| Author | Message | ||
     M2statz |
Anybody here fly fish? My wife wants to learn and I have not fly fished in more that 30 years. Just wondering if any one could recommend any beginner combos or has any advice for me/her. Thanks | ||
| Hex |
http://www.stcroixrods.com/category/fly_fishing Practice lawn casting a couple times a week. Put a tuft of yarn on the end of your tippet (leader). Get a hulahoop and practice accuracy and distance. Then practice casting over water with just the yarn. Learn forward, backward, sideways, hauling, double haul, and roll casting (works best over water). A 9 foot 5 weight rod is where most people start, however is may be better to get a heavier rod like 6-7-or 8 weight if you are going to throw big bugs or poppers or in the wind. I don't want to dominate this thread for it is a business of mine, and frankly I am interested in others experiences. I will give advise later if there are holes. Hex | ||
| M2statz |
What's to dominate? I asked for advice and appreciate what you have freely given. Thank you very much. Should she take lessons? She learns very with a dual source such as a DVD or book and then hands on. | ||
| Hex |
People learn new skills differently. An introductory casting lesson or two won't hurt. My dad didn't get much out of his first class, but Kathleen did. I'm self taught. Flyfishing can be very frustrating if you haven't learned casting before hand. So what I recommend is lawn casting until you become a little proficient. Nothing worse than knowing where a fish is, knowing what bugs they like, spending ten minutes getting your rig together, and hooking an obstacle on your first back cast. Also dangerous in a way. You can hook your ear easily. Or your buddies. Also flyrods are usually carbon fiber. Conductive. Don't touch the 220v or 440v line going into your house with your 9 foot rod. Zap. I'm planting gladiolas right now, I'll be back soon. | ||
| Damnut |
Check out my buddy's fly fishing store. www.bearsden.com Here's his link for instructional stuff. www.bearsden.com/page16.html | ||
| Hootowl |
OK, since Hex won't toot his own horn, I'll blow it for him. Wait, that didn't come out right. Oh well. Hex makes a rather unique carbon fiber fishing rod. Unique enough to recently have been granted a patent. Since fishing rod manufacturers are not competing with badweb sponsors for business, I'll post the URL: http://www.ryanrodco.com | ||
| Mikej |
The local shop near Milwaukee offers beginning fly casting lessons at times as does the Milwaukee Parks and Rec department, so you might want to see if there are any classes closer to you in Madison. Also do a web search for a local fly fishing club, or a trout fishing club since a lot of the trout anglers are into fly fishing as well. I started off with a 7weight fiberglass rod/reel combo I got at K-Mart and it worked just fine for me. Then I "upgraded" to a lighter glass rod I got at a yard sale for a dollar and that got me into lighter lines. I built-up/assembled a 9weight rod for steelhead that didn't work out so well. I currently have a sweet 3/4wt Scott 8' rod and Ari T Hart lightweight reel that I picked up for too much money many years ago. I really like this setup and hopefully will be getting it out this summer (assuming I can find it, haven't seen it for a few years now). Also web search for any fly tieing (tying?) clubs or classes since those tend to be more frequent and the people/members there can point you to lessons or someone who could help get her (and you) going. As to what to get (Hex can jump in anytime) I'd suggest deciding what you want to go after and where you want to do it at. Big lake gear can be different than small brushy stream gear, even though I use my setup for everything so far except for the bigger fish. 5-7weight setups are probably a good starting place. Rod length seems to get political at times, a 9' rod might be a hassle around a brushy stream bank, and a 7' rod might not work in other situations. Then there is the whole handling thing where some rods cast heavier flies and bugs and some work better with the lighter rigs, some are fine in a stiff wind and others just about collapse in anything windy. If you're going to focus on just dry flies or if you'll want to work sinking lines can factor into it as well. I just stick with my 8'er and a floating line, handles dry flies, small poppers, and some nymph fishing as well with the right leader configuration. But I'm rusty on all this so if I'm off base then adjust accordingly and ignore what I said. Start slow, buy only what you need, and unless you're floating in cash just start off with a basic general purpose all around rod and reel. I'd also suggest starting off with a basic double taper floating line and a good backing line behind it. I don't know if these suggestions are outdated these days, if so then adjust accordingly. Hope this helps at least a little. | ||
| Hex |
