Bran New to Fly Fishing.

[Tattooo]

Hello everyone,
I am bran new to Fly Fishing and would like to ask a few questions. I like to fish for Bass and Pan fish. I need some tip's on a 1st Rod and Reel to learn with.

[stumpy]

I would suggest a six wt graphite combo for a starter. you should be able to get one at Cabelas.com or similar outlet. The 6wt should be enough to push the average bass fly, and light enough to be fun for the panfish. You don't have to spend a lot of money on a first rod, but buy a good enough quality that it's still enjoyable- somewhere in the $100- 200 range should start you out, and there's plenty of time to go for your lungs later, as most of us have found out. Enjoy, and keep in touch!

[Tattooo]

So a 6 wt line also ? should it be floating or slow sinking?

[lufcus]

I don't know If everybody agree with but I love to catch a 15" in my TempleFork 4weight 8', I never worry about reels for fishes smaller then 18"
maybe Orvis clearwater classic II for 30.00 ?, still can cover trout streams with that....
Its just wonderful to catch bass and guils with a 3 or 4w ...

[Pete]

I agree with Stumpy. If you're only going to have one rod for a variety of applications, a 6-weight is very versatile. I'd suggest a rod between eight and nine feet long.

Yes, match the line to the rod. Use a weight-forward floating line for most freshwater stream & pond situations.

Not to put words in his mouth, but I believe that, when Stumpy said "combo", he meant a matched combination of rod, line, and reel, that was selected by the manufacturer or store, and being sold as a package.

[stumpy]

I agree with Stumpy. If you're only going to have one rod for a variety of applications, a 6-weight is very versatile. I'd suggest a rod between eight and nine feet long.

Yes, match the line to the rod. Use a weight-forward floating line for most freshwater stream & pond situations.

Not to put words in his mouth, but I believe that, when Stumpy said "combo", he meant a matched combination of rod, line, and reel, that was selected by the manufacturer or store, and being sold as a package.

Exactly. while many view the "combo" as the cheap junk sold at Kmart, ther are several manufacturers out there, as well as fly shops that put together some really nice, balanced systems in the price range I mentioned. One I picked up a couple of years ago (in preparation for a specific trip) even came with a 9' leader! Most of my trout fishing now is done with a 7'6" 3wt, but I wouldn't try pushing a bass bug too far with it, and my 8wts might throw the bass bugs a mile, but for panfish they'd feel like I was using a broomstick for a rod. 6wt is a decent, versatile rod, and later is a good "fallback rod" or something to loan to a freind who's trying to learn fly fishing.

[Tattooo]

Thank you for the information it helps a lot. I have been out shopping around not to many places I know in South Jersey to go to look. I'm in Deptford. Does anyone know of any shops in this area?

Lufcus I got your PM but I don't have enough posts to send one back .

[podobed45]

i hate south jersey, AND the people who come from there. lol. no..really

[McAwful]

It looks like we got ourselves another cdun type...

[AKSkim]

I hate South Jersey, AND the people who come from there. lol. No..really

It is not nice to hate. Dislike, yes, but to hate is wrong.

Have a nice day...

[Jack Lucas]

Tattooo,

Try Llbean on Rt 73, Marlton. They have combos to start you out at $75. Very good quality and all you need is tippet and a fly. Good luck!

[lufcus]

Thank you for the information it helps a lot. I have been out shopping around not to many places I know in South Jersey to go to look. I'm in Deptford. Does anyone know of any shops in this area?

Lufcus I got your PM but I don't have enough posts to send one back .

you'll get there...