Fly fishing equipment

[Hornedfrogbbq]

The reel matters less to me than the rod. I've caught huge fish using an old medalist reel. I wouldn't want to use it any more but there are plenty of good, moderately priced reels whose drag will hold up to big fish. Drag technology has really really improved. I'd focus the spend on the rod because that can make or break your enjoyment.

Case in point - I grew up in the 1970's throwing those big Fenglass rods that were like willow whips. Thw first good rod my father bought I still have - a Sage RPL rod and my goodness, literally the whole sport changed overnight. My enjoyment and abilities to put the fly where I wanted went up at least 10 fold.

So my advice is always spend on the rod. The reel, especially in most freshwater applications, won't matter as much and matters much less than it used to due to the massive improvements in drag systems.

In salt water, you have to pay particular attention to the drag because it will get used heavily. That will set you back a bit more.

 

[farmer_john]

The reel matters less to me than the rod. I've caught huge fish using an old medalist reel. I wouldn't want to use it any more but there are plenty of good, moderately priced reels whose drag will hold up to big fish. Drag technology has really really improved. I'd focus the spend on the rod because that can make or break your enjoyment.

Case in point - I grew up in the 1970's throwing those big Fenglass rods that were like willow whips. Thw first good rod my father bought I still have - a Sage RPL rod and my goodness, literally the whole sport changed overnight. My enjoyment and abilities to put the fly where I wanted went up at least 10 fold.

So my advice is always spend on the rod. The reel, especially in most freshwater applications, won't matter as much and matters much less than it used to due to the massive improvements in drag systems.

In salt water, you have to pay particular attention to the drag because it will get used heavily. That will set you back a bit more.

Ive alwayabwondered about how to fly fish saltwater. Just never had the time to learn.

 

[8 x 60]

Some great advice in the replies above.

My quick observation on Saltwater reels (someone mentioned Saltwater Fly Fishing);

I never really appreciated the benefit of a good drag until I got into Saltwater FlyFishing where a sound reel and with a bombproof drag is absolutely vital (Plenty of backing line too)

The drag on this one (below) could stop a submarine

 

[Skaap]

If you want a quality rod, with a lot of bang for your buck, check out "Echo" flyrods.

It is a company formed by, Tim Rajeff, a former rod engineer for Loomis.

Really agree with this - everything from their travel kit to the Lift, Ion XL, and the Boost blue - I've found them to be good value - just bought a 7w Ion XL which I used successfully for Tigerfish in Pongola this year, to complement the 7w Boost I happily used last year.

Friends really enjoy the cost-effective Lift in 5w for beginner trout.

 

[matt vejar]

Lamson sells a 3 pack of the Liquid S ( reel and 2 spoils) for under $300. Their aluminum cast so if it takes a direct hit on a rock it could crack! But that’s dirt cheap and the reviews are good for toughness. Bought the 7+ which is large arbor. Very light reel for coho in Alaska. Supposedly it has one of the best drags.
Used the original Echo 8wt on coho a few years ago. So I can vouch for them also. Back then under $200 bucks I think? Probably better now that was at least 15 years ago when Rajeff started company.

 

[Xpraetor]

Ive alwayabwondered about how to fly fish saltwater. Just never had the time to learn.

It's not much different from freshwater, stouter rods & reels with stouter drag, larger size for more backing as saltys run alot .... you should definitely go

 

[farmer_john]

It's not much different from freshwater, stouter rods & reels with stouter drag, larger size for more backing as saltys run alot .... you should definitely go

Dont have anyone with wich to go lol

 

[Xpraetor]

The reel matters less to me than the rod. I've caught huge fish using an old medalist reel. I wouldn't want to use it any more but there are plenty of good, moderately priced reels whose drag will hold up to big fish. Drag technology has really really improved. I'd focus the spend on the rod because that can make or break your enjoyment.

