Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: DeeAngler on April 16, 2009, 05:53:28 PM
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I tried doing a search but didn't find the answer .... so .... what weight fly rod is best suited for a beginner to:
1) Fish interior and local lakes ... sorta all purpose ... trolling flies, I believe it's fishing a fly using a little float thing :-[ and to learn casting and retrieving.
2) Learn to fly cast.
If I get the hang of it (casting) could also try fishing for cutthroat and maybe pinks? Not into going for Sage or top quality but still a good buy for ones buck.
I guess I might need some expert advise on what lines to start with. ;D
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I would say buy a 5 or 6 weight rod. If you want to troll flies, or even fish for pinks a 5/6 is perfect. From my experience learning to cast with a mid weight rod like a 6 is easiest for beginners. I would also say it is the best weight for all purpose, general flyfishing. As you move to lighter rods, learning to cast can be a tad frustrating. By the sounds of it you won't need a heavier rod such as an 8/9 with the fishing you plan on doing.
-CM
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I'm no expert but have some experience, if you want a good all purpose rod that you can try on a variety of fish and conditions a 5 wt. or a 6wt(if you plan on some larger species) will do you just fine. I use a 4 on the interior lakes and cutties down here but switch to the 8 come coho/pink/spring time. A 6 is a good compromise if you want to experience all of it with one rod. You mentioned not going for a sage, but I'm a fan of sage rods, and their inexpensive ones are very good too, I have cast their "launch" in a 6 wt, it felt pretty nice and was much lighter than some of the other 6's around. They won't break the bank anyways and you'll be into something that will last you a good long time. Get something less and you'll probably just spend the money on a sage or equiv. eventually anyways! As for lines a floating line will do you for just about everything if use some ingenuity. The little float thing is a strike indicator (probably), used when chironomid fishing or nymphing. Floating line is what you'd be using for that also :) I've always had good luck with scientific anglers (SA) lines. Not so much with airflo. For reels, good bang for your buck is pfleuger or dragonfly reels, the nice thing about dragonfly is that their distributor (redisports) is here in burnaby and are very good with warranty. I had a problem resolved the same day resulting in a brand new reel....and they let me keep my old spool too. Hope that helps? Good luck, you're going to love it :D
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I would also say either a 5 or 6wt would be your best bet as a mutli purpose trout/pink rod. regarding rods and brand names, between rod brands there is slight differences in the weight of the rods and actions in the same weight classes however only experienced casters will notice these normally. My 5wt is a Sage rod, My 4wt is an Echo, my 6wt is a Fenwick. now there is suttle differences in these rods because of the weight differences. the sage is a fast crisp action rod which can make casting quite easy "most day", the 4wt is a moderate or medium action rod which requires a little more "skill" in casting because of its slower but deeper casting stroke. the 6wt is also a fast action but because its a 6wt its just a bit stiffer so casting becomes almost done without effort (once you learn the timing of casting) I actually never use my 6wt anymore and saying that im going to put up this one time offer.
If you would like i will sell you my complete 6wt setup. Fenwick Eagle GT rod 9' 6wt, Martin classic large arbour reel with a weight forward 6wt dry line and backing ----- $80 firm. this is a complete setup and i can even help you out with some casting instruction ;)
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Now thats a good deal :D
I just bought a new Fenwick HMX 9' 5wt rod and reel combo with spare spool, reel laoded with flaoting line and spare with sinking line,
rob bag, rod reel case and cap for $299.00 + tax
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Thanks for that Britguy LOL i thought it was a good deal also myself. I do however think i prices it quite fair as the rod is a few years old and hasnt been cast in probably 3 yrs :-\ I would like to see this rod back in action as it has caught some very large fish in the past for me. has always been the lucky rod also usually out fishing my other rod (when in a boat using 2) I also lent it to someone on a weekend fishing trip and he outfished 2 of us by himself >:( >:(
If this rod doesnt go to this person i MIGHT put it in the classifieds otherwise i might keep it for when my kid is old enough to learn LOL ya right we all know that gives us excuses to buy more gear ;D ;D ;D
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I'll second it that Hook is giving you a good deal. A couple years ago I got a 4 piece 6 wt Temple Fork Outfitters rod and reel with floating and sinking line and a rod tube for $250 from Sea-Run. I'd say Hook is offering up that combo at less than half price of one brand new. If you really want a brand new setup a lot of the shops are having sales right now. Just drop by the closest one and try and work out a deal. Good luck.
