Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: iRobertO on August 31, 2010, 11:36:22 PM
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Hello,
I fish the Fraser and Vedder but want to get into fly fishing. I do not have a fly rod/reel/line setup. I brought this problem to my wife and she has graciously added $0 to my fishing budget and said to go for it.
I have always admired the skill in the long casts with all that line flying through the air and fighting fish on such delicate rods, but with the allocated budget, I'm not getting into it anytime soon.
So the question everyone hates; what is the best all around setup I can get into inexpensively? I want to maximize my fishing opportunities, that's why I'm asking for 'all around' (as I understand you can have very particular setups for various fish, bodies of water and conditions). I'll even get into something used.
Any suggestions on how to equip myself? Rod? Reel? Line?
Let's pretend flies aren't to be considered in the budget, because I can chisel ten bucks away here and there unnoticed.
On another note, does anyone know a good divorce lawyer?
And finally, to the younger users on the forum, never get married. I'm serious.
Thanks in advance.
Rob
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your best bet is to look for a decent to good setup on the Classifieds of this or any fishing forum.
another option would be to look at rod/reel/line combos at stores such as Army & Navy or Wholesale Sports
If you can try and not get the cheapest thing out there, if you get into a mid price range rod you will be alot more happy and not wanting/needing to upgrade right away.
here are a few rod companies that are mid level to keep your eyes out for, actually a couple of these would be considered lower end but they are still great rods.
Dragonfly
Temple Fork Outfitters
Echo
St. Croix
Amundson
Redington
Lower end rods from the high prices guys (IE: Sage, GLoomis and so on)
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I bought my first fly setup a few months ago. Kinda allround, I love it for the first setup.
Bought it at the local Home Hardware - they had a special:
Sedge, 9ft, 8wt incl. reel and line spooled for $90. I have used it for trout so far. Yes, it is a little heavy but soooo much fun. I am learning, great for practicing ... I will try the setup in fall for Coho. As a beginner, I would go for a middle of the road combo.
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TFO and ECHO are the best value rods on the market.
Here is my suggestions:
- Spend the money on the rod then the line and finally the reel. The reel is not important at this level.
- 5wt rod is a great beginner wt. It is versatile and will help to get your stroke down pat. Anything heavier and your gonna be tempted to fish weighted tips...If you go to a lighter wt you loose the versatility.
- GET YOUR LINE MATCHED TO YOUR ROD, go to the airflo website or rio and they recommend certain lines for certain rods. If you are not picking up the info, go see Ferdie at Reaction in Abby and he can help match things up.
Once you have decided on a rod/line combo watch the classifieds on this or other sites for the best deal. You can also check out the local shops as they often consign used gear.
You should be able to huck a bicycle chain with a chicken on the end in no time!
Peace ;)
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I started with a 5/6wt Berkley rod and had it for years, it was a great rod at a very reasonable price. Just about anywhere that sells fishing gear will have inexpensive begginer Combo's, rod, reel, backing, fly line, leader. I've seen some that even throw in a few fly's. Langley Army and Navy would be worth checking out. tight lines
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do you guys not read things all the way through or something ???
He is looking to fish the Fraser & Vedder mostly which means he should be looking at an 8wt setup for an all around weight because it can handle big springs yet small coho/pinks are still a riot ;D
Now if he is looking for a trout fishing setup then yes a 5wt fits the bill perfectly
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Call my friend Bob 604-826-4625. He can set you up with an 8 or 9wt Daiwa Algonquin for around $60. No frills, but a good workable rod. Bought and tried the 8wt myself for bass fishing; no complaints. Tell him Jeff the newsman sent you.
For a cheap workable reel; bargain hunt antjque stores and pawnshops Offer $5 and barter to no more than $20.
For a cheap line talk to Gary at River Side.
And this is why the guys in the selling end of the industry hate me.
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Hey thanks for all the responses guys!
I really like the pawn shop tip, I never would have thought of that AND I have a friend (sort of) that works in a pawn shop. Anytime I have ever run into him there (twice) he tried to give me everything, so the $0 budget may end up being doable!
