Fly fishing rod and reel advise.
Fly fishing rod and reel advise.
Well finally decided to try my hand at fly fishing and need some advise on rod, reel and line selection. Now I understand there is no perfect combo for all situations. I fish mainly small lakes from shore and canoe and would like to fish some streams as well. Ill be fishing for all types of trout. Should I have two spools with one set up for sinking if that makes any sense. Willing to spend 250-400. I dont want to start with some cheap starter kit as Im sure Ill enjoy the sport and will only have to repurchase a better one. Sorry about all the questions.
Based on your posts and the species you target, I'd recommend nothing heavier than a 5-wt. A 3 or 4-wt X 8.5 ft long are all the better. I fish a 4-wt in the same areas that you fish and it is more than up to the task of handling fish up to 5 lbs.
Reels at these weight classes are mostly line holders, but a good drag is useful in case you hook into a trophy. It might be best to spend a little extra on the rod and buy an economically priced reel. An extra spool with line is always a good idea.
Floating and sink tip lines are probably your best bet. However, you can aways forgo the sink tip line and go for a full sink for lake situations. I you want, you can always get sink tips which attach to your fly line just like leaders do. Leaders & tippet material should be matched to the flies you are presenting so a selection of different tests is recommended.
May I suggest that you discuss your needs at the local fly shop (Green Drake Outfitters)? Even if you don't buy from them, they are very generous with advice. This could save you a lot of confusion. As well, they offer courses that can help you start off on the right foot.
Reels at these weight classes are mostly line holders, but a good drag is useful in case you hook into a trophy. It might be best to spend a little extra on the rod and buy an economically priced reel. An extra spool with line is always a good idea.
Floating and sink tip lines are probably your best bet. However, you can aways forgo the sink tip line and go for a full sink for lake situations. I you want, you can always get sink tips which attach to your fly line just like leaders do. Leaders & tippet material should be matched to the flies you are presenting so a selection of different tests is recommended.
May I suggest that you discuss your needs at the local fly shop (Green Drake Outfitters)? Even if you don't buy from them, they are very generous with advice. This could save you a lot of confusion. As well, they offer courses that can help you start off on the right foot.
Time's fun when you're having flies.
Just to add to the confusion, I actually recommend a heavier rod for learners. I just got a 5wt and I find it harder to cast. So for a learner, a 7wt or even heavier will be easier to learn.
I actually buy cheap as I am rough with my equipment. I'm there to fish and don't get into the technical stuff or fussing over my equipment, even though I have been at it for over 40 years (actually closer to 50 years, I'm amazed to say). I've managed to step on a few of my rods - no big deal, just glue the tip back on and up the wt, LOL. Of course you end up with quite a collection.
bobfly
I actually buy cheap as I am rough with my equipment. I'm there to fish and don't get into the technical stuff or fussing over my equipment, even though I have been at it for over 40 years (actually closer to 50 years, I'm amazed to say). I've managed to step on a few of my rods - no big deal, just glue the tip back on and up the wt, LOL. Of course you end up with quite a collection.
bobfly
Welcome to more confusion because I find casting a lighter rod easier than casting a heavier one......the moral of the story is: if the rod feels right for you, then it is.
All of my rods are 4 piece because they are easier to store and to transport. Having cast 2 piece, 3 piece, and 4 piece rods I can honestly say that I don't perceive much of a difference in the action. Others will likely disagree with me
SM05, you might want to get a lower cost rod & reel to start out. If you don't like flyfishing (like that's ever going to happen!), you won't have spent so much money. Later on when you become more proficient, you can succumb to purchasing the good stuff.
All of my rods are 4 piece because they are easier to store and to transport. Having cast 2 piece, 3 piece, and 4 piece rods I can honestly say that I don't perceive much of a difference in the action. Others will likely disagree with me
SM05, you might want to get a lower cost rod & reel to start out. If you don't like flyfishing (like that's ever going to happen!), you won't have spent so much money. Later on when you become more proficient, you can succumb to purchasing the good stuff.
Time's fun when you're having flies.
Bring up a technical question to flyfishers and you are bound to get more information than you would ever want or conceive of.