I could go on and on...and I will! I've also heard good things about http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/ and of course there's always Cabela's: http://tinyurl.com/39jaqdw More on the danger/safety part. I actually wear a ripcord-cartage-CO2-discharge-inflatable-lifevest under my gear while fishing. Wading is rivers in full regalia can be deadly. Even shore fishing can be deadly, just one false step-splash. Never be too confident when in nature. Practice your swimming skills as well as your casting... Waders can fill with water quickly and pull you down, and out. Waders typically have a waist belt which will prevent water from filling your legs, which should also always be used. An 8 or 9 foot 6 or 7 weight rod is probably most versatile for starters. You can cast the smallest dry flys with these as well as some bigger bugs like small poppers and wollybuggers. IMO dry fly for wild trout is the most rewarding, (next may be shore fishing in the Pacific for Surf Perch). But 75% of the trout I have caught have been on nymphs. Casting a nymph rig is not very pretty, a lot of times you just sort of lob it up stream, and pay attention to the tiny bobber on the surface. Line control is still very important, too tight a line between the fly or bobber and rod, and you'll spook the fish by dragging the surface water, too loose and you'll miss setting the hook. Setting the hook is easy usually, when you've got a bite, just lift the rod tip gently. But timing is everything. Wear polarized sunglasses, they are a huge help in both protecting your eyes from the surface glare and they actually allow you to see through the water most of the time. I used to wear $200 Maui Jim's, but now find the $15 Target/Walmart/Costco variety to be sufficient. I like amber to rose shades. I always wear a brimmed hat and sun screen. My hat is an Aussi type so I can pin one or both sides so as not to hit it with the rod. (Message edited by hex on May 12, 2010) | ||
| Hootowl |
"I like amber to rose shades." I knew you looked at the world through rose colored lenses!  | ||
| Riding_tall |
hex was spot on. As said above, some lessons would be a great foundation. Above all, don't get tangled in all the details, just enjoy. A book that may be of interest "Uncommon Waters" - women write about fishing | ||
| Luvthemtorts |
Good looking, elegant rods there Hex! Any interest in attempting a dainty two piece ultralight spinning rod? | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Drop me a line if you ever want to try western Wisconsin. My Son and I fly fish all the time out there. We usually do pretty good too. (Message edited by rocketsprink on May 11, 2010) | ||
| Sifo |
Wading is rivers in full regalia can be deadly. Even shore fishing can be deadly, just one false step-splash. My brother-in-law always give me and my wife grief about our dangerous life style activities. Windsurfing, motorcycling, mountain biking, etc. Last year he broke his leg shore fishing on Lake Michigan. I couldn't help but see irony in that. Back to tormenting the fish... | ||
| Moxnix |
Hex's fishing rods are the Buell of their industry. | ||
| Hex |
That's why my company is basically out of business.  | ||
| Lastcyclone |
Don't spend a whole bunch on the first rod. http://ffo-tackle.com/detail.cfm?PassProdId=4227 Free fly casting instructional videos. http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=learn+to+fly+cast&aq=f (Message edited by lastcyclone on May 11, 2010) | ||
| Luvthemtorts |
So I'm guessing thats a no huh Hex? | ||
| Mnrider |
 Get at least an 8 ft. rod they cast easier. Then practice and enjoy the fun and excitement of catching a fish on a piece of elk hair or whatever. | ||
| Moxnix |
Hex, take the family to Jackson Hole for the weekend and visit the boutique fishing tackle shops with your deluxe wares. Think 1190RR. I like the ultra light spinning rod idea. Left my custom made one, with my very own name on it, in the Aleutian Islands in 1981. Still miss it for traveling. | ||
| Hex |
Luv, unfortunately you are correct at the moment. I probably put 1000hrs into a set of molds for a 4 piece rod. Cut that in half and multiply that with machine time... Sorry for now. | ||
| Hex |
Thanks Moxnix, I know you mean well. There has to be some support for my company than my dad's life insurance. Keep thinking.... | ||
| Gregtonn |
Pflueger Medalist reel, less than thirty dollars but good quality and with care will last a lifetime. Start with a reasonably priced eight to nine foot medium action rod, Redington makes decent quality one in the $60-$90 range. AirCel or other 5wt to 7wt floating fly line. Start with hair wing or humpy dry flies because it's easier to see the strike. Learn the basic fly fishing knots: http://killroys.com/knots/knots.htm 1. Clinch knot for tying on flys. 2. Nail knot for attaching leaders and backing to fly line. 3. Barrlel/Blood knot for tying leaders. A pair of nail clippers on a string is useful for clipping leaders and the tag ends of knots. Fly dressing will keep dry flys floating longer. A wide brim hat is useful for avoiding hooking yourself. Speaking of getting hooked, good luck, after you catch that first one you'll be hopelessly hooked. Those are a few of the basics once you get into it you will no doubt being reading volumes on the subject. G | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Rocco, do you fish for trout in a stream in Western Wisconsin? If so, where about? The reason I ask is that I've never went trout fishing in a stream before and would like to. | ||
