Thread: Fly Fishing

Hi Kevin,

I couldn't get that site to load but I'll keep trying. I have been told by some that fiberglass fly rods are the poor man's bamboo fly rods. As I have never owned or cast a bamboo because they are very expensive (if you thought some high end graphites were expensive), I'll take their word for it. But contrary to belief, fiberglass fly rods are not like casting a wet noodle. My 5wt. is parabolic or full flex and my 7wt. is a tip flex. I like the full flex or parabolic the best because its slower than the tip flex and generates more power from the base of the rod. The slower cast allows or gives me time to correct the cast and is more forgiving of my casting errors. The rod bend on the cast when the rod loads line is not over exaggerated but rather the power is generated from the base of the rod. It did take me a little time to get used to the full flex or parabolic casting stroke.

been usin a 7'6" fenwick fiberglass (5wt) for more yrs than i can remember. got a couple expensive graphite, but reach for the 'glass most often. got my first one for Christmas when i was 14, 43 yrs ago...had to wait over a month for the ponds to thaw, but learned to throw it in the back yard afore then. seems the beginners do better with glass, IMHO.

Originally Posted by fishdoc

seems the beginners do better with glass, IMHO.

Originally Posted by dixieangler

The slower cast allows or gives me time to correct the cast and is more forgiving of my casting errors.

I agree. I believe all beginners should start out on glass rods before going to graphite rods simply due to beginner casting errors. Might save a lot of disillusioned beginners from dropping out of fly fishing because the graphite rods are initially too hard (too fast) for them to cast. Fly casting already has that false "its too hard" (I'm not coordinated enough) stigma myth. Too bad the emphasis is on graphites for beginners these days (the market is geared more for graphites, not fiberglass).

Here is the second stigma that is a myth. "It has to be expensive to be good quality." I don't know who started that lie (probably the high end rod manufacturers) but nothing could be further from the truth. This gives the false impression that fly fishing is not affordable for those who are not affluent. The idea that "you get what you pay for" might apply in some cases but it does not apply in this case. Good quality can be had at any end of the market, high, medium, and low ends. Conversely, poor quality can be had at any end of the market, high, medium, and low ends. That's why I say to shop around.

1st HAVE FUN,

2nd ONLY BUY WHAT YOU WILL USE,

3rd SKILLS CAN COME FREE, CHEAP OR (EXPENSIVE), YOUR CHOICE

4th HAVE FUN

5th HAVE FUN

6th HAVE FUN

7th TAKE SOME PICTURES/VIDEOS

8th HAVE FUN

We can't forget about our local Walmarts. Bluegill are tough on a fly, and as you start, you are going to want one that floats, so that you can see the fish hit and learn the feel of the rod when the bite happens. You can go to Walmart and buy different flys that kill the bluegill. However, you need to cut some of the "legs" down, as they will "nip" at those. YOU WILL LOVE TO FLYFISH...THE FIGHT IS A RUSH!

i learned on my own and a few pointers form flyanglesonline.com and i can cast into a ice cream bucket 60 feet away

a few tips for gill i use poppers only!!!! i go to a state park and cast near some reeds as soon as the popper hits the water a fish takes it!! its awesome!!! ive landed a 1 1/2 pounder on that lake before !!

Here's some stuff.... Guess you realize you are starting a very addictive activity....
http://www.sexyloops.com/flycasting/contents.shtml
Bass bugging is my forte...

Breamzes are fun too.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/049187.jpg

BWT, early spring is a great time to catch bream using small gray nymphs near the surface late in the evening when the midges start hatching/emerging in lotta lakes. Down here in Dixie the entire lake dimples/swirls as they gorge themselves with them. Need to tie on 2 or 3 flies. It helps with dropper loops or "water knot" tied in your leader.
Dropper
http://www.fintalk.com/fishing-knots/dropper-loop.html
Water knot
http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com/...hing-knots.htm

I will try to figure out how to post a picture. I caught a 6 1/2 pound bass out of a small pond while flyfishing poppers for bluegill. The fight lasted about 20 or so minutes, and my leader was only 6lb test trilene. Needless to say...I had to wear the fish out. However, my wife watched it happen, and she was impressed. So, don't know what was a better first time experience...impressing my wife or catching that bass on the flyrod.