Flyfishing

**kenny** · #1 10-01-2004, 07:40 AM

Well, I've decided fishing is not making me neurotic enough so thought about flyfishing. Plus I'd probably like making the flies(once I have eye surgery).

If I go up to Cutrate I'll buy more than I need so what is a good beginner length, weight, brand? Floating tapered line?

**skinnyme** · #2 10-01-2004, 08:19 AM

Flyfishing the salt is worst addiction I have ever known.

A 9' 8 weight rod with tapered floating line should suit you well. As far the brand goes, I would suggest demoing a bunch of different rods until you find the "one". Any fly shop worth its salt will rig up a bunch of rods let you cast out back before buying anything.

Let us know what you get....

**Red3Fish** · #3 10-01-2004, 08:46 AM

My Pop is gone, and I have his rig-I will have to check on all the specs, but it is 8 wt rod, floating taper foreward, and manual reel with drag. If you want, I will take some pics and get the skinny on it. Will let it go for $50.00 Even broken in with a couple of limits of RF. It's not a super expensive one but still cost about $200 total when bought. A pretty cheap way to find out if you like it!! I carry mine with me, but unless conditions are perfect, (no wind, tailing RF) I leave it in the boat. On a long wade, I have stuck it in the back of my pants and leaned it to the left, while I used my baitcaster. If I found tailing RF, swap out, and go to the fly rig. Pop used to say I looked like a roadrunner stalking the flats with a rod sticking out my a*s. LOL

Later
R3F

**GoingCoastal** · #4 10-01-2004, 09:04 AM

Skinnyme - nailed it.

I do have one other suggestion - Buy a decent reel and line for fishing . BUT buy a dirt cheap reel and some cheap line to practice with in the yard.
You dont want to use your good line anywhere but on the water. Grass and dirt really mess up fly line.

**Capt. Lowtide** · #5 10-01-2004, 09:09 AM

Definately put your most effort into selecting the rod, it carries the line to the fish. Look for a rod with a fast action to help you keep your back-cast/loop tight. In the wind it will cast better and farther. For the reel, don't spend much in the beginning and for the line go with a reputable brand in a bass-bug taper or something similiar( they work great for beginners and usually come in bright colors to help you "watch" your cast.) Saltwater tapers are good for longer cast, but most of your casting will be under 50' if you are sight-fishing. If you are looking for distance while blind casting, a 6 or 7 weight is easier to swing for long periods of time.
Another way to get started is to hire a guide for fly/light tackle sight-fishing and see what it is all about. They usually have rods for you to try on the water.

**Mike in Friendswood** · #6 10-01-2004, 09:19 AM

It is quite addictive, and making the flies should be good therapy till you are healed and back to speed. I have a pretty nice setup in the new garage (with A/C) and you are welcome to stop by sometime for some fly tying lessons. Once you learn a about a half dozen basic techniques you can make most any fly you want.

Mike

**david** · #7 10-01-2004, 09:20 AM

Kenny,

Go see Jake Reaves at Marburgers, tell him his dad sent you and he will hook you up. Very knowledgable and will keep you in budget.

**Animal Chris** · #8 10-01-2004, 10:19 AM

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/f...forum.php?f=20

Kenny, take a stroll to the TKF Fly Fishing board. There is always a good discussion going on from new and experienced fly casters alike. If you go over to Cut Rate (I-45 - Fuqua Store) on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, Capt. Chris Phillips is over there and he can help you out a bunch.
Also, the last Tuesday of each month, the Texas Fly Fishers meet at the Holiday Inn at I-10 and Antoine. Here is a link to our site.

http://www.texasflyfishers.org/

Good luck and I hope to see you around.

Tight Loops, Animal Chris