There are many things to look for in a fly fishing tackle shop including fast turnaround times and of course bargain offers. And, what's more, the fly fishing tackle shop must also have the best selection. If you plan on visiting an online store then check out Carlsons that though it is a British shop it can nevertheless still provide you with some very interesting online deals.

The selection at this fly fishing tackle store is truly extensive and you can find every last item you can think of. From the fly tying as well Bivvies to different trout fishing flies this is one shop that has it all. Here, you can also shop for trout flies handheld, rods and reels and a wide assortment of accessories including fly lines and boxes as well as game bags and more.

As for rods you can shop at this shop for Grey rods, Reddington and Vision rods as too Sea rods and the entire range of specialist fly fishing rods.

In addition, this store provides you with a wide variety of options in regard to reels that are sometimes made from aluminum or which can also be made from reinforced nylon. The list of accessories available at Carlsons is also exhaustive and hugely impressive.

From sinkants and floatants and conditioner to strike indicators to leader, loops, backing and even fluorocarbon there is plenty to choose from. You can even shop for precision molded fly boxes and the Richard Wheatley Fly box is also readily available here.

A rod case is an essential item of gear and this too can be purchased here. For fewer than twenty dollars you can certainly find a good quality rod case that will help protect your rod and also help you to carry other essential items of tackle in a secure and safe manner.

The right saltwater fly fishing tackle is vital to the success of your endeavors. This means that you have to be well informed about what kind of tackle you should be using because the wrong tackle could mean that you might end up spending all your time with the line in the water but at the end of day you will come up empty-handed. So, learn about things such as the weight of the line, the size and strength of the rod and learn about the right fly fishing reel as well and only then head for the ocean.

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Tackle Shop Article

As the popularity of fly fishing has grown, so has the availability, and choice, of  gear to use for this very enjoyable sport. This means though, that unless you really know what you are looking for, the choice of equipment can be rather overwhelming. The best advice is, just focus on the basics and you'll find the gear you need to truly enjoy your fly fishing. Having said that, as with most things, you get what you pay for. So don't go for the cheapest you can find. If a piece of equipment is relatively inexpensive, find out why before purchasing, or you may find that you've wasted your money.

Basic Gear for Fly Fishing

The Rod

First and foremost, you need the right fishing rod. Without the right rod, the rest of the gear is meaningless. In the beginning, flexible fly fishing rods were made from sturdy wood. Next came treated and reinforced bamboo rods.

Bamboo was a step up from the original wooden rods and increased the quality of the fishing experience. Many anglers still use these and wouldn't swop them for anything else. A good bamboo rod though can be extremely expensive, as many hours work has to go into it's construction. The most recent advance in materials is carbon fiber, or fiberglass.  

Rods made for fly fishing are heavier than the normal fishing rods. Fiberglass gives weight to the rod, while still maintaining flexibility. The additional weight also gives the rod a smooth and clean cast. When selecting your rod, be aware that the smoothness of the cast can vary from rod to rod. You can choose from fast action rods, which are only flexible at the tip, to medium action, which are flexible for around half their length, right to the other end of the scale, slow action rods, which are flexible throughout their length. 

The Fishing Reel

As with the rods, fly fishing reels are larger and heavier than a normal fishing reel. They are also more durable. These reels possess a distinctive design which allows it to work in unison with the rod. This means that the rod and the reel must be compatible with other. This factor is much more important in fly fishing than in normal fishing. So when you decide to purchase your gear, it would be wise to buy the rod and the reel at the same time. It is possible to buy a combination set, where everything is matched for you. If you already have a rod, then take it with you when you buy the reel. That way you can ensure they will work together as one unit.  

The Fly

The most important piece of fly fishing equipment is also the tiniest, the replicated fly. Selecting a fly can be difficult. There is a huge selection of flies from which to choose, and different flies are designed to catch different types of fish. Before you purchase your flies, decide what type of fish you want to catch. Otherwise, instead of the perfect break from stress described above, you'll just get frustrated when you catch nothing.

