Fly Fisherpeople Fishing Adventure!

[BAD BEHAVIOR]

, What would be the best weight rod to ask for or to try to get Heath to order? How would I know which reel? And while Im asking how do I select line , leader, and what the hell is a tippet??

[noleflyfisher]

BB, I'd suggest an 8 weight. That is a good all around rod for most all of our inshore species. There are lots of good entry level saltwater reels on the market. Just make sure it's durable and can withstand the salt. Off the top of my head TFO, Redington, and Lamson all make very good mid range reels. The Scientific Anglers Headstart line is a good line to start with. It's made a little heavier to help you "feel" the cast while you're learning. You can also put a nine weight line on an eight weight rod to accomplish the same goal. Leaders: I just buy the SA pre-made tapered leaders. 12lb usually and I add 20-24 inches of 20lb fluoro shock.

Capt Reggie, I'll do my best to jump in on your flyfishing adventure. Just let me know what the particulars are when you nail it down.

[Capt Reggie]

Outstanding response, Ya'all! Noleflyfisher, I was hoping you would climb aboard - I need ya Bro! Thanks for helping BadBehavior out, he's one of the reasons why I came out of retirement on this issue! Barhopr, thanks for the input - you guys are really going to help me make this thing a lot easier!

BadBehavior - the advice Noleflyfisher gave you is outstanding! I concur that the 8-weight is a great "start up" rod...the reel is important, but not as primo as the rod, line, & leader (tippet size)! To quote myself from the session last meeting: "The fly reel is just a storage device for the fly line and backing. Therefore, the fly reel only need be large enough to accommodate at least 150-yards of #30 backing and the fly line on the spool, and stand up to the rigors of salt water. You must remember to immediately clean the fly reel up just like any other equipment used in salt water! You can go low end on the fly reel and get away with lesser quality, but you cannot do the same with a fly rod".
If you really do have a $1,000 to spend on getting started, send me a pm I need to talk to you, please!

[Chalk]

You don't need 30# backing on an 8 weight, 20# is plenty and if end up in your backing you have tied into something large.

A reel is more than a storage device - order of precedence would be rod, line and reel with a good drag.

If you want to spend a $1,000 you should be able to buy more than one outfit...I suggest you borrow an outfit or buy one outfit to see if you even like it...I could probably put together three rigs for $1,000 with some help, but I could spend it on one easily .

I suggest buying a medium action rod for a first rod....temple Fork professional would be a good beginner rod...Sage, Gloomis, Lamiglas, etc all have medium fast rods that are good for a beginner...A fast action rod is nice if you have the rhythm, if you don't have the rhythm (timing) down, it will make your learning curve greater or more difficult.

[jmlockwood]

BB--I've had good luck with the Temple Fork fly rods for typical fishing around the coast. The professional series runs around $150 and is medium-fast action. I own an 8 weight that is equipped with a 9 weight line and it is very comfortable to cast. The heavier line loads the rod nicely and allows you to "feel" what is going on with the cast.

You could also step up to the TicrX rods but they are fast action. This helps for the wind but may not be a rod that you would necessarily want to learn to fly fish. I have a 6 weight version that is strung with a #7 line. Again, the rod loads nicely, allows for casting in wind, but the margin of error is less that the medium-fast action rod.

I also agree that you can spend as much money as you want on a fly reel but after a certain point you are really just buying a name and a flashy design. I own a cheap Okuma and a Ross CLA. The Ross cost about 4 times as much but they catch fish exactly the same way.

Overall, I would say just get a rod and reel that will accomplish the goal. Then go purchase the $1000 outfit if you really enjoy it.

[Barhopr]

This is geared toward Cairo trout and little off topic, but since there will soon be a void around here for a brick and mortor place to get fly stuff (The little corner at Kevins doesn't count) what would it take to get a dealership for some of the manufactures? Online is OK if your replaceing stuff you've already had but new folks like to look and touch rods/reels etc.... Get on it Heath!

[Barhopr]

I second the TFO recommendation Although it's all I've ever had. 8wt 9 ft. TiCrX and a TFO 375. I would suggest that what ever you get get a spare spool to line up for different kinds of fishing, much cheaper than two separate rigs. Also have a TiCrX 12wt in the closet w/ aTFO Terry Hayden II,(on it's way to me) for anything big that likes to run

[Capt Reggie]

This is geared toward Cairo trout and little off topic, but since there will soon be a void around here for a brick and mortor place to get fly stuff (The little corner at Kevins doesn't count) what would it take to get a dealership for some of the manufactures? Online is OK if your replacing stuff you've already had but new folks like to look and touch rods/reels etc.... Get on it Heath!

Barhopr's right on target here! We definitely have a void that needs filling in town with the Tallahassee Fly Shop closing it's doors next month! Has anybody with money checked with the owner to see if he can pass the shop on for $? Kevin's will be "the only bar in town" when this fly shop closes, unless someone out there knows where there is another close source...we are stuck with mail order! Now that is fine for guys like me that are set up and know what they are buying, but for the novice - OUCH! Help someone!

[outdoor7or24]

Guys, I am new to the board. I saw this and wanted to say I have the fly fishing gear and knowledge (guided in WY), but I do not have a boat. Well, I do have a jon boat and float tube. If anyone wants to fly fish, let me know. I love to fish. I can help out with casting and if anyone likes to tie flies, let me know. We had a fly fishing club at UGA and we would get together to tie flies.
I have been going to St. Marks, Wakulla Beach, Alligator point with some success.

I am in Thomasville.

[Eerman]

I've got a boat. I've got a rod. I've got 0 experience. Unfortunately, got my setup the same time the new baby came, so I haven't had time to get the art down. Haven't even tried the longpole on the water yet. Just bought some cheapo fly tying equipment yesterday.

outdoor7or24, welcome aboard.

Bad Behavior, I've got an 8 weight Temple Fork TicrX with a Lamson Litespeed. What little bit I've got to throw it, I've been well pleased.

[Capt Reggie]

Welcome OD7x24...we needed some more fly fishing dudes! There is a fly club in town named Big Bend Fly Fishers...check them on the web (http://www.BBFF.com I think)! I've been out of touch with most of them since 1999 (where I dropped off the planet and...never-mind) but I am planning on rejoining soon!

Funny you should mention this subject, but a few of us used to get together and tie flies almost every week over at one another's houses...I miss that! WY fly fisherman and fly tier means serious trout fishing to me. And, you used to be a guide, you say? My Oh My, yes sir, welcome indeed! Send me a pm and I'll converse some more (I'm a transplanted westerner myself from sunny California to New Mexico and some parts in between)!

[Chalk]

Welcome aboard outdoor7or24

[BAD BEHAVIOR]

Thanks guys ! I really appreciate all the info. Yes if I had to spend a grand to get into it I would but of course if I can get a good rig for a few hundred , that would be my choice. I have done a good deal of fly slinging in the ochlocknee and @ lake Seminole. How much different is fresh water slingin to salt water slingin?? I look forward to slingin a rod soon with you fellas pretty soon!!

[Chalk]

I look forward to slingin a rod soon with you fellas pretty soon!!

[BAD BEHAVIOR]

Sorry, that didnt come out right