Rob
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I have a 6 wt, a few spinning rods and a baitcaster. For me, my best all-round set up on the Vedder would be my 8 wt 4 pce. Dragonfly. Packs down to nothing for easy transport. Can attach heavy pieces of T-14 as inexpensive sink tips. Cuts through the wind. Can handle a decent sized spring or chum, but still fun to play smaller salmon. I use it 90% of the time when I river fish. The 6 wt was my starter rod, but I rarely use it. I do not float tube or lake fish.
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Hello,
I fish the Fraser and Vedder but want to get into fly fishing. I do not have a fly rod/reel/line setup. I brought this problem to my wife and she has graciously added $0 to my fishing budget and said to go for it.
I have always admired the skill in the long casts with all that line flying through the air and fighting fish on such delicate rods, but with the allocated budget, I'm not getting into it anytime soon.
So the question everyone hates; what is the best all around setup I can get into inexpensively? I want to maximize my fishing opportunities, that's why I'm asking for 'all around' (as I understand you can have very particular setups for various fish, bodies of water and conditions). I'll even get into something used.
Any suggestions on how to equip myself? Rod? Reel? Line?
Let's pretend flies aren't to be considered in the budget, because I can chisel ten bucks away here and there unnoticed.
Just to clarify, "I fish the Frazer and Vedder BUT want to get into fly fishing". Do you mean fly fishing just in the Frazer and Vedder, or are you considering lakes and other streams also. For most still water trout and smaller streams an 8wt is too heavy. The best all around rod for most types of fly fishing is a 5/6wt as it can handle decent size fish and is light enough that you can still really feel smaller ones too. tight lines
On another note, does anyone know a good divorce lawyer?
And finally, to the younger users on the forum, never get married. I'm serious.
Thanks in advance.
Rob
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I love it Rob LOL no plans to get married here but been together 4yrs and neither of us care for marriage :-)
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Hey Robert O
as per Hooks response:
"do you guys not read things all the way through or something
He is looking to fish the Fraser & Vedder mostly which means he should be looking at an 8wt setup for an all around weight because it can handle big springs yet small coho/pinks are still a riot
Now if he is looking for a trout fishing setup then yes a 5wt fits the bill perfectly"
Don't do the 8wt! The big water of the Fraser is great for cutty fishing in back channels but the bigger water will be too daunting for a beginner. As for the Vedder, learning to fly fish shoulder to shoulder in the coho kook show is a task fit for the Kool Aid man. You need space and no pressure to watch your casts and make mistakes without getting pissed on by those around you. There is very little etiquette on that system and even less forgiveness.
That said, I read the context of your post and still recommend the 5wt. Go for a drive, fish the Skagit, Adams, Raft, Birkenhead or Cheakamus 1-2+hrs away or stay local and fish the Vedder for Pinks & Trout, Fraser for Cutties. Once you can manage your line, drift and swing properly then get into a 8wt and target Salmon.
Hook - I don't want this post to turn into a pissing contest.
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Don't do the 8wt! The big water of the Fraser is great for cutty fishing in back channels but the bigger water will be too daunting for a beginner. As for the Vedder, learning to fly fish shoulder to shoulder in the coho kook show is a task fit for the Kool Aid man. You need space and no pressure to watch your casts and make mistakes without getting pissed on by those around you. There is very little etiquette on that system and even less forgiveness.
I have never tried to fly fish on the Fraser. But I have had some success and fun with my 8 wt on the Vedder. One of the reasons I prefer to fly fish is that it forces me to walk another 5 minutes to get away from the crowds. It's a long river. I drive almost 2 hours to get there; an extra 5 minutes walk is not a big deal.
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It should be noted that when I get into something, I really get into it. I'll spend a lot of time in a park mastering the art.
Rob
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Robert: then you will see that there are two parts to flyfishing. First you will learn to fly cast, and then you will learn what is required to catch a fish, whether that be using a dryfly, or fishing with a streamer or nymph. You will see what I mean when you get into it.
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Update: I took the pawn shop advice. Went to the one where I know a guy and he doesn't work there anymore :(
They had two rods in total. One was $15 bucks and broken, but not a fly rod. The next was a fly rod with a $20 price tag. I haggled with the lady and ended up getting it for $8 inc tax. I'm sure that I probably paid what it's actual worth was, but I'm ok with that, because step one is complete for now (gotta have something to stick a reel onto).
The rod is a 8.5 foot, #7.. can't think of brand right now.
Next reel, then line, or both together if I can.
