FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Fly Fishing...Noob

I would like to learn the art of fly fishing. I don't have the rod/reel yet either, but I don't know where to start, what to get and not to get, what's garbage, etc... The only thing I have is a pair of waders handed down to me.

Is there anyone here I can hit up (maybe via phone or in person) to help out? Any advice would be appreciated. I'd like to get a a setup going and start doing it instead of dreaming of doing it. Thanks everybody.

-dom

"There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot." -comedian Steven Wright

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Permalink Reply by Dominator! on March 17, 2012 at 7:39pm

Thanks ! I am familiar with Mel's Cottons (near my house) and Fisherman's Warehouse too. Going to Bass Pro this week sometime.

The question I have is not fishing/angling/sporting goods store, but actually what to look for in equipment.

More importantly, were to go fly fishing and how to actually do it. I'm probably going to look online for stuff, but I guess I was looking for a first hand knowledge way of getting info. Thanks again though!!

dom

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on March 18, 2012 at 9:21am

I got started (about 25 years ago, sheesh!) by talking to a fly shop owner in Bakersfield. I ended up spending a week on the Owens River with him and a few others.

The owner of a shop called Fish First is a really nice guy. He's in Alamo (near Berkeley.) his name is Leo. I actually talked to him about working there a while back.

He will be more interested in you learning the sport than selling you something.

Just a suggestion.

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Permalink Reply by Dominator! on March 18, 2012 at 1:43pm

That's right up my alley!! Thanks !!

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Permalink Reply by Jason on March 18, 2012 at 10:31am

For Sierra streams you should look for a 3 or 4 weight rod in the 8' to 8'6" range. A reel to match the rod wt. Look for a double taper floating fly line. You'll also need backing, tippet and leaders. Flys are pretty specific to where and when your fishing.

I recommend starting on small Sierra streams. The fish are smaller but hungry and very willing to take a fly. Most of the streams up there are closed until the end of April.

Good luck,
Jason

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Permalink Reply by Dominator! on March 18, 2012 at 1:44pm

Thanks dood! That's a good starting point! I was watching videos and reading stuff online, and I slowly began to realize how much learning I need to do.

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Permalink Reply by DWH on March 18, 2012 at 12:34pm

If you go to Sacramento, there is a shop there called Kiene's Fly Shop. They were very helpful. Answered all of my questions and did not push me to buy anything. I would not hesitate to go back again.

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Permalink Reply by Jason on March 18, 2012 at 1:03pm

+1 for Kienes! They have a great forum too.

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Permalink Reply by DWH on March 18, 2012 at 3:41pm

http://www.kiene.com/

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Permalink Reply by Jason on April 19, 2012 at 8:23pm

Have you been fishing yet?

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Permalink Reply by Dominator! on April 30, 2012 at 12:39am

Jason!

I have been fishing, but just plain old regular bass fishing. I signed up for the beginner's lesson at Orvis in the meantime. Also going to a trout derby this weekend.

Sorry for the late reply bud. I've been working nonstop to save up for gear and trips, and the last thing I want to do when I come home is look at another computer screen!! :)

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Permalink Reply by CV Kurt on April 30, 2012 at 11:59am

As the "fish master" at my local fly fishing club (High Sierra Fly Casters, Carson Valley, NV).... I get asked this a lot.

Fish don't care how much you spent on your gear...they care about how the fly is presented to them more than anything else. Learning how to properly present flies is the key to catching fish! And a great deal of presentation you execute after you cast (like executing a good 'dead drift').

I highly recommend hooking up with a local fly club, taking classes, watching some videos (your local club might have a library like ours does).

I generally recommend beginners start with a decent, complete beginner kit... (as opposed to buying a separate rod, reel, line). Most of these kits are designed for trout fishing, include a balanced rod, reel, and line, and are reasonably priced. Most are 5wt 'trout' kits, which is what you'll want. These can be found quite cheap (<$75) and good enough... but the better kits typically are in $100 to $150 range. Amazon for the former, your local fly shop for the latter.

But do be careful of being up-sold. Some shops will try to convince you need to spend much more to get started. The fact is, whatever you buy first, will only be your first rod (unless you give up the sport). You will have plenty of time to spend your $$$ later. Learn more before spending more. In the end, you'll end up with a dozen rods (or more).

I started on cheap 5wt (a walmart special) many years go. I haven't yet completely retired it. In fact, if I were to head off to a still water right this moment, I'd be taking it with me... as it's presently rigged with an intermediate line unlike my other three other 5wts I own.