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Ooops .... sorry Rod for the errant post. :-[
Thnx for all the info everyone. There sure is allot to consider. :-\
Hook ... email sent.
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i havent recieved an email from you Deeangler :-\ here is my email, please label so i can recognize it ;)
jimmybob_69@msn.com
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Hi Hook :)
Bluesteele
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hows it going Blue?
send me an email buddy, i think we need to fish this year ;D
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got your email Dee and replied ;D
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I tried doing a search but didn't find the answer .... so .... what weight fly rod is best suited for a beginner to:
1) Fish interior and local lakes ... sorta all purpose ... trolling flies, I believe it's fishing a fly using a little float thing :-[ and to learn casting and retrieving.
2) Learn to fly cast.
If I get the hang of it (casting) could also try fishing for cutthroat and maybe pinks? Not into going for Sage or top quality but still a good buy for ones buck.
I guess I might need some expert advise on what lines to start with. ;D
Okay, so you have had a few responses and talked to a few shop clerks, and now have a few things to think about. I am pleased you didn't fall for the Sage propaganda ( Personally I find them over rated). Kufa make a nice starter for a reasonable prise.
As fly fishing instructor, I recommend men start with a 6 or 7 wt and ladies start with a 5 or 6 wt (the difference in line wt between the sexes has to do with differences in bone structure). My critics will say that those line wt's are too heavy. Critics always criticize which is why they are critics instead of teachers; they are good at finding fault not solutions. You want to work with a line weight will allow you to feel it load your rod when casting. Failure to get a feel for your rod loading (the tip flex under the weight of the line being cast) will hinder you learning to cast properly. So start with a 6 or 7, work with it for a season, then match your rod weight in accordance to the species you pursue.
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::)
7wt will collect dust after you've learned that it is too heavy for interior lake fishing (this will take one day catching average interior lake fish to discover ;)). Solution: stick with a 5 or 6 and make sure you get a line weight that loads your rod properly. Newsman I don't think anyone would dispute that a rod that loads properly and easily is a good thing...it's not about the weight of the rod though it's about the balance of line/rod....you know that! You can have a 4wt that loads better than a 7wt if you have proper line on it, I know, I have one...and its a sage!!! :D
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Everyone has their like and dislikes. I disagree with your claim that a 7wt will stay unused. they make good Coho, Steelhead, Sockeye, and Bass rods. Back in 1970 when I started this game everyone started with a 7wt and my favorite rod is my Morado.
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Everyone has their like and dislikes. I disagree with your claim that a 7wt will stay unused. they make good Coho, Steelhead, Sockeye, and Bass rods. Back in 1970 when I started this game everyone started with a 7wt and my favorite rod is my Morado.
He asked specifically about interior and local lake rods, and eluded to chironomid fishing...not 7wt territory, otherwise I'd agree completely that a 7 is a great coho/steel/sockeye/bass/pink/bull rod and wouldn't collect dust.
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My mistake Marmot.
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Six wt is the usual recommended first rod. The only thing I would suggest is get a four piece. So much easier to transport and carry. I have the inexpensive Dragonfly in both 6wt and 8 wt. Both are 4 piece rods which come in a very nice rod tube. I use the 8wt a lot for river salmon fishing. The 6wt is relatively stiff with a faster action than I would prefer, but I'll keep using it until it breaks. Then I would replace it with the Dragonfly 4 piece 4 wt which came out in the last couple of years.
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My mistake Marmot.