The Clothes 

Okay, clothes aren't really important in fly fishing, anything comfortable will do although bright colors are not a good idea, as with any kind of hunting, try and blend in with your surroundings. Remember also, that you may be wading out into cold water, so buy yourself a good set of rubber waders. You'll enjoy your fly fishing experience more if you're warm and dry.

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

How to attach a reel to a rod in fly fishing. Learn about fly fishing gear, supplies, and other equipment in this free video. Expert: Alvin Dedeaux Contact: www.alvindedeaux.com Bio: Alvin Dedeaux has been a fly fishing guide and casting instructor for 12 years, and has been fly fishing for 32 years. Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Post from: Fly Fishing

Choosing Fly Fishing Equipment

When fly fishing, it helps out tremendously to have quality equipment.  Although you do not have to have the best of everything to be successful, it certainly helps if you have a rod, reel and line that go well together and made out of high grade materials.  In the last 20 years, fly rods have improved immensely as the fly rod manufactures compete to build the "Best Fly Fishing Rod" on the market as devoted fly fishermen are willing to part with large sums of money in order to have top notch gear.  So the big question is: What is "The Best Fly Fishing Rod".

Any experienced fly fisherman will tell you that there really isn't one specific rod that could be considered the best fly rod.  You see, there are so many different species and different sized fish in the world that there is no way for one rod to be the perfect rod for all fish.  That is exactly why choosing a fly rod is so difficult because there is a huge spectrum of applications and a large number of rod makers trying to build a better rod.  

In your quest to find the best fly fishing rod, there are certain aspects that should be considered.  Size, Action, and quality (price) are the three big ones and what we will cover in this article.

Size

The first thing we need to do is figure out what size of rod you will need.  If you are presenting small dry flies to trout, then you will want a light rod with a delicate presentation.  If you are planning on targeting Rooster Fish in the ocean, then obviously the same rod that you use for trout is probably not going to cut it.  There are different sized rods designed for different sized fish and different situations.  Here is a generic list of rod weights and the fish they are designed to fight.  

2wt    small trout, pan fish
4wt    trout, pan fish
6wt    bass, trout,
8wt    steelhead, bass, saltwater
10wt    salmon, steelhead, tuna, saltwater
12wt     saltwater, dorado, sail fish
14wt    saltwater, sail fish, marlin, shark

Obviously there are extremes in most cases, so your individual fly rod needs may differ a bit.

Action

A Fly rod works by throwing line instead of a lure.   It does so by bending and loading up energy to cast the line back and forth.   That is why fly fishing rods can get quite expensive and why quality is so important.  The "Action" of a rod is the term that signifies at what point the rod bends.  There are 3 main types of rod Action: Slow, Medium, Fast.  A rod can also fall somewhere in between actions and be called a combination of the two such as Medium Fast.  Here is a list of the main action types and how they bend:

•    Fast Action: rod bends mostly at the tip.  Built for high line speed good for long casts, accuracy, wind conditions, and casting large flies. These rods are best suited for experienced casters as they are difficult to learn with.

•    Medium Action: rod bends in the mid section of the rod.  This is the easiest rod to cast but will lack the distance and accuracy of faster action rods.

•    Slow Action: whole rod bends when casting.  Made for small streams and short casts.

While Medium Action rods are easiest to cast, if you are a beginner looking for the best fly rod, then you will probably want to go with a medium fast action as eventually you will want to be able to make those longer cast and through heavier flies.

Quality

Quality and price are synonymous with each other.  You will have a hard time finding one that is not the other.  I will tell you one thing though, while there is a huge difference between a set up and 0 rod, the difference between a 0 and 0 is not near as significant but there still is a difference.  When it comes to all fly fishing gear, you will get what you pay for.  My number one rule of thumb is always go with the best fly fishing rod that you can afford.  Number two would be to make sure all fly rod purchases come with a lifetime warranty.  That way you will make an investment designed to last a lifetime and know that you are buying a quality fly fishing set up.

