Any Fly Fishers?

[MikekiM]

Never been much of a fisherman but lately I have been having an urge to try fly fishing, or Tenkara.

Pretty confusing, if I am being honest... Four types of line, a gajillion lures, rod weights..

Anyone able to give me a Fly Fishing 101 tutorial?

 

[LukesfirstJeep]

This interests me. I haven't fly fished in almost 50 years. My grandfather and parents tried to teach me both fishing and fly tying. I never had the patience.

Now that I'm retired, I'm reminded of the saying "A bad day fishing beats a good day working"

 

[Brianj5600]

I am not a great fly fisherman, but can catch some fish. I usually look for a tackle shop in the area. They can tell you what fly's are emerging at that time and maybe a good spot to fish. There are tons of fly fishing videos on youtube.

 

[MikekiM]

I am not a great fly fisherman, but can catch some fish. I usually look for a tackle shop in the area. They can tell you what fly's are emerging at that time and maybe a good spot to fish. There are tons of fly fishing videos on youtube.

I've been binging the YouTube vids. Still can't say I understand the gear setup.

There is no shortage of bait/tackle shops around me so I will stop in. I am extremely vulnerable to going off the deep end. I have GAD really bad. (Gear Acquisition Disorder)

 

[BillW]

I knew 2 old bachelor brothers that fly fished. Tied their own flys , and I think had a couple named after them. They went to a fishing club that has canals dug on the property for the trout to simulate natural streams. The club would filet the fish before you took them home.My family was one of the lucky neighbors that shared in the bounty.....

The brothers were fairly wealthy. Their fishing cars were always big-engined 4 door sedans... The last one I remember was a 1970 Chevy Caprice with a 427 ci engine.....When they wanted to go fishing, they wanted to get there in a hurry.....

 

[DuckNut]

This was last October. This was my sons first cast with a fly rod for salmon. At age 10, he has landed many species on fly rod including a tarpon around 80 pounds.

Tell me what you are interested in fishing for and i can steer you where you need to be.

if you thought your jeep was expensive, get ready for sticker shock.

 

[MikekiM]

This was last October. This was my sons first cast with a fly rod for salmon. At age 10, he has landed many species on fly rod including a tarpon around 80 pounds.

Tell me what you are interested in fishing for and i can steer you where you need to be.

if you thought your jeep was expensive, get ready for sticker shock.

View attachment 614145

I actually remember that picture... you've posted it.

We have a few local streams that are stocked regularly with trout. Guessing that's the place to start.

The price of entry is insane. I'll probably go less than half a dozen time over the summer, if that much. Putting together a kit seems akin to skiing.. hugely expensive. I'm not looking to spend $1k on a rod.. Truth told, probably looking to spend less than a fifth of that on everything though I know that's not likely to happen.

 

[DuckNut]

I actually remember that picture... you've posted it.

We have a few local streams that are stocked regularly with trout. Guessing that's the place to start.

The price of entry is insane. I'll probably go less than half a dozen time over the summer, if that much. Putting together a kit seems akin to skiing.. hugely expensive. I'm not looking to spend $1k on a rod.. Truth told, probably looking to spend less than a fifth of that on everything though I know that's not likely to happen.

I'll put together an outfit for you. I'll cheap out on the reel since you arent fighting big fish and it only stores the line. The rod cannot come from walmart or youll hate it before you start.

 

[cliffish]

I'll put together an outfit for you. I'll cheap out on the reel since you arent fighting big fish and it only stores the line. The rod cannot come from walmart or youll hate it before you start.

cc me on that, looking to get back into it after 30 years.

 

[DuckNut]

cc me on that, looking to get back into it after 30 years.

I'll post on here generalities. You can pm for specifics.

I'll even see if I can find quality used gear at affordable prices.

 

[DuckNut]

Well that was easier than I expected.

Orvis has everything in one shot.

https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing/rods-reels-line/fly-rods/clearwater-fly-fishing-rods
Rod:
Now. 4 piece or 6? It is your choice and comes down to space and how much you have.

6 weight or 8 weight? 6 is great for average to smaller fish. 8 is a pretty hefty rod. I use an 8 for salmon and steelhead in fresh water and for 10 to 35 pound fish in saltwater. If you are going to be targeting your typical stream trout you could go with a 4. If you are going to be hitting the blue ribbon streams in NY, go 6. I use hefty lightly as the entire rod will be less than 2oz.

Reel:
Get the same size reel as the weight of the rod.

Line:
Same as reel. Taper, you want a WF taper, floating. That means there is more weight at the front and does not sink.

The Clearwater line has everything you need to get going. This is not junk and by no means is it top shelf. It is quality for the price. It is also above beginner gear because in my experience beginner gear is crap and I have seen too many people give up because they are fighting with their gear or they graduate to the next level quickly and wasted that money.

My fly reel for creek trout doesn't even have a drag. I just let the excess lay on the water for the next cast- my fingers are my drag.

