First switch rod

[Paul1913]

I've been looking to get into fly fishing and been thinking about different fly rods, weight and length.

I know it's dependent on what I'm fishing for but it could be steel and other smaller trouts. I was thinking in the 6-7wt range and about 9ft.. My budget would be about 150$...

Any thoughts or suggestions

 

[[email protected]]

well first question is, the budget, is that for everything? or just the rod? you can get a decent starter set for $150 made by redington or TFO. if you can find room in your budget, you could buy everything separate, you're looking $150 for the rod alone, you can get a decent reel for $70, and line for $35-$100, plus you'll need leaders, tippet and flies.

even with the starter kit, it comes with line and 1 leader and half a dozen flies. the line most likely won't have the loop to loop connection, which makes it very easy to change leaders, otherwise, you need to learn the nail knot, or tie a loop at the end of your fly line.

for a beginner, i would start with no fewer than 20 flies, you're going to lose a few to trees, tall grass, bushes, bottom, fish, etc minimum of 2 leaders and 2 spools of tippet, 4.4lb and 6.8lb in 3x or 4x

 

[Paul1913]

Awesome thanks.. I picked up a orvis 9ft 8wt piece rod and reel combo. Came with backing and leader.

I'll go back this week and see what I need.

 

[Paul1913]

And bring your list along..

 

[[email protected]]

also have a look through these videos, i found them very useful when i was starting out, and still do

http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons/chapter-one-the-basics-of-fly-fishing/228-what-do-you-really-need-to-get-started

 

[Bow Man]

also have a look through these videos, i found them very useful when i was starting out, and still do

http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons/chapter-one-the-basics-of-fly-fishing/228-what-do-you-really-need-to-get-started

Love those Orvis videos very helpful to any one starting out.

 

[Paul1913]

I've seen them before.. Well. A couple. But I did spent an hour last night watching them..

 

[Bow Man]

Typically on most outfits the line the give you is garbage, so maybe think about changing that out down the road. Also would recommend taking a least one casting lesson.

Also here is a link to a Ontario based fly company: http://www.reelflies.ca/ I use there flies and they are top notch, Maybe one day you will tie your own.

 

[Paul1913]

Now where do you start with the flies. Their selection is overwhelming.

 

[[email protected]]

it can be very overwhelming, start with the standbys, i fish the rivers you fish quite often, olive/black/grey bead head nymphs size 8-16 work very very well for steelhead and browns, woollybuggers in the same colours, pick up some prince nymphs and pheasant tails, pick up some poppers for bass if you like, big streamers for pike

 

[Shawarma]

In addition to those, can't go wrong with Hare's ear nymph either.

Also, find yourself a hatch chart of the rivers you are going to fish and it'll be a great starting point.

 

[[email protected]]

In addition to those, can't go wrong with Hare's ear nymph either.

Also, find yourself a hatch chart of the rivers you are going to fish and it'll be a great starting point.

hah forgot the most important one, the hares ear has caught me more fish than anything else

 

[Kit]

Now where do you start with the flies. Their selection is overwhelming

I would just pick up what you need for now. I assume you are chasing steel right now? Get some intruders, big stone fly nymphs, streamers, big buggers. Basically rule of thumb is fish bigger flies in colder water and fish smaller flies in warmer water. In the spring if you want to chase pike I would pick up some clousers. The steel flies also work with bass too.

Now come when the small streams open for trout your gonna have a bit of a hard time swinging that rod around. Yet alone a 8wt is over kill for small stream trout fishing. I say if you really enjoy fly fishing it pick up a 3-4wt.

 

[Paul1913]

Appreciate all the input. Not many streams around here that hold trout. About 1hr+ drive away.

I have CP for steelhead but done that until the spring.

 

[Kit]

Ah so your just looking to target the warm water guys with the fly rod? Basically all the flies I mentioned are killer for Bass, Pike, Eyes etc.

 

[Paul1913]

I'll prolly give it a go for steelhead too when float isn't a good option..

 

[[email protected]]

I'll prolly give it a go for steelhead too when float isn't a good option..

for me i had to leave my float rod at home, or my fly rod didn't get used when i was first starting on the fly, its hard to leave something thats been successful

 

[Paul1913]

My purchase isn't a switch rod but a fly one. The price was too good to pass up