Picking it up again!!

[rearea1]

I was hoping I might be able to obtain some friendly help and guidance. Recently a friend of mine has asked me to travel to Montana with him to go on a guided fly fishing trip with some buddies. Because of college, work, etc... it has been roughly 10 years since I last had the chance to fly fish. Obviously, Im going to need some new gear and wanted to know if anyone could make some suggestions? Basically, Im looking to pick up the sport again and would expect to fish about once a week in a local river in northwest NJ. But I also need the right equipment for my trip out west. Are their any shops you would suggest or even places where I could get some equipment used/pre-owned. I still have an old cortland rod which I purchased when first entering the sport, would the suffice for now? what kind of reel would i want to get if i did keep the rod (5/6 wt. and i think 8' 6'')? Additionally, I am going to want to get some practice in before I get real serious again. Im sure their are other threads suggesting places to go, but any help there would be appreciated as well. Im just looking for an open place that isnt too crowded on the weekends, which im sure is hard to come by.

Thanks

 

[skipper3245]

I was hoping I might be able to obtain some friendly help and guidance. Recently a friend of mine has asked me to travel to Montana with him to go on a guided fly fishing trip with some buddies. Because of college, work, etc... it has been roughly 10 years since I last had the chance to fly fish. Obviously, Im going to need some new gear and wanted to know if anyone could make some suggestions? Basically, Im looking to pick up the sport again and would expect to fish about once a week in a local river in northwest NJ. But I also need the right equipment for my trip out west. Are their any shops you would suggest or even places where I could get some equipment used/pre-owned. I still have an old cortland rod which I purchased when first entering the sport, would the suffice for now? what kind of reel would i want to get if i did keep the rod (5/6 wt. and i think 8' 6'')? Additionally, I am going to want to get some practice in before I get real serious again. Im sure their are other threads suggesting places to go, but any help there would be appreciated as well. Im just looking for an open place that isnt too crowded on the weekends, which im sure is hard to come by.

Thanks

It matters where you are goin in Montana. If you wanna be safe get a 5wt 9ft. That will do good for rivers such as the madison/yellowstone. Smaller rivers, you will have a better time with a 3/4wt rod and no bigger than 8-8'6. Shannons in califon and tight lines in pine brook are two very good shops if you want to head in and see the rods yourself. The rod you have now will do, but goin heavier than a 5wt is not appropriate for the rivers out west. When you find out where you and your buddy will be fishing, PM me and I will give you some pointers and good access spots. I guide out there in the summer with Westbound, another NEFF member.

Skip

 

[coolkyle]

One thing to consider before taking this rod with you to MT is how many pieces does it break into? If a 2-piece like all? older Cortlands, it will be a pain in the ass to fly with. There are lots of inexpensive brands that carry really nice 4-piece and even some 7-piece rods for travel. I wouldn't head to Montana undergunned, even smaller rivers like Rock Creek (both of them) the Boulder (both of them) or the Stillwater can require heavy nymph fishing, just too much for a 4-weight. Good budget brands to search for include Albright, Echo, Temple Fork Outfitters, Elkhorn, Redington.

 

[Future Fanatic]

I wouldn't head to Montana undergunned, even smaller rivers like Rock Creek (both of them) the Boulder (both of them) or the Stillwater can require heavy nymph fishing...

When I was out there, I was told by my guides that if I tied on a nymph, I'd be shot(or the grizzlies would get me).

They had a saying, "if your fly don't float, get outta my boat".

I didn't test it....

 

[AKSkim]

They had a saying, "if your fly don't float, get outta my boat".

I didn't test it....

WOW.... what A$$'$ they is what I'd say...

Oh.. wait... $450.00 FEE

Long 12 hour day drifting down stream...

Casting a nymph last two miles of the drift.... $1.95

Being kicked out of the drift boat.... 11 hours 40 minutes

Walking the last mile to your rental car .. PRICELESS

As always, saving 450 is still 450

AK Skim

 

[Agust]

First your 8.5 foot Cortland rod is fine for almost any trout fishing you are planning either here or in MT. The biggest issue will be getting it on the plane if it is a 2 piece rod. If you bought it as a kit, I suggest you upgrade to a new line, especially if it has been in storage for a while. Go to any of the local shops, Ramsey, Effinger's, Shannon's or Tight Lines and ask them to replace the backing and line. Should be able to get out for under 100 bucks and be serviceable for both NJ and MT.

