FlyFishing questions? Ask them here!

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 3:05 pm

If any of you flyfish, either from shores, jetties, in the surf, or *GASP* from a boat, and have questions, post them here!

I know I sure did have a lot of questions when I learned to flyfish, and I still have many today. Asking questions helps us learn! Post your Q's here, and I'll try to help you to the best of my knowledge.
Also, I know Onshore is also a knowledgable flyfisherman.

RearFanged · Post by **RearFanged** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:58 pm

I have a some experience using a fly rod (out in the yard). I was taught how to correctly cast. I really don't want anything else for christmas (have a nice curado bait caster/rod combo I can't wait for). So I was thinking and I wouldn't mind really getting into Fly Fishing. What would you reccomend for around $250-300?! I will mainly be bass fishing this set up BUT I would like to be able to do some Inshore if I'd like. Bass Pro is local so it would be sweet if they had a nice setup but if someone else has a better deal or what not I would be open to that as well. I no absolutly NOTHING about fly rods/reels so you'd need to enlighten me.

BTW What kind of rod is in you sig? I LOVE that thing, the designed cork is awesome!!!

John

RearFanged · Post by **RearFanged** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:08 pm

Would it be worth it to spend the Extra mula and purchase this for $350 from Bass Pro?

Sage Launch Series Fly Rod and Reel Outfit

What would you reccomend...and again what kind of rod do you have, can't get over that one in the pic!

John

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:14 pm

Do you want a combo for 200-300?

I probably would suggest ordering something online, as BPS has a limited selection of fly gear, compared to Cabelas.

For Bass and light saltwater, I would suggest 9 or 10 ft. 7wt rod. A 9'6" 7 wt would be PERFECT. A good brand to get would be St. Croix, but Temple Fork offers some decent rods too. The Cabelas Traditional rod is alo a good choice.

For a reel, I would look into the Cabelas CSR reel, and get the reel that matches the weight of your rod. I think thats a CSR 3.

All these can be found on the Cabelas site.

however, my best suggestion would be looking into a custom built flyrod. #1, they are normally cheaper, as they go for around 150...#2, they look MUCH better than a factory rod...#3, whats better than a personalized rod?
You'll have to pick out a fly reel to match the rod, but it is well worth it. I can give you the site and name of a GREAT fly rod builder if this is the way you decide. You can get a great rod and reel for under 300!

Tell me if you need help picking out flylines, leaders, and backings.

Oh, the rod in my sig is a custom built rod by my close friend for me. Yep, I love the ergonomic cork handle! [/b]

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:21 pm

The Sage rod is a great rod, but I have doubts on the reel. The reel should be just fine if you are after bass. But if you plan to use it on saltwater, it might not hold up to the bigger game.

Also, everytime you use the reel in saltwater, you'll need to take it apart and rinse it. That's why I suggest you try to find a reel with a cosed or sealed drag for saltwater.

RearFanged · Post by **RearFanged** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:24 pm

I'd be all for a custom Rod! Anyways can I get the same cork as your rod, it would be awesome!!! Please give me the names to a few places. I think I'm going to stick to the poppers for bass. What names should I look out for with fly's? Again I don't know any brand names and so on. There is so much to type...a phone call would be so much quicker lol!

What are the downsides to a custom rod? Any warranty or anything? I have a TON to learn!

John

RearFanged · Post by **RearFanged** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:49 pm

After much thought I'm probably going to be strictly Fresh water with this set up. I'd also like to NOT spend a ton of money just to ensure I like fly fishing. Would I be able to get something decent for around $200?! If I decide I like it I could always upgrade, if I don't...I didn't lose much.

John

I'd just like to be realistic here. Should I just go with a Bass pro setup?

snakehead terror · Post by **snakehead terror** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:55 pm

Hey great to see another fly-fisher on the forum? HEY, I know something you need to do. check your pms.

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 8:43 pm

Thanks for the PM snapperkiller! Yay, another flyfisherman!

John, here is the site of a great rod builder in Michigan. He does warranties and everything. I can't think of any downsides to a custom, except that they are more expensive than some of the lower-end alternatives. However, customs give quality for a better price.

http://www.midwestcustomflyrods.com/
His name is Steve. Contact him if you want to get a custom, and he'll talk you through it.

If you are based strictly for freshwater fly fishing right now, then a BPS combo should do fine...you can always upgrade later.

There are really no "brand names" for flies, just patterns. If I were you, I would get poppers, wooly buggers, clouser minnows, bunny leeches, and some other streamers for bass.

PS: Remeber, get a 7 wt fly rod! And feel free to ask me about line choice, leader, backing, etc.

RearFanged · Post by **RearFanged** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 11:27 pm

Thanks for the help and info!

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 9:09 pm

No problem!

swordfish · Post by **swordfish** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:54 pm

OK! I love it that we added this section!

So here is my inquiry... Im looking to spend as little as possible since remember Im mostly light spinning, however I wanna start catching snook and tarpon on the fly! What setup, budget concious would anyone reccomend for snookems and tarpon on the juvie side... lets say no more than like 15-20 lbs! Also, I do a little wading down south in the keys for bones and sometimes even get shots at little permit...

I am looking forward to the response... I want something sturdy, and depending on when I get it I might be able to save up and get something that will last.

-swordfish

frayedknot · Post by **frayedknot** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:44 pm

swordfish wrote:OK! I love it that we added this section!