Rob
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Four stars!!!!! Man! When you get your line make sure it is a 7wt too, so it matches your rod.
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where is this prawn shop. If I can find low cost rods like that ; I would get them and send them to my buddy' fishing lodge up counrty. His guests are brutal on the lodge rods, and wreck them fast. So a $ 20 fly rod would be just fine for one season. Now where to find a $ 20 fly reel.
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Cash converters in guildford. But like I said, they had 2 with one being busted. I suppose you just have to troll all the pawn shops.
And it was $8, not $20.. :)
Rob
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Oh and I've been scouting craigslist.. I'm confident I'll find something there..
There's been a few '$80, take all my gear' with multiple rods and reels. I'm hoping to find one of those with just one reel that works and sell off the rest.
At least once im setup I can have some fun and upgrade piece by piece over time.
Rob
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Still nothing for a reel.. Been checking craigslist and pawn shops..
I'm pretty eager, have been watching hours of fly casting videos on YouTube and really want to get into this!
Rob
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I'm pretty sure Mel Krieger is my new favorite human being..
This guys awesome!
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Check out Cabelas Three Forks fly reel. I don't own one myself but they are on sale right now for 25 US plus shipping.
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Still nothing for a reel.. Been checking craigslist and pawn shops..
I'm pretty eager, have been watching hours of fly casting videos on YouTube and really want to get into this!
Rob
Hang in there they are out there. My last find was an old Hardy (in good shape) a month ago at a antique store in Kamloops $5.
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Thanks for the reminder. I forgot about antique stores. Maybe I'll head out to New West on my way to work tomorrow. Any flea markets coming up that anyone knows about?
Rob
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Thanks for the reminder. I forgot about antique stores. Maybe I'll head out to New West on my way to work tomorrow. Any flea markets coming up that anyone knows about?
Rob
There is a shop called popeye's in North Vancouver and they have lot's of used fishing equipment as well as every thing else you can think of used. Check out the salvation army thrift shops for used gear also, it's definatly out there it is just a matter of time.
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Flea markets can be good; sometimes, be prepared to barter hard. Like the garage sale folks, they know their market prices.
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An unexpected turn of events....
So from time to time through my work I get offered some things. Today it was box seats to the Canucks game. Of course I think of my favorite fishing buddy first and invite him along.
When he arrives to pick me up, he has a surprise for me....
He's been into fly fishing for a bit. He originally bought some gear, hardly used it and immediately went out and bought more gear (much more expensive gear, he's like that)..
Since he knows I am trying to get setup for fly fishing (heavily inspired by him), he shows up to pick me up with a gift on his front seat.
It's an Amundson RM 7/8 reel with an additional spool. The reel has Cortland WF8S sinking line on it and the extra spool has WF 8 floating line on it!
I'm pretty pumped.
So I'm not entirely sure if the reel and line match the rod perfectly, but since writing the original post I have been chiseling away some funds, so if it doesn't work, I'll buy a rod and start the project over to get my son setup..
Anyways, a piece of me really wants to go out front right now and start practicing..
It all makes the Canucks losing 2 games tonight worth while! All you can eat sushi, ribs in beer was good too. :)
Rob
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whereabouts are you located Rob ??
I might be available to help you with some pointers on casting, in person that is. I own several fly setups and could bring something along that may be easier to learn on ;)
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Thanks, but I'm gonna try the self taught method first.. (of course watching videos and asking questions doesn't count) :)
Rob
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I was talking free help, i dont and cant charge people to learn as im not an instructor but am able to help people where i can. Learning on your own can be difficult, I taught myself but i was also watching som guys casting and counting their timings which helped alot in my learning. Also helped that when they noticed me they came to offer help as well ;D
Videos and questions/answers can only get you so far. on the water or grass casting experience is where you will learn the most and having someone help with this cvan pay off huge
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If you can, take HOOKS offer.
A video won't give you feedback or help you with your timing.
Go play with your new toy BUT, without outside input you'll hit a wall and wonder: Why can't I cast farther?
I always appreciate input and help from those that are smooth and able.
Starting well will mean less fixing in the future.
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and if you already know the basics from videos and whatnot then it makes it even easier to fine tune a cast. I sold a rod to a guy awhile back and gave him some pointers for a bit and he told me it improved him alot ;D I always enjoy good feedback LOL