Case in point - I grew up in the 1970's throwing those big Fenglass rods that were like willow whips. Thw first good rod my father bought I still have - a Sage RPL rod and my goodness, literally the whole sport changed overnight. My enjoyment and abilities to put the fly where I wanted went up at least 10 fold.

So my advice is always spend on the rod. The reel, especially in most freshwater applications, won't matter as much and matters much less than it used to due to the massive improvements in drag systems.

In salt water, you have to pay particular attention to the drag because it will get used heavily. That will set you back a bit more.

I agree, definitely do not skimp on the Rod, the "brand" of Reel doesn't matter, but what does matter as you stated is the *Drag , and for me  CORK drags have performed the best - more durable & easier maintenance. That matters a lot if you fish often and/or do a lot of wade fishing. Thing is, Reels with CORK drags tend to have a higher price tag.

I have an Orvis reel, although it is a freshwater reel, it has been solid.

I have Tibors, those are superb reels!

I posted pictures of the SHILTON Reels & the GLoomis because those 2 setups are what I've been fishing with & traveling with for the past 4yrs. On a side note, not that it matters, but SHILTON Reels are MFG in South Africa.

I am notoriously hard on all my gear, part of the reason I don't own anything "Super Grade" / "Artisan" , because that level of Craftsmanship, Art, in my hands goes from being "spectacular" to a tragedy in very short order. I'm not careless, nor derelict in maintenance, I simply use the shlt out of my gear and if doesn't hold up I scrap it & find something else that will. I typed all of that to put an exclamation on the appearance of the Rod(s) & Reel(s) I posted pictures of, the dam things look almost good as when I purchased them at the shop.

But to your original point, you are absolutely correct DO NOT skimp on the Rod , and if it is at all possible try to test it out, everyone is different and the action -stiffness = "power" or lack there of , is very important , to include the intended species being fished.

 

[Xpraetor]

Some great advice in the replies above.

My quick observation on Saltwater reels (someone mentioned Saltwater Fly Fishing);

I never really appreciated the benefit of a good drag until I got into Saltwater FlyFishing where a sound reel and with a bombproof drag is absolutely vital (Plenty of backing line too)

View attachment 777292

The drag on this one (below) could stop a submarine
View attachment 777294

What Reel / Rod setup are you using in the picture? Looks to be a 12wt , but MFG ?

 

[8 x 60]

The rod in the first picture has the name "Gold-Cup" on it, it is a #12. I know nothing about the maker, I bought it in a Bass~Pro shop in Vegas in 2011, seen here with a "SeaWolf" reel from a fellow called Justin Aynwal of Chichester England
The rod in the second shot is custom made by Tony Fordham in England (long deceased I believe) It is a #15/16 called "The Yellowfin" (The reel is a Tibor "The Pacific" with 1,000 yrds of 30lb gel-spun backing line)

 

[Xpraetor]

Dont have anyone with wich to go lol

Any chance there is a Fly Fishing "club" in your area? , but if not I typically go solo ..... although fishing with a friend/companion is definitely better.

Are you are close to LA , MS or AR ?

 

[Velo Dog]

Fellow Fisher Types,

Yours truly is not an expert at anything really, including fly fishing.
Nonetheless, I do love to fish, salt and fresh water both, with almost (almost) any type of tackle, from cane pole and string, up to and including big game rod and reel, with live bait for large pelagic species.
But, my favorite type of fishing, salt or fresh water, is with the fly rod.

For that thought, my 2 penny opinion on fly tackle is as follows:
Since age 10 (by now that’s 63 years of flyrodding), I am still striving for the perfect cast.
And longer rods help.
10 feet is my preference in fly rod length.
Since my wife and I love to travel, 4 piece rods are for us, worth whatever they cost.

Although I have rods from 2 weight through 14 weight, a person can fish the world very satisfactorily with only 3 rods and 3 reels.

1.
For the Light Weight category, a #6 weight with simple palming rim type reel is what I recommend, (bream, smallish trout, mangrove snapper, grayling, etc).
Serious disc drag reels aren’t usually needed for fish under about five pounds / two kilos.
There are a few certain exceptional species in that size category that can “punch” well above their weight class, bonefish being one of them.
However personally, old V. Dog would prefer a bit heavier rod for those.

