Ye! I have a fly rod now...

Post by **Akira** » Fri May 05, 2006 4:50 pm

Bought the Orvis combo

Now to start practicing with it ....

Post by **Todd B.** » Fri May 05, 2006 8:13 pm

A great place to practice is at Black Rapids. You have lots of space to cast at the downstream end of the tip, and there should be a hearty number of panfish around to at least make it interesting. I might get down there Sunday depending on how busy I am.

Post by **Fishboy** » Sat May 06, 2006 7:50 am

Welcome to the dark side, Akira!!! Did you get a 5-wt?

Todd is right about Black Rapids.....lots of room to learn to cast & plenty of eager panfish on which to practice.

Try to be patient with yourself when learning how to cast. You might want to take your spin tackle along for those time when you get a little frustrated. At least that way you ccontinue to fish until you get comfortable with the flyrod.

At the Ottawa Flyfishers SocietyOpen House there will be casting instruction. Why don't you come out for some free lessons?

Post by **Akira** » Sat May 06, 2006 12:00 pm

Todd: cool.. if you head out there, I may join join you

Fishboy: Thanks for the welcome! I went out this morning to a lake to try it out.. I caught 4 sun fish! There were really small, but I had a lot of fun

I really need some practice though... and possibly a float tube and waders

I can see how come you guys really like the sport.. I can see myself getting addicted to it.

Post by **Gravelguy4** » Sat May 06, 2006 12:13 pm

Hi Akira,

Welcome to the world of flowing money. Soon it will be a variety of rod weights and then you'll want to be tying your own flies.
its all a lot of fun though.

my advice for learning to cast... slow down.

when i was learning it was (and still is) the best advice i got.

have a good time.
keith

Post by **Akira** » Sat May 06, 2006 12:24 pm

Thanks Gravelguy! I will keep that in mind:)

Oh , Fishboy, yes, the Orvis combo 9' 5wt... So far so good too... question for all you folks though.. when I attached my reel to the rod, the one end of the base of the reel hooks into the underside of the cork on the rod.. the cork is really thin, and I see it already cracking... maybe I am tightening it too tight, but I really didn't think so. Anyhoo, I was wondering if there was something I can do to strengthen that part of the rod up.. any tips/suggestions?

Post by **Todd B.** » Sat May 06, 2006 1:11 pm

Akira,

If you think there's any problem with the product, bring it back to the Drake and have them take a look at it.

Post by **ganman** » Sat May 06, 2006 2:09 pm

That should not happen... but on lower grade rods (even Orvis) they use cork with more flaws and pitts which weakens it. It could also be that the metal insert is soft and is flexing when you snug up the reel, cracking the cork.

Yes they will take it back (Orvis has the best warranty) but you may have to wait for it and the season is now. and there is no guarantee it won't happen with the next one its your call.....However you can repair it very easy and it'll be stronger yet. It's no big deal.

Take a small amount of 5 min epoxy and work it into the crack....use it sparingly because you'll need to clean off the excess. Squeeze the split shut with finger pressure, .....remove excess. Sand smooth when dry. Use 5 min instead of something longer so you don't have to bind it....if you bind it you may find that sticking making another mess.

One way you can make your reel seat easier is to take something like a thin and narrow piece of foam and use something tacky but not permanent and glue it to the underside of the reel foot. It'll compress easier and hold better

Post by **getnjiggywithit** » Sun May 07, 2006 10:06 am

congrats on the new combo

and welcome to one of the more enjoyable forms of fishing

I have to agree with Todd & Ganman if there are any issues with your new purchase bring it back and have them look at it! I should be back in town Thursday or Friday and, maybe one of those mornings we can go out and I'll show you some of my local spots

I might even show you some of my favorite pools on the Ottawa that have produced some nice browns for me in the past

Post by **Scotty Chaos** » Mon May 08, 2006 2:19 pm

Hey Akira! Funny enough, I have been really intereted in fly fishing as of late as well. Hopefully learning how to use it will be painless and not a complete mistake.

Anyways Good Luck!