So, what is the Best Fly Fishing Rod?

To answer this, you will have to look at your situation including when, where, and what you are to be fishing for, as well as your experience level.  A good place to refine your search is at www.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com.  Here you will be able to figure out the size, type, and price range you are after and apply that to figuring out the exact brand, make and model of what is to become your own"Best Fly Fishing Rod".

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

Question by Tony: beginning fly fishing and need gear?
i have recently become interested in the sport of fly fishing, and need a rod. i am willing to spend a total of $ 115 for the whole set up. I use the rod to catch eastern trout, blue gills, and the occasional bass if possible. If not for only blue gills, and Eastern trout. I am very new and need some advice on what rod to pick. Please leave links to rods and gear thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by AIRFLOW
Search the yahoo search engine on this site for questions relating to fly fishing outfits- there are hundreds, most of them asking the exact same thing as you with the same budget range. Most of them are recent and suggest what line ratings to get and have links to outfits on cabelas, bass pro shops and KMD tackle.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Establishing a carrying pack that can easily hold all your fly fishing gear and supplies isdiscussed in this free video series. Expert: Jim Dowd Contact: www.zoaroutdoor.com Bio: Jim Dowd runs the fishing program at Zoar Outdoor, is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, Life Member of Trout Unlimited, and co-author of The Deerfield River Guide. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Post from: Fly Fishing

Best Fly Fishing Rod

According to the official Boy Scouts of America Field book, "Fly casting is a skill you can learn in a few minutes, and then spend the rest of your life trying to perfect." This certainly rings true, and it is certain that there are few fishing activities more enjoyable than the noble art of fly-fishing. This article will focus on the "few minutes" part of that quote, and get you on the way to fishing enjoyment with a minimum of fuss.

When fly-fishing, your equipment will consist of a rod 6-10 feet long, a winch reel located below the rod, and the line, which is weighted to be heavier than regular fishing line. When fly-fishing, instead of putting a sinker on the end of your line to carry it out as you cast, fly fishermen use no sinker: the line itself acts as a weight. Don't make the mistake of trying to use your regular fishing gear for fly-fishing: take it from me, you won't get anywhere. The good news is, though, you can get set up for fly-fishing relatively cheaply, and then you can fish as much as you want for the cost of the gas to get to and from your favorite fishing hole.

Now, as you cast, the main difference that you will notice from conventional fishing is that you do not leave the line in the reel: you will actually pay out a little bit of line and hold it in your hand, then release it as you cast. This can look a little silly, but considering the low weight of a fly-fishing rig and the precision required in fly fishing to drop your fly right where you want it, directly over the fish, it is a necessity. So, before you actually cast, swing the rod back and forth over your head a few times, getting a feel for it and feeling the loading energy go from the rod to line and back. As you do this, use the hand that is not holding the pole to feed out the line from the reel and control the length of it. After about half a minute, you will have enough line looping in the air to cast, so swing the rod tip out toward your target, watching the line arc out over the water. Where you put the fly will depend on the current of the water: if it is still, place it right on top of the fish. It is moving, place it a little above the fish and let it float down to them.

Other types of fishing may get you bigger fish, but one thing is true: no other fishing experience in the world can top the satisfaction of expertly casting out a fly and watching a big bass explode out of the water for it. It doesn't matter how many times you see it happen: when that water pops, you'll jump.