2.
For a Middle Weight rod, I recommend a #8W rod and a strong disc drag type reel (Bonefish, Barracuda, Large Freshwater Bass, Steelhead, King Aka “Chinook” Salmon in slow moving water, etc, etc.).
3.
In the Heavy Weight category, if you’re doing a lot of casting then, I recommend a #10 W rod with a seriously strong disc drag type reel.
(King Salmon in fast rivers, Tarpon, Peacock Bass, Rooster Fish, etc).
If however you are using your fly tackle to only throw when a heavy game fish (marlin, large tuna, etc), is teased to the surface (via dragging a hookless plastic squid, etc. behind a motor boat) then, I recommend a #12 rod and seriously heavy duty drag type big game fly reel (I like Billy Pate brand fly reels for this but they are expensive and there are other brands suitable out there in cyber space for sale.

That reminds me, 2nd hand fly fishing tackle has been for decades one of the best bargains on earth, as it does not hold its value after the first owner decides they want to sell it.
Or at least it used to be so.
Today like everything else, used fly tackle seems to be rising in price all too rapidly.
However, if a buyer is diligent, they can sometimes still find great bargains for dimes on the dollar.

As long as we continue to have fly fishing, it is mysterious that anyone would ever waste valuable time messing around with recreational drugs (heroin, marijuana, meth, cocaine, etc.)

Tight Lines,
Velo Dog.

 

[farmer_john]

Any chance there is a Fly Fishing "club" in your area? , but if not I typically go solo ..... although fishing with a friend/companion is definitely better.

Are you are close to LA , MS or AR ?

Nc. Love fishing the mountians bout 5bhours to coast

 

[Xpraetor]

Yep, river & stream fishing too, the Buffalo River & tributaries are in my backyard, so its an overnight or longer when fishing the Gulf Cosat.
But you're in NC, there are a butt load of Fly Fishing Clubs .... Cape Fear FlyFishers - Southport, Appalachian Anglers - Seven Devils , Caroline Fly - Charlotte, etc.....

I know Cape Fear has classes/excursions that cater to all levels, and I'm pretty sure their cadre has loaner gear.

 

[Xpraetor]

Fellow Fisher Types,

Yours truly is not an expert at anything really, including fly fishing.
Nonetheless, I do love to fish, salt and fresh water both, with almost (almost) any type of tackle, from cane pole and string, up to and including big game rod and reel, with live bait for large pelagic species.
But, my favorite type of fishing, salt or fresh water, is with the fly rod.

For that thought, my 2 penny opinion on fly tackle is as follows:
Since age 10 (by now that’s 63 years of flyrodding), I am still striving for the perfect cast.
And longer rods help.
10 feet is my preference in fly rod length.
Since my wife and I love to travel, 4 piece rods are for us, worth whatever they cost.

Although I have rods from 2 weight through 14 weight, a person can fish the world very satisfactorily with only 3 rods and 3 reels.

1.
For the Light Weight category, a #6 weight with simple palming rim type reel is what I recommend, (bream, smallish trout, mangrove snapper, grayling, etc).
Serious disc drag reels aren’t usually needed for fish under about five pounds / two kilos.
There are a few certain exceptional species in that size category that can “punch” well above their weight class, bonefish being one of them.
However personally, old V. Dog would prefer a bit heavier rod for those.

2.
For a Middle Weight rod, I recommend a #8W rod and a strong disc drag type reel (Bonefish, Barracuda, Large Freshwater Bass, Steelhead, King Aka “Chinook” Salmon in slow moving water, etc, etc.).
3.
In the Heavy Weight category, if you’re doing a lot of casting then, I recommend a #10 W rod with a seriously strong disc drag type reel.
(King Salmon in fast rivers, Tarpon, Peacock Bass, Rooster Fish, etc).
If however you are using your fly tackle to only throw when a heavy game fish (marlin, large tuna, etc), is teased to the surface (via dragging a hookless plastic squid, etc. behind a motor boat) then, I recommend a #12 rod and seriously heavy duty drag type big game fly reel (I like Billy Pate brand fly reels for this but they are expensive and there are other brands suitable out there in cyber space for sale.