Montana is a pretty big place and the variety of fishing conditions are huge. If you drop a hint about where and when, I''m sure some folks here can give you some pointers. If you are in the Yellowstone area stop at Bobby Jacklin's shop and let him know another Jersey guy is passing through. He'll at least point you in the right direction regarding what is fishing well or badly, and he sells the flies you need wherever your going.

 

[RobM1981]

Given that checked luggage can get lost, but there are regulations as to what you can/should carry on - what advice do we have here?

I've heard that some TCA employees won't let you carry-on with a reel full of line (you could use it to tie people up). Clearly they won't let flies (hooks) knives, etc. carry-on.

So for those of you who fly with gear, what suggestions do you have?

 

[Bubba Zinetti]

For your trip to Montana: RENT. I would be surprised if a guide did not have rental equipment available, in many cases if you just need a rod, they will let you borrow one.

On my trips out west I found that my 9' 6wt was the most useful. Big enough to handle streamers, and wind, yet still able to cast a size 18 dry fly. I was glad for a heavier rod when the wind would come up. Again, ask the guide if you can borrow or rent a rod for your trip.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Given that checked luggage can get lost, but there are regulations as to what you can/should carry on - what advice do we have here?

I've heard that some TCA employees won't let you carry-on with a reel full of line (you could use it to tie people up). Clearly they won't let flies (hooks) knives, etc. carry-on.

So for those of you who fly with gear, what suggestions do you have?

I do a fair amount of traveling with a 2 pc. 9' for 5 weight rod and my flies and reels carried on with me and have never had an issue on any airlines. I think once the rod case would not fit overhead so I stored it up front in first class. Just don't forget you left it there! At least write your name and contact info on your rod tube just in case someone honest finds it.

For what it's worth, your rod should suffice with new line as Agust said. If you consider buying a new one for the trip you can't go wrong with a 9' in 5 weight and a 6 weight is not too light for windy days on average to large rivers out west. A 4 weight is good many days, but the 5 will be better and handle most anything Mother Nature will throw at you. Just my opinion...

 

[rearea1]

This is great. Thanks for all the good info.. The trip is planned to head into yellowstone and we will be spending a few nights there. I was thinking I might want to get a pair of waders so i can hit up a few locations in NJ before I head out. im only 5' 6'' and about 155 lbs, will it be difficult finding something that fits correctly? Im going to check out tightlines and shannons just b/c they close to where i work and grew up. I expect they will be helpful and wont take advantage of someone with a bunch of questions and truly looking to get back into the sport. another thing i may also need is a reel. There are alot to choose from, especially with different types of drags, etc. is there something sophisticated yet simple that I can use basically anywhere? Thanks again

 

[skipper3245]

This is great. Thanks for all the good info.. The trip is planned to head into yellowstone and we will be spending a few nights there. I was thinking I might want to get a pair of waders so i can hit up a few locations in NJ before I head out. im only 5' 6'' and about 155 lbs, will it be difficult finding something that fits correctly? Im going to check out tightlines and shannons just b/c they close to where i work and grew up. I expect they will be helpful and wont take advantage of someone with a bunch of questions and truly looking to get back into the sport. another thing i may also need is a reel. There are alot to choose from, especially with different types of drags, etc. is there something sophisticated yet simple that I can use basically anywhere? Thanks again

im 5'7 155. are you saying there is something wrong with us?:finger:

 

[bluecollarbleached]

im 5'7 155. are you saying there is something wrong with us?:finger:

im 5'8 165. after your posts on my last thread, i think we should box. ill skip you across the ring

 

[rearea1]

I was also wondering if anyone might be able to suggest a video or two that I could freshen up on technique, etc.. There is always something to learn!!

