Since last year when I started to visit the site, there have been a number of fishers interested in getting into fly fishing. Correct me if I am wrong, but most of them seem to be looking on the 'net for info and reviews on equipment, especially rods. When I started, a novice bought books, which would hold a comprehensive over-view of what was needed. IMO, internet searches are comparatively spotty or do not provide a cohesive discussion of the subject.
I suggest the two links below be read by those excited to start this year.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/part1.php
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/part3.php
One of the first questions is, "What do you plan to fish for, and how big is the water you plan to fish most of the time?" Once that is settled, you can start to narrow your search to appropriate tools within you budget.
My intention with the next info is not to brag, but to make a point. I have 15 fly rods and belong to a casting club so I can try several others. I have 3 4wts, 4 5wts, 4 6wts, 3 7wts and a 9wt ... and they are all different!
And they are all different than the Loomises, Sages, Loops and bamboo rods at the club. Members of the club are all shapes and sizes, male and female. Most of them have several rods and settled on ones that match their size, style and energy.
Which one is right for you?
Generally a novice does better with a well-balanced, moderately priced rod such as a StCroix Imperial or Avid because they lack the timing, appropriate application of power, and sensitivity to the flex of the rod and the pull of the line, that experience and practice provide. As well, because they have a whole lifetime of throwing objects (and Rapalas) forward with a motion that is not fly casting, they have in fact the completely wrong muscle memory. Fortunately less expensive, slower/softer rods are forgiving of this, whereas stiffer rods will react to every twitch (and error) and be harder to manage as a beginning caster.
So as the season begins, I implore new casters to connect with someone who can let you try a couple of rods - and cast for about 1/2 an hour. Don't buy a rod just because of recommendations or what you read. If you read the descriptions by rod manufactures they are: not always accurate and; sometimes self-contradictory.
In the club we say you won't know very much about your first rod until you get your second one ('cause only then can you compare). Like shoes, clothes and most tools, one size does not fit all and only a 'test drive' will let you know what feels best for you.
I just don't want you to start off on a path of unnecessary compromise and frustration.
I suggest the two links below be read by those excited to start this year.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/part1.php
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/part3.php
One of the first questions is, "What do you plan to fish for, and how big is the water you plan to fish most of the time?" Once that is settled, you can start to narrow your search to appropriate tools within you budget.
My intention with the next info is not to brag, but to make a point. I have 15 fly rods and belong to a casting club so I can try several others. I have 3 4wts, 4 5wts, 4 6wts, 3 7wts and a 9wt ... and they are all different!
And they are all different than the Loomises, Sages, Loops and bamboo rods at the club. Members of the club are all shapes and sizes, male and female. Most of them have several rods and settled on ones that match their size, style and energy.
Which one is right for you?
Generally a novice does better with a well-balanced, moderately priced rod such as a StCroix Imperial or Avid because they lack the timing, appropriate application of power, and sensitivity to the flex of the rod and the pull of the line, that experience and practice provide. As well, because they have a whole lifetime of throwing objects (and Rapalas) forward with a motion that is not fly casting, they have in fact the completely wrong muscle memory. Fortunately less expensive, slower/softer rods are forgiving of this, whereas stiffer rods will react to every twitch (and error) and be harder to manage as a beginning caster.
So as the season begins, I implore new casters to connect with someone who can let you try a couple of rods - and cast for about 1/2 an hour. Don't buy a rod just because of recommendations or what you read. If you read the descriptions by rod manufactures they are: not always accurate and; sometimes self-contradictory.
In the club we say you won't know very much about your first rod until you get your second one ('cause only then can you compare). Like shoes, clothes and most tools, one size does not fit all and only a 'test drive' will let you know what feels best for you.
I just don't want you to start off on a path of unnecessary compromise and frustration.