| Luvthemtorts |
Thanks for the reply Hex. Just know that if you ever decide to delve into spinning rods you will have one sold. I have been blessed to have had my "Eagle Eye Annie" for going on 20 years. She was made by Orvis back when they made tackle other than fly fishing equipment. Still serves me admireably and I love my time afield with her, but I fear the day will come when she just can't take anymore. Just this past weekend she landed over 20 river Smallmouths as well as numerous Roanoke Bass and Panfish. | ||
| Hr_puffinstuff |
M2statz> i have a (very) small place on the river, about 1/2 way between Tipperary Point and Hookers Resort. If you'd like to get out in the backwater, i have an old beater canoe you're welcome to use any time. We've caught everything that swims in the river, with the exception of walleye, within minutes of the house. The water is so shallow back here, that canoes and kayaks are the only way to get around, so there is little to no pressure on the fish. If you're interested, just drop me a PM, and i'll put you on the fish! <hotrod, aka puffi | ||
| M2statz |
Thanks for everything guys! Just goes to show that Buellers are the best!! I was thinking that this looked like an OK starter set and the price was OK. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/produc t/standard-item.jsp?id=0075491321246a&navCount=1&p odId=0075491&parentId=cat604906&masterpathid=&navA ction=jump&cmCat=flycombos_2010_032910-email&catal ogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat604906 &hasJS=true Rocco-I have family all over SW Wisconsin from Potosi to Prairie du Chein to LaFarge, so yeah we will have to talk at HC about a trip. Mr. Puff-that would be great, seeing that you are not that far away. Why haven't we tried to get together for rides sooner? Now there is another reason to try to meet. Are you riding to HC? I will be in touch. Thanks again guys and please let me know what you think about the Cabela's outfit.  (Message edited by m2statz on May 12, 2010) | ||
| Hex |
Did you read: Due to unforeseen popularity of the Prestige Outfits, we are temporarily out of stock on many models until the end of June. We apologize for this and appreciate your business. The kit looks great otherwise. Nothing wrong with a two piece rod either. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Hats off to the dedicated folks that fly fish...I have done it, and enjoyed it...but after having spent some time Tournament fishing for bass...I just have to be able to make that cast every 30 seconds...so I fish UltraLight spinning...I have gotten so addicted to it, that most of my other tackle goes neglected....I normally fish with 2 pound test, and cast 1/32nd and occasionally 1/64th ounce jigs.....they are awesome for any sport fish (at least down south) including crappie, all manner of panfish, and bass....I have mounted a 7lb 15oz largemouth I caught on a 1/32 oz green jig and 2 pound trilene XT mono.  When I fish weedy lakes or lakes with other cover, I use appropriate tackle...and oh yeah...I did once catch a bass about 5 pounds on a fly rod with a popper. | ||
| Hex |
I think you should find a local fly-fishing-only retailer if there is one in your area. They will have a starter outfit and walk you through setup and usage. One product I really like is fly line dressing. Something like this: http://tinyurl.com/2eebbxs Silt is in/on all water, and it is basically sand. As you fish, the fly line picks up the sand and embeds in its soft casing. Then you pull that sandy line back and forth through the guides and it wears grooves in them quickly. So I always condition the line before and after use. +1 to learn your knots. From http://killroys.com/knots/knots.htm I use: Backing to Fly reel Knot, Backing to Fly line with Albright Knot, From fly line to tapered leader I use a Needle knot which is basically a Nail knot fished through the center of the fly line, For taper leader to tippet I use a Surgeons Knot or Blood Knot (sometimes one works and one don't, you'll see), And for Tippet to Dry Fly I use a Turtle knot: http://www.flyfishingconnection.com/doubleturtle.h tml You should be able to tie all these from memory--stream side. The reason we use tippet is because every time you change a fly, your tapered leader will be shortened. You can start out tying flies directly to the tapered leader, but eventually it will be too short and too thick to be effective, so you tie on a couple feet of tippet material, and this way you can change many flies without shortening you tapered leader. | ||
| Lastcyclone |
Nice rainbow. On a fly I tied and rod I made. There are many ways to fish, but fly fishing either gets into you or it doesn't. If you like to fish and have never done it, give it a try it may be great fun for you too. Like many other things in life, it may take a while to get good at it(like riding a Buell), but once you do, you have that knowledge and experience for the rest of your days.  |