Ah it doesn't matter anyways...I mean I think back (too far back!!) and fishing with the 7wt was actually OK. It has just been a while since I've used anything but my lighter wt's on trout and I'm spoiled now ;) Different strokes for different folks too...I'm sure there are guys out there who swear that you shouldn't be fishing heavier than a 3wt for trout, and some who will say anything thats less than a 6wt is too hard on fish and takes too long to get them in...so who knows. I like 4/5 wts though :)
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I would go to a local shop and talk to the owner a 5 wt rod already matched to a reel with line attached in the $100 - 150 range would give you yeoman service. Look at dragonfly rod and reels. I have an 8wt I bought over 10 years ago as a package and still use it all the time. It is probably my favorite next to my vintage bamboo rod. Good luck.
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Thnx for the additional info everyone. Still shopping. :-[
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So then you dont want the combo i offered up??? never heard back from you about it.
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email was sent :-[ Still keeping it as a consideration.
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have you found something better for cheaper??? If so BUY IT !!! if not then......
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Not to add to the pressure but for a first rod /reel/line setup HOOK's offer is going to be incredibly hard to beat.....the casting instruction alone will be worth it.
DO IT!!!! :D
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Hook .... no, haven't found something cheaper. Realisticly I'm not very good on what is a cheaper, when comparing it to your offer. But have been told it's a great deal.
My whole interest in fly fishing was tweaked by Rod's outings on the Fraser and watching some anglers at Lafarge.
I'm just considering the option of maybe going with a cartidge style reel. You mentioned yours might be but the cartidges could be hard to find. This would resolve considering the line type(s) ... do I just start out this season with floating only and keep a look out for another reel with a 6w sinking line ... or look at going with the versi tip I've been informed of? Or ... yes ... I should just try your outfit and go from there. :-\
Just be glad you're not offering to sell me shoes. :D
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well to be honest with you, when it comes to trout fishing i HARDLY EVER use my sinking lines or sinking tips. i mainly use my floating line and if you happen to want a cartridge reel you could always just pick up a new reel at a later time after gaining some experience and such. You wont wanna learn to cast with a sinking line anyhow as it is a little tougher for obvious reasons. I fished only a dry line my first season with a fly rod before i bought a sinking line ;)
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DeeAngler - so whats going on? you feeling overwhelmed yet at all the options out there yet ;) LOL
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I've casted many of the entry level lake fishing rods and I highly recommend the:
Echo 4 piece 5 wt 9 ft. (not the new series coming out, but the older model)
uplined by one - to a six weight line - Loads up very easily, great learning rod and will not disappoint as you become a better caster.. and it's very reasonable!!
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Go to a good shop (like Sea Run) and they will set you up. I really appreciated the experience when choosing my first rod. A decent 4 piece rod and reel will be $300 easy but worth it over a 2 piece for half the price.
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I agree that a 6 wt rod is your best bet,it is a good allaround weight and will enable you to cover all the bases. It is the line that is critical in that it is the right weight for that rod. Also it is not necessary to run out and spend big dough on a rod, I can consistently cast between 60 to 90 feet using either my berkley rods or my martin and dragonfly rods. Read the Gilly !
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Army and Navy had a great package last year with a rod ( you could choose from the selection they had) and reel with both sinking and floating line and a case for with a bunch of hooks and pliers etc. I think it was around $100 - $150. I am not sure if they have it this year, but what a deal.
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Yeah, I definetly recomend Sea run in coquitlam! Two years ago i got my first fly fishing rod set 8wt for the pink season. Everybody there was so helpful so I pretty much went to Sea Run for my tackle (even though i live in Vancouver). Haven't had the time to fish for a year now probably going back to Sea run soon for a 5wt set up for the lakes.
Talk to one of the guys there, they are all very experienced
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I have recieved your emails and answered you, just waiting for a response ;)
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I bought a dragonfly 6WT 9' for my first rod. and berrys has a good package for the rod and reel with two cartridges. It has worked so well for me i dont plan on replacing it for a long time.
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I bought a dragonfly 6WT 9' for my first rod. and berrys has a good package for the rod and reel with two cartridges. It has worked so well for me i dont plan on replacing it for a long time.
Good choice and no need to replace it any time soon. I have the same rod and really like it and I am a vetreran. Rods are allot like skis, you can have the best equipment money can buy but if you can't ski worth a _ _ _ t what good is it going to do you.