 

[coolkyle]

I've heard that some TCA employees won't let you carry-on with a reel full of line (you could use it to tie people up). Clearly they won't let flies (hooks) knives, etc. carry-on.

Funny, last year I carried on everything but the knife. You'd have to be really strong and crazy to mess someone up with a hook, but I guess anything's possible.
TSA: Traveling with Special Items

 

[skipper3245]

im 5'8 165. after your posts on my last thread, i think we should box. ill skip you across the ring

haha idk pal, I also am 22 and wrestled 4 years in college:give-the-finger:

 

[bluecollarbleached]

haha idk pal, I also am 22 and wrestled 4 years in college:give-the-finger:

im 26, and have been kicking ass for 24 years.

but back to the topic on hand. its great to see you getting back into the sport. im just starting out, and its unreal

 

[RobM1981]

Funny, last year I carried on everything but the knife. You'd have to be really strong and crazy to mess someone up with a hook, but I guess anything's possible.
TSA: Traveling with Special Items

I travel a lot, and it really is agent by agent. Actually, it's more "airport by airport." They tend to be consistent in a given place, but not consistent place to place.

I laughed when I was warned about line being forbidden, but the gent who told me about it claimed that they made him strip his reel right there at the counter, and threatened to keep the whole thing.

I'm guessing that flies are OK now. Things change. For awhile there you couldn't carry a nail file attached to a pair of fingernail clippers...

 

[RobM1981]

I was also wondering if anyone might be able to suggest a video or two that I could freshen up on technique, etc.. There is always something to learn!!

You know, with all of the talk about gear and travel, I'm not sure if anyone has asked you:

Where are you flying into?

Have you ever been to the Yellowstone region before?

If not...

If you're flying into Jackson Hole, you have a simple choice to make: either shred your credit cards before you leave, or be prepared to burn through them there. Talk about a fly fishing mecca. There are at least 2 world-class fly shops there, and countless other very good ones. Jack Dennis' place, in particular, is amazing. It's VERY hard not to "acquire stuff" when you're there.

There's also the small issue of you going to what is arguably the most scenic place on earth. Fish your brains out, but don't forget to take in the sights. The Tetons are astounding, as is Yellowstone.

Oh, and one other thing (if you've never been there). Make sure you read up on bear safety out there, and perhaps pick up some bear repellent. I didn't have to work that hard last time I was out there to find bears - both black and Grizzly. I'm told that they know all about anglers, and know darned well that where there are anglers, there are fish for the taking.

Have fun, but be prepared...

 

[rearea1]

I will be in Yellowstone region and we are flying into the airport in Bozeman. Im already putting together a pool of liquid funds to just blow through. One of the people joining us on the trip is a friend and guide out there so he already said he would prepare us with a lot of stuff such as bear repellent, etc. Obviously he is also very familiar with the region and shops, etc..

 

[Stonefly]

Given that checked luggage can get lost, but there are regulations as to what you can/should carry on - what advice do we have here?

I've heard that some TCA employees won't let you carry-on with a reel full of line (you could use it to tie people up). Clearly they won't let flies (hooks) knives, etc. carry-on.

So for those of you who fly with gear, what suggestions do you have?

I've head west four out of the last five years, and have carried every thing on the plane except wadders and that trust knife, I usual take two four piece rods a 5wt and a six wt. On trips to MT esp on the Missouri or the Carks Fork you're going to need the 6wt. As to flies, basicly the some things we use in the east, but get the local flies at from a shop out there or from your guide. If you ask the guide will always give you a list of flies and recommendations on equipment. Some shops will even rent you equipment rod, reel, wadders boots, check with the shop you will be fishing out of.

Again as to the plane, carring four piece rods on board is no problem, and I always carry my vest and flies in my carry on bag, nippers go into the checked bags.

Be sure you buy some approved luggage locks they can open and relock if they inspect your bags, regular locks get cut off! I got mine at Cabela's. Stuff can also be sent UPS or FedX, (NEVER us the US Post Office) to your Hotel or to the shop your fishing out of before you go, and shipped backed, I've done this when heading to only one destination. Send it out two or three days before express next day INSURED!