This outfit will get you started in the yard. You will also need waders. Neoprene are warm and durable. But they have a tendency to put downward pressure on your knee caps. These are indispensable if you end up fishing for salmon and steelhead in the fall. The fabric ones are kickazz but offer zero insulation.

Now onto the cheat. Scour planet earth for this book.

Matching the Hatch: A Practical Guide to Imitation of Insects Found on Eastern and Western Trout Waters (by Ernest G. Schwiebert and Jams Prosek)

This book tells you the rivers to fish, what insects are hatching for any given month, the times they hatch, what flies to use and what size. This book will have you catching fish, not practicing casting. Follow that book and pay attention to the hexagena limbata hatch. That is the giant mayfly hatch. The biggest trout in the rivers chase the little guys away to gorge themselves. This is the time to catch that giant trout. Ironically, it's happening, oh maybe, now...May. LOL.

Need any specific info, pm me.

 

[MikekiM]

I'll put together an outfit for you. I'll cheap out on the reel since you arent fighting big fish and it only stores the line. The rod cannot come from walmart or youll hate it before you start.

I'd appreciate it. I agree that avoiding the Walmart Ozark Trails stuff makes sense.

I am another dozen or so videos in and still can't understand the lines.. I think I am understanding the weights of the lines but.. do I really need three different lines on the same real? And WTF is Tippet? I swear these talking heads are speaking a completely different language.

 

[DuckNut]

I'd appreciate it. I agree that avoiding the Walmart Ozark Trails stuff makes sense.

I am another dozen or so videos in and still can't understand the lines.. I think I am understanding the weights of the lines but.. do I really need three different lines on the same real? And WTF is Tippet? I swear these talking heads are speaking a completely different language.

See post above.

A tippet is a piece of monofilament that is tapered from the butt end to the other end. A 9 foot piece of mono that gets skinnier.

No! You need one line to get going and have fun. Most of those videos are for narcissistic a-hole who like to talk to tell others how much they know.

Yes, other lines are fine. One of my childhood friends has only used one type of line (weight forward, floating (WFF) and he is a fine fisherman. The people down here can't believe he catches tarpon with floating line.

 

[MikekiM]

Well that was easier than I expected.

Orvis has everything in one shot.

https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing/rods-reels-line/fly-rods/clearwater-fly-fishing-rods
Rod:
Now. 4 piece or 6? It is your choice and comes down to space and how much you have.

6 weight or 8 weight? 6 is great for average to smaller fish. 8 is a pretty hefty rod. I use an 8 for salmon and steelhead in fresh water and for 10 to 35 pound fish in saltwater. If you are going to be targeting your typical stream trout you could go with a 4. If you are going to be hitting the blue ribbon streams in NY, go 6. I use hefty lightly as the entire rod will be less than 2oz.

Reel:
Get the same size reel as the weight of the rod.

Line:
Same as reel. Taper, you want a WF taper, floating. That means there is more weight at the front and does not sink.

The Clearwater line has everything you need to get going. This is not junk and by no means is it top shelf. It is quality for the price. It is also above beginner gear because in my experience beginner gear is crap and I have seen too many people give up because they are fighting with their gear or they graduate to the next level quickly and wasted that money.

My fly reel for creek trout doesn't even have a drag. I just let the excess lay on the water for the next cast- my fingers are my drag.

This outfit will get you started in the yard. You will also need waders. Neoprene are warm and durable. But they have a tendency to put downward pressure on your knee caps. These are indispensable if you end up fishing for salmon and steelhead in the fall. The fabric ones are kickazz but offer zero insulation.

Now onto the cheat. Scour planet earth for this book.

Matching the Hatch: A Practical Guide to Imitation of Insects Found on Eastern and Western Trout Waters (by Ernest G. Schwiebert and Jams Prosek)

This book tells you the rivers to fish, what insects are hatching for any given month, the times they hatch, what flies to use and what size. This book will have you catching fish, not practicing casting. Follow that book and pay attention to the hexagena limbata hatch. That is the giant mayfly hatch. The biggest trout in the rivers chase the little guys away to gorge themselves. This is the time to catch that giant trout. Ironically, it's happening, oh maybe, now...May. LOL.

Need any specific info, pm me.

We posted right at the same time. This is awesome.. thank you!

Surprisingly, I understand a good amount of what you mention... WF Taper, rod & reel weight etc. Not lost on me.

I'll read through and come back with a few questions.

 

[srimes]

Oh yeah I love fishing and fly fishing is a blast!

There's a huge snooty aspect to fly fishing and a lot of catering to high-end clients with stupid money to burn. If that's your thing by all means go for it and have fun. Just don't assume that's necessary. Remember, fly fishing grew out of some of the most basic, cheapest kind of fishing possible: cane-pole fishing. Just a stick and some line.

A pet peeve of mine is high-priced fly reels. They're just jewelry. All a fly reel does is hold line. Nothing to it.

For getting started look for a basic graphite rod and reel package. You can upgrade later.

You should practice a lot way before you hit the water. You can even practice inside with a yard stick and yarn. If you have a cat they make great practice partners.

