Everything I purchased was based on advice from from that post. I did cheap out, and I hope that doesn't bite me in the butt. First, I picked up some waders from LL Bean for less than $100, Next, I ordered the Albright GPX 9wt rod and reel for less than $150. Then I paid a visit to Float Paddle and Fly, and, I gotta tell ya, the service was excellent. Even though, I brought in a reel purchased elsewhere they spooled it up with an intermediate sink pike line (so I can start practicing on local species), leader, and "toothy critter" tippet, and even threw in the backing for free. On top of all that, they gave me an incredible deal on a pair of Simms boots and a couple of flies. And, of course, the tips and chat was invaluable. Left there spending less than $200. So for less than $450, I'm geared up and ready to go. I'll just need to re-visit Float, Paddle and Fly to spool up the spare spool with a floating salmon line for the fall trip.
Having over $40,000 invested in the boat, walleye gear, and bass gear, it's been hard for me to deviate from being a "hardware angler" in order to give the fly-fishing the attention it deserves. So after occasional practice casting in the backyard, and lots of magazine and internet articles read, I finally took the time tonight to put all my new fly gear to the test.
I threw all the gear in the truck and ventured to an ol' fishin' hole on a local river that I haven't fished since I was a kid, well over 20 years. I pulled on the waders, laced up the boots, and assembled the rod. Hoping to catch a resident walleye at best, or practic casting at least. I removed the "toothy critter" leader and tied on a wooly bugger (thanks for all those walleye-on-the-fly posts, Todd B.). I know the 9wt is way too much rod for a small wooly bugger, but, hey, it's all I got. I cautiously waded out knee deep and started casting. Really not expecting to catch anything, I casted away, pleasantly surprised to learn that casting in the water was much easier than casting on the lawn.
After about an hour of casting and trying different techniques that I've read about (I am by no means the next Lefty Kreh), I was absolutely shocked to have the opportunity to shout "fish on"! It was just a small snot rocket, but it was my first fish on the fly! Normally not camera worthy but I was so exited to have this fish in my hand that I started to rush to the shore to grab my camera. I have now learned that wading and rushing don't mix. I fell hard to my knees in the rocks in my brand new waders and the snot rocket made his escape. A testament to the LL Bean waders, they held up to my tumble and still not a leak.
Oh well, no picture, so back to fishing. Fished another half hour and finally hooked up with the target species. Not a trophy by any means (unless I have really big feet), but all-in-all a pretty good first experience with a fly-rod.
Thanks again to all the hawkers who both knowingly and unwittingly pointed me in the right direction. Hopefully, I'll have something to post from the Miramichi.