I discussed this whole issue with John Huff last year, argueably one of the better casters, and if it is windy, he uses a 10wt! In a float tube or canoe where you can't stand up, length of rod is also a consideration.
bobfly
I discussed this whole issue with John Huff last year, argueably one of the better casters, and if it is windy, he uses a 10wt! In a float tube or canoe where you can't stand up, length of rod is also a consideration.
bobfly
Bobfly is right. Even in moderate wind 4 wt is a real pain to cast. 6-7 wt will do much better job. Another consideration is casting with long leaders (fishing nymphs and particularly chironomids). Casting a weighted nymph on a 15-18 feet leader with 4 wt rod from a float tube... Even on a calm day it wouldn't be much fun, but a 7 wt will do the job nicely.
On another hand, if you are going to troll only, then the rod weight doesn't make much difference. But again, casting out a size 4 streamer with a 6-7 wt would still be much easier.
On another hand, if you are going to troll only, then the rod weight doesn't make much difference. But again, casting out a size 4 streamer with a 6-7 wt would still be much easier.
You're right about casting #4 streamers, but they aren't the best size of flies to use for trout in smaller lakes. Size 4 streamers are not in my fly box when I go for local speckled trout. My largest flies are usually no bigger than size 8 and even when I use them, I change leaders and tippets accordingly. As well, I never need to use 18 feet of leader & tippet.
I fish the same waters as SM05 does from a float tube and I use an 8.5 foot 4-wt exclusively for trout. The wind is rarely a problem because you can shorten and alter your casts to compensate. Many of the local trout lakes are small enough that the wind isn't a major problem. (I used my 4-wt and float tube on the Victoria Day weekend when conditions included winds up to 50 km. It was challenging, but not impossible to the point of discouraging. The 20" speckled trout I landed didn't seem to care, either....) If you need to make long, booming casts, then a heavier, longer rod is best.
IMHO, a 6-wt is overkill for the local trout conditions and is more suited to a larger body of water, larger flies, larger quarry (like bass), and casting lessons. A 6-wt may be easier to cast, but it's not as much fun landing 10-12" trout on one.
Hey, I wonder if SM05 is enjoying our BS!
I fish the same waters as SM05 does from a float tube and I use an 8.5 foot 4-wt exclusively for trout. The wind is rarely a problem because you can shorten and alter your casts to compensate. Many of the local trout lakes are small enough that the wind isn't a major problem. (I used my 4-wt and float tube on the Victoria Day weekend when conditions included winds up to 50 km. It was challenging, but not impossible to the point of discouraging. The 20" speckled trout I landed didn't seem to care, either....) If you need to make long, booming casts, then a heavier, longer rod is best.
IMHO, a 6-wt is overkill for the local trout conditions and is more suited to a larger body of water, larger flies, larger quarry (like bass), and casting lessons. A 6-wt may be easier to cast, but it's not as much fun landing 10-12" trout on one.
Hey, I wonder if SM05 is enjoying our BS!
Time's fun when you're having flies.
Hello. I'm new in the area (well, 5 years, but who's counting). My family fly fishes for salmon back in Newfoundland every year, but I'm looking too get a fly outfit for trout out here. I have really no experience with a lighter-weight rod, so I was curious about the perceived difference between a 5wt and 6 wt rod.Fishboy wrote:IMHO, a 6-wt is overkill for the local trout conditions and is more suited to a larger body of water, larger flies, larger quarry (like bass), and casting lessons. A 6-wt may be easier to cast, but it's not as much fun landing 10-12" trout on one.
I'd have to say that a 6wt is stiffer than a 5wt when the rods are of equal action (ie; soft, medium, heavy). If you're casting heavier flies, the 6wt will generally outcast the 5wt under the same conditions. It follows, however, that a 2 lb fish will be more fun to play on a lighter rod.
If you want a good all round trout rod for this area, I would recommend an 8.5 foot long 3wt or 4wt. Most trout (speckled) in this region ar under 12" long so a heavier rod is overkill.
I usually fish for small mouth bass in the Ottawa River on a 6wt. I use a 9wt for stillwater largemouth bass due to the weeds and stumps they use for structure.
Atlantics on the fly are on my "things to do before I die" list. What rods does your family use for them in NFLD?
If you want a good all round trout rod for this area, I would recommend an 8.5 foot long 3wt or 4wt. Most trout (speckled) in this region ar under 12" long so a heavier rod is overkill.
I usually fish for small mouth bass in the Ottawa River on a 6wt. I use a 9wt for stillwater largemouth bass due to the weeds and stumps they use for structure.