So here is my inquiry... Im looking to spend as little as possible since remember Im mostly light spinning, however I wanna start catching snook and tarpon on the fly! What setup, budget concious would anyone reccomend for snookems and tarpon on the juvie side... lets say no more than like 15-20 lbs! Also, I do a little wading down south in the keys for bones and sometimes even get shots at little permit...

I am looking forward to the response... I want something sturdy, and depending on when I get it I might be able to save up and get something that will last.

-swordfish

Your best bet would be purchasing a 8wt setup. This is probally the most used rod and reel in the country. The 8wt is very diverse and you can pretty much anything on it. All the way from 100lb+ Tarpon to 5lb+ Peacock Bass. I don't know your budget, but I personally think the Temple Fork Outfitters rods are the best deal for the money. Try one out at a fly shop. They have an awesome warranty also... Never buy a nice rod without a lifetime warranty. As for a reel, Redington makes very nice reels for cheap. For Maybe 200-250 will get you a TFO rod with a redington reel. Also, Biscaynerod.com it might go over your budget by a couple dollars, but they're well built and tough as nails. 9' 8wt Billy Baroo 1 piece goes for like 316.00.

frayedknot · Post by **frayedknot** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:50 pm

Frogfish101 wrote:The Sage rod is a great rod, but I have doubts on the reel. The reel should be just fine if you are after bass. But if you plan to use it on saltwater, it might not hold up to the bigger game.

I had a friend who had this outfit and hooked up to a 25lb permit on the flats in biscayne. It melted the plastic inside the reel and turned the drag into dust. The drag is very rough and the reel is not worth the money. Can't go wrong with a redington CD reel.

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:29 pm

swordfish wrote:OK! I love it that we added this section!

So here is my inquiry... Im looking to spend as little as possible since remember Im mostly light spinning, however I wanna start catching snook and tarpon on the fly! What setup, budget concious would anyone reccomend for snookems and tarpon on the juvie side... lets say no more than like 15-20 lbs! Also, I do a little wading down south in the keys for bones and sometimes even get shots at little permit...

I am looking forward to the response... I want something sturdy, and depending on when I get it I might be able to save up and get something that will last.

-swordfish

Like frayedknot said, TFO rods are very good. I would also suggest looking at a St. Croix 8 wt, with the Cabelas CSR3 reel. This combo can be bought for less than 200, and I have landed HUNDREDS of salmon on this combo up here in MI. The CSR has a very good drag system that should handle some of the big game fish in FL.

However, don't forget to properly rinse your reel after each use in saltwater. Take it apart, and wash it carefully and thoroughly to prevent rust and a failed drag.

swordfish · Post by **swordfish** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:53 pm

Sounds great... Thanks for the answer... I found this quite informative... I just had a 100 dollar BPS 8wt and it gave me near 2 years of loyal service before it died... remember I never cleaned it or rinsed it... I learned how to cast with it though, and now Im looking to get something a little fancier, but not break the bank... Sounds like Cabelas will be on my shopping list this christmas... Heck I just remembered I still have to two piece rod to that combo... perhaps I just need to buy the reel you were talking about and be done with it...

I can make those difficult casts under the mangroves where the daunting and daring silver clad fighters await a properly presented fly! Speaking of which... Fly fishing a bridge is not as hard as anyone might think... Just remember to use the moving water to your advantage... make it seem like the bait is being washed out and trying desperately to reach either of the banks and you should get chewed! A few of us should get together soon for a day of fly fishing... IMO it would be best anywhere that has a bit of grass to target them speckled, since they are voracious and dont mind a few anglers in a spot...

Tight lines all!!!

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:55 pm

I would love to do some fly fishing for some big fish when I am in the Ft. Lauderdale area in Dec/Jan!

Glad I could be of help!

BRunner346 · Post by **BRunner346** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:26 pm

swordfish wrote:I just had a 100 dollar BPS 8wt and it gave me near 2 years of loyal service before it died... remember I never cleaned it or rinsed it... I learned how to cast with it though
Tight lines all!!!

juan may i ask what happened to that reel how it died?

swordfish · Post by **swordfish** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:58 pm

ha! I dunno... it split in half and fell in the water maybe? LMAO

-swordfish

onshore · Post by **onshore** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:12 am

Lots of good questions here about fly rods so, I'll add a bit from my experience - for saltwater.

I fish an 8wt.rod for most situations. The exception would be in the surf when I know there are big fish about - Tarpon, Kings.

I've had awfully good luck with the St.Croix line of rods over the years and currently own 3. Same with Sage rods. Both companies have some pretty good low-end rods.

If you have a good fly shop nearby, check it out. If your new to the game, tell them and ask their advice. Many shops have a nearby area where they will let you cast a rod before purchase.

onshore · Post by **onshore** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:13 am

Lots of good questions here about fly rods so, I'll add a bit from my experience - for saltwater.

I fish an 8wt.rod for most situations. The exception would be in the surf when I know there are big fish about - Tarpon, Kings.

I've had awfully good luck with the St.Croix line of rods over the years and currently own 3. Same with Sage rods. Both companies have some pretty good low-end rods.

If you have a good fly shop nearby, check it out. If your new to the game, tell them and ask their advice. Many shops have a nearby area where they will let you cast a rod before purchase.

FlyFishing questions? Ask them here!

FlyFishing questions? Ask them here!

I got one for you.