First Time "fly" Rig For Bass?

[bigbill]

Thanks for this post I just replaced my #5 fly rod I broke over a decade ago. I have 6 or 7 fly rod setups up to a heavy bass #9. It's time to get fly fishing as the weather heats up.

[Jacob34]

I'm in the minority here  I've never been able to get comfortable with a fast action fly rod in all my years of fly fishing ( about 15 yrs or so.)  I prefer slower action rods and absolutely love bamboo rods. They just fit my casting stroke better.  As others have echoed I would recommend going to the store and try out various action rods and get what feels comfortable. I know my nearest Cabelas will let you try out their fly rods if you ask them.Also, just  like bass fishing rods one company's rod actions will vary from one another.

[redux]

My first rod was a Scientific Anglers 6wt combo and it was ok.  Since then I've bought a few rods and have moved to Scott and will probably never use another brand. I have a Scott Radian 6wt with a Nautlius SFX reel and S4s 10wt with a Galvan reel.  The 6wt is big enough to throw anything I've ever needed to catch and land bass.  The 10wt is for saltwater and is collecting dust and I want to sell it.

 

That being said, look at this combo.  http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=4Y07&dir_id=758&group_id=759&cat_id=14816&subcat_id=44223

 

If you are going to get into fly fishing for bass, the main thing I will tell you is to use a level leader.  Don't waste time with tapered leaders. Bass bugs are big enough to straighten a level leader and the splat you get is waaaaayyyyyyyy lighter than anything you normally get from baits you throw with a baitcaster.  Bass don't care.  You can get away with 20-30# mono for topwater and the same with flouro.  Fly lines are supposed to be rated to 30#.  The only consideration for the # leader you use is whether it fits through the hook eye.

 

Also, flies these days are getting bigger and looking more like "our" baits than "their" flies. Basically there is a major trend towards tying weightless "lures" because guys are targeting either large, meat-eating trout (browns) and muskies. These fish do not eat dainty little flies.  These fish eat other fish and small mammals.

 

http://vimeo.com/richstrolis

 

https://slideinn.com/store/index.php?cPath=23 - Kelly Gallup is credited with changing how fly fishers approach streamer fishing.

 

http://www.flyfishingtheozarks.com/fly-fishing-and-tying-videos/

[redux]

Also, there are a ton of online fly fishing mags, but these guys are legit.

 

http://www.southerncultureonthefly.com/

 

Unfortunately their blogroll is now empty, but one blog I liked is http://diefische.org/.

 

This site is popular, but is trout oriented.  The guy behind it is awesome. http://thefiberglassmanifesto.blogspot.com/

[0119]

Lots of down to earth bass fly fishing info at thebasspond.com. Good non elitist folks there with great advise.

[BassNBarry]

Starting this spring, I plan to add about an HOUR of fly fishing to my morning bass outings. It's been 40 years since I caught a bass on a fly rod and the equipment has evolved. I would appreciate any advice on use of leaders and tippets. I will be using 8 wt floating line on a 9' rod. (1) How LONG a leader should I use? (2) mono (it floats better) or fluorocarbon? (3) What pound test leader (I anticipate catching a fair share of 3-5 pound bass since I catch a lot of those with my bait casters)? (4) Same for the tippet - LENGTH, mono or f.c. and pound test? Thanks to anyone who takes the time to share their knowledge.