Atlantics on the fly are on my "things to do before I die" list. What rods does your family use for them in NFLD?
Time's fun when you're having flies.
S.M.05,
Based on what you've said I'd recommend a 9' 5wt, especially if you think you'll be chucking any type of sinking line. With respect to particular gear I would suggest looking at the manufacturers that provide the best value/cost ratio. (i.e. Okuma, Temple Forks Outfitter, Scientific Angler) They offer a good product for prices that won't break the bank.
As for having to buy additional outfits later, well it's pretty much a fact of life that you'll end up with backup rods and reels (i.e. your less expensive entry level outfit becomes your backup) The last thing you want is to have a fishing trip cut short because your rod blew up (because it was dinged with some shot or a bead head fly), or the drag on your reel to seize up fighting a big salmon or steelhead.
Based on what you've said I'd recommend a 9' 5wt, especially if you think you'll be chucking any type of sinking line. With respect to particular gear I would suggest looking at the manufacturers that provide the best value/cost ratio. (i.e. Okuma, Temple Forks Outfitter, Scientific Angler) They offer a good product for prices that won't break the bank.
As for having to buy additional outfits later, well it's pretty much a fact of life that you'll end up with backup rods and reels (i.e. your less expensive entry level outfit becomes your backup) The last thing you want is to have a fishing trip cut short because your rod blew up (because it was dinged with some shot or a bead head fly), or the drag on your reel to seize up fighting a big salmon or steelhead.
"There wouldn't have been any butt kickings if that stupid death ray had worked."
Honestly, I couldn't tell you. I've always just used a rod set up by my Dad or Grandfather. I suppose I can cast OK, but I'm basically ignorant of any of the technical side of things. One of the NL outfitters I saw online recommended at least a 9wt rod with at least 200yds of backing. We normally fish at the beginning of July, and the fish are around 3-5lb. Apparently the big trophy fish are taken in the fall, but if you're not in a boat they'll strip your reel and snap the leader before you know it.Fishboy wrote:Atlantics on the fly are on my "things to do before I die" list. What rods does your family use for them in NFLD?
If you ever get a chance to go out that way, Big Falls on the Humber River is a great place. There are lots of people fishing there, so it you want privacy you won't get it there, but it is absolutely gorgeous. You can walk down to the falls and watch the salmon jumping. It's a provincial park (Sir Richard Squires Prov. Park), and right next to the park is a small lodge, with several rooms.
I'll "wade" into this. I don't fish ponds much anymore but when it was that windy I never cast. I used it to my advantage on a drift. It's tough to say what to use. Rods of the same weights can vary so much. Some 9'#5's are very powerful and capable of false casting a 10 inch brookie. I do tend to agree that I'd prefer a lighter rod if the lake I was fishing had typical 10-14" brookies. If they were larger than I would opt for a heavier rod for practical reasons also.
Well, I finally picked up my rod and reel last evening. It's a TFO 9' 6wt rod, which I hope will be good for trout, bass in the rivers here in town. On thhe outside chhance that I ever attempt to try for anyting bigger I also got a large arbor Okuma reel with a disc drag. The place I bought it didn't have any 6wt line, so I'm off to the new Le Baron tonight do pick up some line and a few flies. Then it's off to the river, which'll probably be the Rideau, since I have no waders yet...
Tyttor,
Your 6wt will be a good all around starter rod for around here. While it will definitely feel like overkill on the small fish, it has enough backbone to manage the large SM/LM, pike and walleye that you frequently get into.
If the line you pick up doesn't already have a loop connector, you might consider picking up a pack while you're at LeBarons if you prefer loop to loop connections rathe than tying your leader directly to your flyline.
Black Rapids is a good spot to hone your flyfishing skills. If you'd like a fishing partner tonight or Saturday just give me a shout.
Cheers
Your 6wt will be a good all around starter rod for around here. While it will definitely feel like overkill on the small fish, it has enough backbone to manage the large SM/LM, pike and walleye that you frequently get into.
If the line you pick up doesn't already have a loop connector, you might consider picking up a pack while you're at LeBarons if you prefer loop to loop connections rathe than tying your leader directly to your flyline.
Black Rapids is a good spot to hone your flyfishing skills. If you'd like a fishing partner tonight or Saturday just give me a shout.
Cheers
"There wouldn't have been any butt kickings if that stupid death ray had worked."