[puppydrum48]

Hey everyone, its been awhile since i have been on the site, been really busy with work. I am looking into getting my hands wet in fly fishing. I dont know anything about it but what i have watched on tv. Im interested on fishing saltwater. any information will be helpful, websites, movies, advise on what to buy anything will be helpful

 

[Topsail Angler]

Hey Greg - welcome back!

 

[Slowriser]

Welcome Greg and there is sooooo much info available, that in itself is staggering. Suggestion! Lefty Kreh books, Orvis site, use the web to research. Buy cheap to start so you don't spend too much and not use it. We had one person on here who just finish getting rid of all his Fly fishing gear. He just never got comfortable with the whole thing. It takes some time, and plenty of backyard slinging to put the fly where you need it to be presented. But, learn as much as you can from research. Ask questions here, as there are plenty of FFF on this site. FFF (Fly Fishing Fanatics). But start out with a rod, match with a reel and line weight that it is compatible with the rod, at a modest price. That way, if you get frustrated and decide to stop, you haven't lost a mortgage payment or two. Check out Bass Pro Shop, Cabelas,...etc, for a good setup at a good price. Then, practice casting to rings of string, tubes, buckets, whatever in the yard, if possible. Good Luck to you.

 

[Scott Hobbs]

KISS........keep it simple..stupid..........thats my outlook........

Buy cheap and then go high if you decide to go full bore. If you go full bore to start with that major investment is lost and will have to resale for cheap.

tight lines <*)))))>{

 

[Topsail Angler]

That's a good advice. Especially when getting into something new - good way to learn the different type so equipment, techniques etc before you get a lot invested. Another good idea is to buy the "other guys" stuff (you know, the one that went full bore then decided it wasn't for him...LOL)

 

[backlash]

Since you are planning to hit the Salt. I say look for a modest 8 wt. Because the fish that you are likely to target will make long runs reel with a good drag will be important. I have found the Pflueger President models to be perfectly suited for salt and resonably priced. Cabela's, Bass Pro. and others have some very good combos that get started quickly and inexpensively, with having to match everything; just add a leader and fly and go fishing.

Lefty Kreh is considered to be the abolsute authority on fly casting and his DVDs are very helpful and informative. However, a bit of hands on instruction to get the basics down is always a great foundation for starting your fly fishing experience. There is an Outer Banks Fly Fishing Club http://www.outerbanksflyfishing.com/forum/forum_topics.aspFID=36 I'm sure that there are some folks there that would happily help you get started. Also, there is tons of Fly Fishing Instruction on YouTube.com.

You may find these sites helpful:
Fly fishing information for everyone
Fly Fishing in Salt Water - CCA Florida announces 2007 Legislative Conservation Awards

 

[popper]

Pritty much listen to thees good ol boys thay won't stear you wrong

 

[Scott Hobbs]

This is a skill that you will have to learn. Some people pick it up quick and others not so quick. It will take some practice and using the rig for bream in lakes and ponds is fantastic pracitce.

These little bruisers can put a hurt in a flyrod, and you can have a blast catching them for the bed later in May. These fish will let you know if your doing good or not, by not scaring em to death. If they bite good youre doing something right and learning.

tight lines <*)))))>{

 

[puppydrum48]

Thanks guys. Im gonna have to go get me a cheap little one and try it out on some of these lakes here in DC metro area. I think it will be fun. It will give me something to do, when i cant afford the gas money to drive home to NC

 

[backlash]

Hey PuppyDrum- I forgot that you were up in the DC area. The Bass Pro Shop in Arundel Mills has some upcoming Fly Fishing Clinics which would be a perfect place for you to start. Below is the blurb from their website:

April 25, 2008
Fly Casting with Dusty Wissmath
Join FFF certified fly casting instructor Dusty Wissmath for a evening that will have you casting like a pro in no time. Learn rod/reel basics and line selection, when and why to use specific products and general fly fishing information. Bring your favorite rod & reel to class or use one of Bass Pro's.

Class dates are Friday April 25th, Friday May 23rd and Friday June 20th.
Classes are held in the White River Fly shop 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

Stop by the store or call 410.689.2500 to sign up

 

[puppydrum48]

Thanks backlash, I will definatly have to check it out. Just have to wait and see if i have to work them day. U know the military., u get off when they let u.

 

[surfnflyangler]

PuppyDrum I just started fly fishing a little over a year ago, and i started off with just the cheap rod and reel . Heres my input on it . Flyfishing for anyone that loves to fish is like crack for a crackhead. Once you start you wont be able to stop no matter if you catch fish or not , just being out there doing it is whats addicting.
I started off with like i said a cheap rod and reel and kept stepping it up a notch each purchase when i could have just saved money and bought a good one to begin with .
I seen it happen to not only me but my old man too . I bought him a cheap one for fathers day last year and when i went home for christmas he had more rods and reels than me and was on the water everyday of the week. So i would say dont go with the cheapest one go with a somewhat decent rod . You will be able to suceed a lot better to. Think about it this way. If all the people that learned to play guitar on a nice one instead of a cheap one most of them wouldnt quit as early why because they are better made and easier to play Same Goes for a Fly Rod.

 

[Scott Hobbs]

10-4 surf.......thats one way to look at it.

Maybe the best thing is to buy the best outfit you can afford without breaking the bank.

tight lines <*)))))>{

 

[popper]

Well if you buy a cheep one & slam it in your truck door you ant out veary much ( - ;

 

[backlash]

In that case buy one from Temple Fork Outfitters with a Lifetime No Fault Warranty.

 

[Slowriser]

All good thoughts and comments guys. I guess like Scott said, don't break the bank. IT is relative to your ability to invest in the equipment. Temple Fork is great, a St. Croix is good, a Clearwater is good, but it all depends on what you want. I agree the an 8-9wt would be your best rod for Saltwater, 5-6wt for ponds and fresh water, and maybe a 2-3wt for mountain waters if you are ever going for trout. But, that is down the road at this point. Okuma makes some inexpensive good performing reels. But, as with any water, the type of fish you are going after will determine what rod wt, line size, and reel capacity you need. Its a "sin" the number of rods, reels, line, and flies I have accumulated over the years. But, if you were hunting, you'd want to use the proper gun and load for your intended game. Fishing is no different. Just my opinion.

 

[puppydrum48]

What weight for a stocked pond here in the DC metro area. should I use 5 to 6. im not sure how big these guy are. Im getting ready to buy my trout permit, and try to find a lake/pond that doesnt make me pay to fish there.

 

[Slowriser]

The weight of the rod is telling you what size of line should be used to "go" with it. Balance and accuracy are important to cast your offerings. Then, the reels are also designated with wt. so that your capacity is adequate. I use a 2-3 rod for MT. Trout, with a small battenkill reel designed to handle 2-3 line. The size of the trout is a plus. You have to play a bigger fish and not try to horse him in. The line wt and leader and tippet determines whether you will be able to cast the fly of choice or hatch. It is different for saltwater, because your flies are larger, and mostly heavier. Check on a book, Ovris Fly Fishing by Tom Rossenbauer.
reading it and seeing it will help tremendously.

 

[Slowriser]

I grew up in Stafford, just south of DC about 50 minutes. However, that was back in the dark ages. I moved to NC in 1974. I knew from all the development that I was never going back to live there. To many people, too much concrete and pavement. Don't regret it.

 

[puppydrum48]

I can tell you one thing, I dont blame u for moving at all. I will be here until March of 2010. It isnt coming fast enough. Even though I must go back to a ship. it will be better than here. Cant even ride my Harley without being perinoid by someone else. but thanks for the help.