does anyone have any tips for purchasing a fly fishing rig?

2016-02-26T20:25:49-05:00

I have been fly fishing with variable success for a number of years. I taught myself through trial and error. I love it. I have been using my original $40 rod and reel combo for years. It was fine, and I caught fish on it.

But now I have a house with riverfront access. I think I'd be willing to spend a few extra $ and get something a little fancier.

Thoughts?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 8:33 PM

2016-02-26T20:33:35-05:00

Honestly, i grew up fishing with my dad then me and my brother started after we all developed lives in seperate parts of the country. IMO, don't change rigs if you're having success with what you have keep doing what you're doing. Now once it breaks or wears out, mid market value usually does well for river fishing as a leisurely pursuit.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Feb 27 at 2016 1:22 AM

2016-02-27T01:22:38-05:00

Recommend you go to Dicks or as Said Cabellas like stores and actually talk to those in the rod reel shop. Go to the Fishing show in Madison Wisconsin area or I'm your city and state.

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made Feb 27 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-02-27T10:42:51-05:00

Melissa....go to this site http://www.littleforks.com/ they have some outstanding brands of equipment....and it should be close to your location....at least over $200 for a good rod and at least $150 for a reel......these guys should be able to help you out and get you the best set-up for your capabilities....

Little Forks Outfitters

Located in Downtown Midland, Little Forks Outfitters carries the best quality gear, clothing and footwear brand names for your next outdoor adventure.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 1:43 PM

2016-02-27T13:43:33-05:00

I have two llbean setups I like. Affordable, and their warranty is unbeatable.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-02-27T18:01:32-05:00

I've seen people go out and spen tons on the top of the line gear and catch almost nothing. Ive also seen a kid witha stick, string and a hook pull in nice fish. Point being find what works for you and go enjoy fishing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-02-28T11:28:06-05:00

I want to learn to fly fish. It would be awesome to fish for Rainbow trout.

Response by LCDR Daniel Skarda made Mar 24 at 2016 4:14 AM

2016-03-24T04:14:41-04:00

Fly Rods are like High end Bicycles....You can spend 100$ and get around pretty quick or 10,000 and only go a little faster. I guess I would get the right weight rod for what you are going after. I have a 9 weight 9 foot rod made by Loomis for going after the Redfish in the Gulf of Mexico, and a 6 weight 7 footer I use for going after smaller fish -Bass/Bream/Chain Pickerel in the Rivers here. I go to Bass Pro Shop locally for my Rod/ Kayak gear. Just make sure the rod is the right weight for the fish you are going after and the Reel is balanced/Matches the Rod. I use a large Arbor Reel for the big fish with a ceramic drag (it cost a bit) with 9 weight WF Line. For the smaller stuff I use 6 weight WF. You can skimp on the reel if you are going after smaller stuff but take my advice....Get the Best Line you can Afford. On my little rod the Line cost 50$ which was more than the reel.....But what a difference when casting!!

Response by SGT Tanya Hogen made Apr 3 at 2016 4:48 AM

2016-04-03T04:48:24-04:00

Look into Project Healing Waters. Build a rod, tie some flies, learn to fish with the rod, and make some new friends. I went through it as part of my PTSD program and seeing about helping out with it now.

https://www.projecthealingwaters.org/

Project Healing Waters Home

Project Healing Waters

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Nov 11 at 2017 1:12 AM

2017-11-11T01:12:59-05:00

I think that you have been given quite good information, I would like to learn how to wrap Rods then I can make what I think I want, and if it turns out that it isn't right I sell it and make another