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 6 7 £24999 US $31.57

Cabelas Fly Rod Holder By Scotty 267C US $15.95

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.57

old fly rod bamboo US $31.00

Stone Creek Trout Stalker Fly Rod 9 Foot 5 Weight TSO864 4 Brand New US $94.00

Split Bamboo Fly Rod US $75.00

Vintage WRIGHT McGILL DANDY 8A 7 1 2 Fly Rod Tip broke 4A 8 rod case US $.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 7 9 £24999 US $31.57

HELINS FLY ROD FLATFISH F 4 GPL IN CORRECT SLIDE BOX EXCELLENT COND US $8.49

FRED ARBOGAST CO FLY ROD HULA POPPER IN ORIGINAL BUBBLE PACKAGE NIP US $4.99

St Croix Legend Elite Fly Rod 9wt EFW9094 US $250.00

Vintage 8 BAMBOO ANGEL FISH FLY FISHING ROD 3 SECTIONS GREAT LABEL CORK H US $39.99

GRAMPUS JAPANEASE BAMBOO FLY ROD US $95.95

IM6 2 Pc 2wt 6ft 6inch fly Rod Blank Translucent Green by Roger US $13.00

Fast Fly Logic FLP 9 6 7 wt fishing rod flyrod Tube Case Flex Tip Graphite US $129.00

IM6 4 Pc 4wt 11 Ft fly Rod Blank Translucent Reddish Brown by Roger US $14.60

IM6 4 PC 4 WT 9 FT FLY ROD BLANK Purple by Roger US $22.38

IM6 4 PC 5 WT 8 FT FLY ROD BLANK Blue by Roger US $13.00

Harley 03 FLH Fly Wheel Connecting Rod Assembly US $150.00

Vintage Heddon Vicount Custom 85 Fly Fishing Rod w Heddon Reel US $15.51

No matter which saltwater challenges you face-from bonefish to billfish-Sage Xi2 Fly Fishing Rods let you concentrate on the fish instead of your casting. Built with Sages innovative Generation 5 (G5) Technology, Xi2 Fly Rods feel lighter and livelier than other saltwater rods. The Modulus Positioning System (MPS) that they developed for these rods provides a startling level of "line feel" throughout the casting stroke. This enhanced ability to feel the fly rod load allows you to apply power more efficiently; unmistakably the Xi2 Fly Fishing Rod. Click: www.flyfishingoutfitters.com Call: 1.866.672.1959
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Handcrafting a Graphite Fly Rod [VHS]

Alaska River Fishing With A Fly Rod

Fly Me To The Moon

Eagle Claw® 8'6" Pre-Mount Fly Combo
Eagle Claw Pre-Mount Fly Fishing Combo gets you into that river at a LOW price! It's at a "beginner" price, but it performs like a...

Post from: Fly Fishing

Learning To Use A Fly Rod

The Sage company has been producing quality fly fishing gear for many years.  They offer quality, top of the line fly fishing rods, reels, and lines to the beginning and experienced fly fisher.  They take pride in the quality of their equipment producing rods and reels that many fly fishermen use exclusively.

They design and test their hand built gear with one thought in mind:  maximum fishability.  That term was coined by the company to represent the type of performance that will help you cast better, fish more effectively, and have more fun while fly fishing.

Their company offers the fly fisherman all sorts of advice and tips on how to select the right rod for you and what is important to look for in your fly fishing equipment.  Sage rods and reels have long been the choice of many fly fishermen all over the world.

When you are just beginning to get interested in fly fishing, it's easy to get frustrated at the amount of information you need to know.  However, those same frustrations are also felt by experienced fly fishers that provides them with the challenge and excitement that makes the sport so compelling.

As we've said, Sage rods are hand built which makes them quality products.  They manufacture nine different series of rods in a variety of models and sizes for every fishing situation.  They have medium to ultra fast action rods to suit many types of fly fishers.

Their website, which can be found at www.sageflyfish dot com also boasts many new product lines and accessories that all fly fishermen can use.  They carry hats, t-shirts, rod and reel cases, fly lines, and much, much more.  

Their new Z-Axis series of rods has breakthrough technology that is significantly stronger, lighter, and easier to cast.  That makes this new line of rods great for beginners, and also experienced fly fishermen.  They implement their exclusive Generation 5 technology that makes their rods unique and high end.