When you're ready to start practicing with a full-size rod it's best to go practice in a grass field with nothing to get tangled up on. Fly fishing is all about precise presentation, so make sure you're casting to specific targets. Most of the time presentation is more important than the fly itself, although the fly certainly matters.

The real magic of fly fishing is being able to present tiny, weightless lures. Try catching a bass like this with a casting rod!

 

[Brianj5600]

My daughters tiny fish.

 

[DuckNut]

A pet peeve of mine is high-priced fly reels. They're just jewelry. All a fly reel does is hold line. Nothing to it.

This is so true, to an extent. If your quarry is under 5 lbs no drag is required. Go after 150 lb and up and you not only need an excellent drag, the body itself must be capable to hold those forces.

When I was originally thinking of a good valued reel I thought of the Orvis Battenkill clicker for $99. It has since graduated to a disc and $240. Cross that one off.

There are way too many $1,000 rods made from $12 Chinese blanks made to fish for 2 lb trout. But God bless the guy selling them.

 

[MikekiM]

My daughters tiny fish.

View attachment 614349

View attachment 614348

Oh yeah I love fishing and fly fishing is a blast!

There's a huge snooty aspect to fly fishing and a lot of catering to high-end clients with stupid money to burn. If that's your thing by all means go for it and have fun. Just don't assume that's necessary. Remember, fly fishing grew out of some of the most basic, cheapest kind of fishing possible: cane-pole fishing. Just a stick and some line.

A pet peeve of mine is high-priced fly reels. They're just jewelry. All a fly reel does is hold line. Nothing to it.

For getting started look for a basic graphite rod and reel package. You can upgrade later.

You should practice a lot way before you hit the water. You can even practice inside with a yard stick and yarn. If you have a cat they make great practice partners.

When you're ready to start practicing with a full-size rod it's best to go practice in a grass field with nothing to get tangled up on. Fly fishing is all about precise presentation, so make sure you're casting to specific targets. Most of the time presentation is more important than the fly itself, although the fly certainly matters.

The real magic of fly fishing is being able to present tiny, weightless lures. Try catching a bass like this with a casting rod!



View attachment 614241

I hope to have that great of a smile on my face when I land my first fish!!

 

[MikekiM]

Well that was easier than I expected.

Orvis has everything in one shot.

https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing/rods-reels-line/fly-rods/clearwater-fly-fishing-rods
Rod:
Now. 4 piece or 6? It is your choice and comes down to space and how much you have.

$400-ish isn't horrible but can't lie.. It would be great to be all-in at that price since I have no idea if I am going to love it or hate it. Still need a bunch of other stuff all of which are single purpose items.. other than the forceps which I remember using in a slightly different manner back in high school...

Four piece for a smaller package since I might backpack with it.

6 weight or 8 weight? 6 is great for average to smaller fish. 8 is a pretty hefty rod. I use an 8 for salmon and steelhead in fresh water and for 10 to 35 pound fish in saltwater. If you are going to be targeting your typical stream trout you could go with a 4. If you are going to be hitting the blue ribbon streams in NY, go 6. I use hefty lightly as the entire rod will be less than 2oz.

Rod weight.. I understand the numbers and matching weights. So...
Streams only for now. You narrowed down to 4 or 6. I would think lighter is better.
The rod/reel combo doesn't list a 4 available though.

The Clearwater line has everything you need to get going. This is not junk and by no means is it top shelf. It is quality for the price. It is also above beginner gear because in my experience beginner gear is crap and I have seen too many people give up because they are fighting with their gear or they graduate to the next level quickly and wasted that money.

All research confirms the line being critically important and probably disturbingly expensive.

Now onto the cheat. Scour planet earth for this book.

Matching the Hatch: A Practical Guide to Imitation of Insects Found on Eastern and Western Trout Waters (by Ernest G. Schwiebert and Jams Prosek)

This book tells you the rivers to fish, what insects are hatching for any given month, the times they hatch, what flies to use and what size. This book will have you catching fish, not practicing casting. Follow that book and pay attention to the hexagena limbata hatch. That is the giant mayfly hatch. The biggest trout in the rivers chase the little guys away to gorge themselves. This is the time to catch that giant trout. Ironically, it's happening, oh maybe, now...May. LOL.

Amazon for the win... https://www.amazon.com/Matching-Hat...sects-ebook/dp/B004ZLMMJW/?tag=wranglerorg-20

There are quite a few local shops that offer free seminars, paid lessons in casting and fly selection and even have guided tours to some of the local spots.

Long Island has a few rivers that are accessible. Most are stocked a few times during the season. They use a beat system.. fishing platforms that you pay to use for a few hours at a time. No wading in these. Then there are the more closely guarded locations that are free to fish.
Some info here...

I understand WF & WFF.. but still not clear on how fly line, tippet and leader all come together. A one line solution would be awesome.

 

[Bobsled84790]

Cabelas has quite a selection of fly fishing combos.
There are a few discount shops selling flies for a buck a piece.