentFlyer]

the yellowstone guys do put up some good reviews, but again, balance your rod with the reel and line

[PUMP KNOWS]

JMatt/OFF Members....Can I get your thoughts on these rod reviews

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.yellowsto...-rod-comparison

[FrequentFlyer]

the rod reviews have been gone over on another thread already.  i have the nrx, its a great rod, i love it, others do not.  i also have the ross rx 6wt version, again, an awesome rod

[Jacklake]

Pump - no offence meant, but it seems you don't know how to cast yet, and are new to learning about fly fishing.  So...

Saltwater rods don't have to do the same task as freshwater rods.  When fishing in the salt, long casts of 70 feet are often needed, and they need to be accurate.  As well, it is usually windy so tight loops are needed to cut through the wind.

MAYBE when fishing for pike at spawning time you will need a long cast in shallow water, but for steelhead and salmon this is not the case.  In fact a softer rod at close distance is better for fighting these fish.  Thus the review is good for knowing who makes a good rod, but not necessarily for who makes a good shorter-distance rod.  And since you are at the beginning of the learning curve I wouldn't worry too much about who makes the best saltwater rod (they are usually stiffer).

I have had 7 StCroix rods and still own three.  They are certainly a fine company and stand behind their product (a lawn chair blow-over did break one and it was replaced with the newer model).  Mystic makes good rods, I have seen them at the MWFFE, and I would spend the extra for a rod that feels lighter.  It might be hard to find one in Canada though.  Albright makes good rods, I have one and can list 5 friends who have one (5wt to 10wt) and are perfectly satisfied.  I have spoken to the owner/pres a couple of times on the phone and he has been responsive and helpful.  They are made by people who were formerly Sage then Reddington, then on their own.  You could also get a Flextec rod from Brittain.  I have one as do 4 others, with no complaints.  As ever you get what you pay for, so the less expensive ones are a little soft, but of the 8 rods purchased only one has not been as expected (but not badly made).

So, I suggest: choose a rod, buy a reel to match/balance, learn to cast, and work with it until you know how you really cast and what you really need/want.

[PUMP KNOWS]

^^^

 

Yessir....I replied to your pm

[classic drifter]

PUMP, look for an okuma integrity, I have one and its a blast to use bro!!!! star drag, large arbor, fairly light for the size,,, just like Jacklake said, it will just be a glorified line holder,,, LOL!!!

[Christopher K]

I don't believe I have ever seen a fly reel with a star drag...

 

In this case it's not a glorified line holder, trout fishing it is, but if he's fishing steelhead, carp and salmon he needs something smooth.

[PUMP KNOWS]

I'll mostly use it for carp, steelhead and maybe salmon.

 

My timeline of purchasing a setup would be the start of the summer .

[ChaseChrome]

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