Getting into fly fishing

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
As the title says, I want to get into fly fishing, but I know little to nothing of what is good and what is bad.

1) rod type?
2) rod size?
3) line?

I'd be focusing on rivers and streams with trout and small mouth. Any insight would be appreciated.
 

westslope

Wheeling
Single hand fly rod: 9 feet long, graphite, medium-fast action, 5 weight. The reel can be inexpensive. I would steer clear of packages but an inexpensive, entry-level rod should be fine.

Get a weight forward (WF) floating fly line to start with (5 weight to match the rod). Do not skimp on the line; buy a quality expensive line (Scientific Anglers, Rio, Cortland, etc.). Behind the fly line there should be some backing. Perhaps #30 lb. braided dacron.

The 5 weight might be a little heavy for trout on occasion and a little light for some smallmouth bass situations but is otherwise a great compromise.


-------------------------------------

Double hand fly rod: What's this? You literally hold the rod with 2 hands. It increases the leverage and significantly reduces the stress experienced casting throughout the day.

Downside: it takes a little longer to become proficient at 2-hand casting. The equipment is slightly more expensive.

Reward: If you suffer soft tissue injuries or are simply old, and you have good technique, 2-hand casting reduces stress and required effort.

I single-hand fly fished for over 4 decades before trying out a 2-hander. Now, I fish exclusively with 2-handers. You will to if you get into this sport seriously. I have wondered if a beginner could start right away with a 2-hander.

Something to think about or keep in mind for the future.
 

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
Single hand fly rod: 9 feet long, graphite, medium-fast action, 5 weight. The reel can be inexpensive. I would steer clear of packages but an inexpensive, entry-level rod should be fine.

Get a weight forward (WF) floating fly line to start with (5 weight to match the rod). Do not skimp on the line; buy a quality expensive line (Scientific Anglers, Rio, Cortland, etc.). Behind the fly line there should be some backing. Perhaps #30 lb. braided dacron.

The 5 weight might be a little heavy for trout on occasion and a little light for some smallmouth bass situations but is otherwise a great compromise.


-------------------------------------

Double hand fly rod: What's this? You literally hold the rod with 2 hands. It increases the leverage and significantly reduces the stress experienced casting throughout the day.

Downside: it takes a little longer to become proficient at 2-hand casting. The equipment is slightly more expensive.

Reward: If you suffer soft tissue injuries or are simply old, and you have good technique, 2-hand casting reduces stress and required effort.

I single-hand fly fished for over 4 decades before trying out a 2-hander. Now, I fish exclusively with 2-handers. You will to if you get into this sport seriously. I have wondered if a beginner could start right away with a 2-hander.

Something to think about or keep in mind for the future.
You sir, are awesome. Thank you so much. I will definitely be using cortland line.

It's where I'm originally from and I use their braid in my spinning and baitcaster largemouth setups.
 

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
First fly rod and gear acquired. Got a single hand 9' 5 weight combo from field and stream. It's an entry setup for 100 bucks. For getting started I figured that's ok.
 

JeffPro4x

Hot Pipe
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Glenside, PA
Damn. Had I seen this earlier, I would've given you my setup. It's entry level, but hasn't been touched in years
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
^ diito on giving you my old "new" shiat.. I fished the east coast and TX rivers and lakes for 35yrs or more. I was drug by my brother to Cabela's to fully outfit me for fly-fishing CO but... I hate it. Truly despise fly fishing. I stand next to my dad with an ultralight spincast, a bobber, leader and fly and usually out fish him and ALWAYS can outcast him in distance and accuracy~
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
If you get into it, lemme kno, I've got a brand new pair of Cabela's waders that have only seen wear in store to try them on..
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
I too am a squatch! I wore 13s for years untill I started hiking alot, now I'm in 14's!

These are 13s. Well, they say Large but I tried on 3 sets and these fit the best. They can be used with or without boots.15722367280102012704945433126967.jpg 15722366683096050271053513671658.jpg
 

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
Update; keeping my starting rod but just ordered orvis Clearwater rod and Clearwater II reel. Outfitting with cortland line trout boss wf5 and cortland line 20lb micron backing.

Excited to continue the adventure with better gear.
 
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