Jacklake

Since last year when I started to visit the site, there have been a number of fishers interested in getting into fly fishing.  Correct me if I am wrong, but most of them seem to be looking on the 'net for info and reviews on equipment, especially rods.  When I started, a novice bought books, which would hold a comprehensive over-view of what was needed.  IMO, internet searches are comparatively spotty or do not provide a cohesive discussion of the subject.

I suggest the two links below be read by those excited to start this year.

http://www.flyangler...n/101/part1.php

http://www.flyangler...n/101/part3.php

One of the first questions is, "What do you plan to fish for, and how big is the water you plan to fish most of the time?"  Once that is settled, you can start to narrow your search to appropriate tools within you budget.

My intention with the next info is not to brag, but to make a point.  I have 15 fly rods and belong to a casting club so I can try several others.  I have 3 4wts, 4 5wts, 4 6wts, 3 7wts and a 9wt ... and they are all different!

And they are all different than the Loomises, Sages, Loops and bamboo rods at the club.  Members of the club are all shapes and sizes, male and female.  Most of them have several rods and settled on ones that match their size, style and energy.

Which one is right for you?

Generally a novice does better with a well-balanced, moderately priced rod such as a StCroix Imperial or Avid because they lack the timing, appropriate application of power, and sensitivity to the flex of the rod and the pull of the line, that experience and practice provide.  As well, because they have a whole lifetime of throwing objects (and Rapalas) forward with a motion that is not fly casting, they have in fact the completely wrong muscle memory.  Fortunately less expensive, slower/softer rods are forgiving of this, whereas stiffer rods will react to every twitch (and error) and be harder to manage as a beginning caster.

So as the season begins, I implore new casters to connect with someone who can let you try a couple of rods - and cast for about 1/2 an hour.  Don't buy a rod just because of recommendations or what you read.  If you read the descriptions by rod manufactures they are: not always accurate and; sometimes self-contradictory. 

In the club we say you won't know very much about your first rod until you get your second one ('cause only then can you compare).    Like shoes, clothes and most tools, one size does not fit all and only a 'test drive' will let you know what feels best for you.

I just don't want you to start off on a path of unnecessary compromise and frustration.

OK, I have commented on other people's flies and made several suggestions on this site, so I think it is only fair that I post some of my own.  Thanks in advance for taking a look.

 

 

Toronto is east. there is 3 shops on sheppard, angling speciality close to aurora. sail. le baron. one on duffrin i think north of finch (dont quote me). al flaherty's on duffrin between rogers road and eglinton. those are the ones i know.

If you want good advice, you will have to drive a little bit. LeBaron's east of Dixie is quite good. Angling Specialties two stores are here on Highway #7 and here in Mississauga. Ask for George on #7 or Paul in Mississauga, they are very knowledgeable. Sail is owned by LeBaron's and they are improving their staff knowledge. The do have a good selection of gear. To my knowledge, Flaherty's on Dufferin has an OK selection of stuff, but their fishing specialist has changed more than once over the last few years. I would go to one of the others first, unless you live quite close to Dufferin and Eglinton.

Glad everything turned out OK.  I second the suggestion of a wading staff, even in shallow water as the rocks are often slippery.  I have taken a few swims myself.  I find that when I am in a hurry I neglect to ensure I always have two points on the ground at the same time.  Too often I lift up the wading staff and one foot like I was on a dry street.  Only lift one point at a time I remind myself - and go a bit slower.

JMatt - please tie another variation.  I suggest using a chunk of that rabbit fur you have on hand - no skin, just fur.  Plus some chenile or wool for the body.  IMO the result will be leech-like and undulate well like they do when swimming.  I like the flash in the tail.

Hi AlxMstr - and welcome to the board.

I have searched online for the last number of years to find a comprehensive guide for new fly fishers. The best I have found is Fly Anglers Online. From the Home page, on the left, look for Fly Fishing Basics.

As wonderful as the internet is, I have yet to find a good general reference - but in good old books you will find all you need to get started. Two excellent ones are by Orvis and LLBean.

As for equipment, the important first decision is what is the target fish?  Rod/systems are kind of like golf clubs, you have to have the correct one (more or less) for the job. As a general rule, you could start with a 6wt 9ft rod, which would be a little heavy for small trout and sunfish, and a little light for pike, but would be OK for most fish from 0.5 to 3 or 4 pounds.

As far as shopping - have you considered Detroit? With a large population and the Michigan rivers, I bet they have a good shop and I believe there is a Cabelas in the south of Detroit. Otherwise, I would go with Cabela's online or Albright.

I have an Albright, as to 3 others in the clubs where I am a member - and I have spoken on the phone with the pres. Very good service and nice rods at a fair price, unfortunately they are changing models at this time, and many are not available for a few weeks.

As well, I and 4 others have rods by Flextec, from Britain. Again a fair price and a nice rod. And since it is from Britain there is less duty. Their 7pc Nomad ended up at my door for $100Cdn.

(I certainly do not mean to blow my own horn here - I just hope you trust me on these less well known names. I have a lot of rods, belong to two fly fishing clubs, have competed in casting tournaments. IMO the Albright and Flextec are both worth a look.)

Most of all you need to learn to cast – and while casting is not hard, it is not throwing (what you have done since you were 6 months old).  So some muscle memory currently in place will have to be ignored and new talents learned.

For years it has bothered me that fishers 'want to get away from it all' but then turn the fishing location into a city back alley with garbage.  As well, it amazes me that these 'guys' are he-man enough to bring their coffe or beer to the fishing but not strong enough to take the empties away.  Jeesh!

I always have a plastic shopping bag in my fishing vest and fill it with crap on my way off the water and back to the car.

I might be wrong, but something tells me you are using lures that are too large.  I would try something small, slow and close to the bottom - at least until the water is a bit warmer.