That reminds me, 2nd hand fly fishing tackle has been for decades one of the best bargains on earth, as it does not hold its value after the first owner decides they want to sell it.
Or at least it used to be so.
Today like everything else, used fly tackle seems to be rising in price all too rapidly.
However, if a buyer is diligent, they can sometimes still find great bargains for dimes on the dollar.

As long as we continue to have fly fishing, it is mysterious that anyone would ever waste valuable time messing around with recreational drugs (heroin, marijuana, meth, cocaine, etc.)

Tight Lines,
Velo Dog.

Good advisement, the only caveat to your astute advise is *budget. Admittedly the Fly Fishing setups I posted pictures of are in the Mid to High range in price point. However, those setups I use for freshwater & saltwater, so double duty. For someone just getting into Fly Fishing it is an less expensive option and those examples have good re-sale value. Despite, someone just "dipping their toe in", most certainly should not spend a lot until they are sure Fly Fishing is for them. And as you rightly advised , re-sale/used gear is definitely the best way to get gear at a discount. Although there are exceptions to that, in the 21st cent. some Fly Reels maintain very good re-sale value, in some cases more than what the Reel sold for at retail.

 

[Kynoch2015]

I’ve gotten some really nice rods and reels by buying used from auction sites. There are some bargains out there in top named brands. Most were fished very little or not at all. Less bidding competition and more selection when people stop looking for new equipment for that season and before they start looking for the next. One suggestion that I would make is to shop at Bream Bugs for your flies https://breambugs.com/ it’s a small one person shop with great selection and very fast personal service. Many of there flies are tied in the US and seem to last forever. Popping bugs rarely chip paint. Prices are comparable to the big stores but the flies seem to last much longer. Great to get back to (fly) fishing. You’ll wonder why you waited so long!

 

[MS 9x56]

View attachment 278605 View attachment 278606 I use a Temple Fork Outfitters 8 weight for bass and Alaska salmon to Florida snook, specs and anything I can hook. No clue what the current price is. The drag has held up to fish in the 10lb range.
Also the fly is a classic Clouser in chartreuse and white. It too works for most anything.

Good luck in your choices!

You really can’t go wrong with TFO rods and reels. If they were good enough for Lefty Kreh they are good enough for me.

 

[MS 9x56]

Good advisement, the only caveat to your astute advise is *budget. Admittedly the Fly Fishing setups I posted pictures of are in the Mid to High range in price point. However, those setups I use for freshwater & saltwater, so double duty. For someone just getting into Fly Fishing it is a less expensive option and those examples have good re-sale value. Despite, someone just "dipping their toe in", most certainly should not spend a lot until they are sure Fly Fishing is for them. And as you rightly advised , re-sale/used gear is definitely the best way to get gear at a discount. Although there are exceptions to that, in the 21st cent. some Fly Reels maintain very good re-sale value, in some cases more than what the Reel sold for at retail.

TFO does have some cheaper models that are fully serviceable but still not cheap. Definitely cheaper than a nice rifle.

 

[MS 9x56]

Ive alwayabwondered about how to fly fish saltwater. Just never had the time to learn.

I have had some great days fishing shallow bays and backwaters for redfish, black drum, and mackerel. My buddy stepped on a ray that had buried itself in silt. It took off and he took a header. We still laugh about that one every time we get together.

 

[Xpraetor]

You really can’t go wrong with TFO rods and reels. If they were good enough for Lefty Kreh they are good enough for me.

For sure! The "alternate" Rod I have for the SHILTON SL5 is a TFO "Lefty Kreh" , I do agree ....