Fly Fishing N00b

[punkrockerpj]

I just bought a fly rod and reel off kijiji for 40 bucks (with case)!!!!
I've always wanted to fly fish but never had the cash for the rod and reel. i tried it out in my gym, it seems to work well.
My question for you-- what pointers would you give a newbie such as myself?
I live in waterloo and hear it's great for fly fishing. I'll be picking up a set of cheaper waders (hodgeman's chest) and want to wander around the grand and conestogo.

so far, i have 3 or 4 flies. I actually really had the best of luck with live bait and frozen shrimp. would this work with a fly fishing rod?

Thoughts and tips?

 

[Rain-Bow]

I'm not sure about the shrimp, but I've used nightcrawlers with great success. Although sometimes they fly off the hook when overhead casting.

 

[Porter86]

I'm pretty new to fly fishing as well. Ive had mine for a year now, only been on the water twice with it. there is a fly fishing show this weekend in hamilton. Should check it out. And maybe we can get out there and learn together as well some time.

 

[Madriverfisher]

I don't know about the live bait as I have never tired it but I am always down for hitting up the grand and can show you a few things.

 

[threeparrots]

I bought my first fly setup last year. There is lots to learn online, as well as the folks at various stores. I've asked plenty of questions to both and have received great support. I have fished only for bass so far, as I figured it would be the easiest way to get the hang of it since bass are the easiest to catch (IMO!). Get out there and practice throwing a fly around. You'll pick up the technique as you go -- and of course, YouTube is a great help as well.

There's a lot of info out there -- go bit by bit and it won't seem as overwhelming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8ugEgxBg6U&feature=relmfu

For instance, I found this video about spooling a fly reel to be incredibly helpful when I was getting started. Keep digging and you'll find what you're after.

 

[Graham Bristow]

Hey Guys,

It looks like lots of new fly anglers here, that's good to see.. I teach and guide fly fishing full time so if I can help let me know.. Dont be shy, just ask.

Hey PJ, i'd stay away from the shrimp with the fly rod, chances are it will just fly off the hook and i beleive the Grand and conestoga have special no bait sections so be cautious of that.

If you want a few good flies, get these..

Hairs ear nymphs, size 12 to 18
Pheasant tail Nymphs size 12 to 18
Green Caddis Larva size 14 to 18
HBI Nymph size 12 to 18
San Juan Worm

get them all in non-bead head and bead head.

For Dries,

Adams, size 12 to 18
Elk hair Caddis size 14 to 18
Royal Coachman - 12 to 18

of coarse this is just a start but if you hit the local fly shops they can provide you with more up to date flies based on the time of year and hatch charts..

 

[CrazyFishJoe]

well from one nood to another, i pick up my first fly rod at the toronto sportsmen show this past march. got a 9ft. 5wt. combo from orvis. since dec i've watched every titorial on you tube known to man. lol i'v spent the last two months reading books. and the first two weeks i had my rod were spent in a park practicing my cast( seeing a guy in a park in jane and finch fly casting must of been a riot for some ppl lmao) have had a few trips to the credit and was only skunked once!! Advice? do your research and learn the basics of the are and in know time you will have fish. my good friday was spent out east of toronto and hooked into a butiful bow/steelhead on a beed head stone fly nymph!! watch and read everything you can on line!! do the research and you wont be disapointed!!! Keep it moist!! you knoowww!!!