New to the Fly

[Bryce_Fishin24]

Hey everyone, BPS had a really good sale today so I thought why not go there and not even thinking about it I ended up with a white river silver Doctor fly rod set up, now I know for some this is probably a super cheap setup but as for me I've never fly fished in my life I thought why not get a great deal on a combo and case... I know nothing really about fly fishing and was wondering if you guys could give tips on certain knots and fishing line and leader line... As I am new, what brands are all around best for beginners. The cheapest and most conveinent advice helps, I would appreciate it guys... By the way got really good outdoor gear thanks to your guys advice thanks so much! 

[Neil McCauley]

What species and types of water are you planning to fish?

I started out much the way you did, wandered into the BPS fly shop. The guys in there, at where I was, are pretty knowledgeable and know how to help a beginner out. Some of the better advice I got were 1) Don't be afraid of a longer rod, 2) Go cheap on the reel, but get a quality rod, it does make a difference. I know you already bought what you have but you may want to exchange, it's worth it.

[Bryce_Fishin24]

4 hours ago, Neil McCauley said:

What species and types of water are you planning to fish?

I started out much the way you did, wandered into the BPS fly shop. The guys in there, at where I was, are pretty knowledgeable and know how to help a beginner out. Some of the better advice I got were 1) Don't be afraid of a longer rod, 2) Go cheap on the reel, but get a quality rod, it does make a difference. I know you already bought what you have but you may want to exchange, it's worth it.

Thanks Neil, I appreciate it.... I will definitely take another look into everything and possibly just exchange for a more quality rod and feel or see what suits best, I would like an all purpose rod if that's possible? Got trout and bass and stripers, would love to find a rod of some kind to suit that type of fishing like I said I know nothing about fly fishing so we will see.. Thanks bud 

 

[mrmacwvu1]

there are multiple types of flys

honestly to be a good fishermen the key is to match the hatch

by a cheap bug net and capture what is flying around where are you are going to be fishing try to pick a fly that best represents what you have

practice, practice, practice

take a pie plate and pace off about 30 feet

don't fishing until you can hit that pie plate until you can hit that 7 out of 10 times

laying your fly in the right place is just as important as having the right fly

once you learn how to cast find a place that has bluegill, such as a farm pond

they are not as picky as other species and it will teach how to play and to land the fish

that and it is a bunch of fun

Once you learn to fish dry flys learn to nymph

BUY CURTIS CREEK MANIFESTO 

IT IS THE BEST BOOK FOR EVERY FLY FISHERMAN TO OWN

IT CAN BE FOUND ONLINE FOR AS CHEAP AS FIVE DOLLARS

BEST MONEY YOU WILL EVER SPEND

[Dillo]

If you want to fish for trout, bass, and stripers with one rod, your gonna have to compromise. A trout rod is ideally a four to six weight. A six, seven, or eight weight would be good for bass (most bass can be landed on a trout rod, but faster rods and heavier line help throw bigger flies), and for stripers (ive never fished for them, this is my impression based on reading), an eight or nine weight is good. You could buy a 6 or seven weight with a good reel, but I would save up and buy two rods if I were you. A five or six weight for the trout and bass, then an 8 weight for the big guys, or giant bass flies. If you spread out the purchases, you can afford better gear that is a better value in the long run. you'll also enjoy fighting trout on a five weight more than on an eight weight, and you probably won't land many stripers on a five weight. You should invest in a better reel for the 8 weight "big fish rod", and you can save money on the lighter rod's reel. As far as flies, it helps to have a good selection and many flies, as you will lose them. My first time fly fishing, I lost half of my flies in two hours (about 12 flies). Check out BigYFlyCo.com, they have awesome prices on flies, and some well thought out application-specific packages. Get what you can reasonably afford and learn how to use it well. A $700 rod is useless if you can't cast it. It sounds crazy, but practicing casting in the yard pays off on the river. I wish you luck and hope you fall in love with this sport like I did!

[Bruce424]

Youtube and ebay are your best friends.

Learn the nail knot

What you have is fine. Starting out you don't need a super setup. I started out with a 20 dollar ( on sale from 40) reel and rod. Got taught the basics from a guide.which I did learn a lot but practically taught myself.