When you buy a Sage fly fishing rod, you are getting a quality piece of fishing gear.  But that quality doesn't come cheap.  Rods range in price from 0 to 0, but they do come with a guarantee.  Plus, if anything happens to your rod, they offer a rod repair service.

Many sporting goods stores and specialty fishing shops carry Sage fly fishing rods as do many online retailers.  You can go to their website and click on the "Buy" link to find a retailer near you that carries their equipment.

Sage fly fishing equipment is well known in the fly fishing world as a trusted manufacturer of valuable fly fishing gear.  Check them out for the best in the sport!

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

BRAND NEW W BOX FLY FISHING FLOAT TUBE REELS RODS TROUT FLIES LINES GEAR LURES US $41.00

LLBean Fly Rod Bag 10ft LL Bean Rod Sock LL Bean Fishing Outdoor Gear US $4.99

Redington Fly Fishing Clark Fork Gear Mesh Vest L XL US $39.95

ORVIS green fly fishing gear bag USED excellent condition US $33.00

Fly Fishing Magnetic Net Gear Release With Lanyard US $12.95

LL Bean Fly Tying Kit Plus Fly Fishing Gear US $13.00

Fly Fishing Gear US $60.00

Vintage Rare Walker 77 Fly Fishing Reel Japan Spring Gear Right or Left Hand US $35.00

RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

Vintage 1972 ORVIS Fly Fishing and Fishing Gear Catalog US $9.99

ABEL FLY FISHING REEL TROUT TACKLE GEAR BAG NEW US $295.00

SIMMS Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt khaki tan green XL X Large gear vented US $4.99

TT6405 TEKK TOAD FROGG TOGGS FLY FISHING WADING JACKET NEOPRENE CUFF RAIN GEAR US $49.99

Fresh Fishing 144pcs Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flys Lures Free Delivery US $25.99

vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

fly fishing magnetic lanyard gear net release US $9.95

Simms Headwaters Taco Bag Coal Fly Fishing Waders Boots Gear Bag US $29.95

Simms Cascadia Cap Hat Fly Fishing Gear Loden Color US $24.95

Redington Clark Fork Mesh Fly Fishing Vest Sage youth Small
The Redington Clark Fork Mesh Vest is not only practical but also comfortable! Redington's fly fishing accessories are designed wi...

Okuma Traditional Black Aluminum 6 Window Fly Box with Hooks
Classic Aluminum fly boxes. Storing your flies in style & tradition...

Crystal River Fly and Spinning Combo Travel Kit
Up the creek without your tackle? NOT with this Travel Fly and Spinning Rod! For the man on the go... who loves fishing along the ...

Guide to Fly Fishing Knots: A Basic Streamside Guide for Fly Fishing Knots, Tippets, and Leader Formulas

Post from: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Gear From The Sage Company

So you want to go Largemouth Bass fishing with a fly rod. Well put away those trout flies 10 to - whatever. This isn't spring sipping. No afternoon sunlit hatches. Little Baetis (Blue wing olive) or Heptageniidae (Light Cahill) match the hatch with 14s - 22s.

We'll be throwing size 2 black deer hair mouse patterns, flashing a hen and peacock tail . Splashing down like an Apollo space capsule. Looking like dinner for a week.

In my Bass years I have found that when top water fishing "Bass like big meals" Although Bass generally hunt by sight they are aided by a unique ability to feel small vibrations through their "lateral line" a sense organ that runs just under their skin down each side of their body.

When fishing a mouse I want this organ to vibrate like my cell phone. Then the Bass will take a look around and see the meal just sitting there looking tasty.

Bass are not timid little fish. I've caught little ones no bigger than the mouse almost. Every time I do I tell it "go tell dad your mad".

The point is be ready. a lot of the time the mouse barely hits the water and "bam" you've got a fight. But when this doesn't happen let the mouse sit there for a moment. Stunned, "what happened", "gotta get to land", "I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time". Short jerks enough to put the water in motion then sit. I call it "jerk, motion and sit".

This is a big fly and I don't mind a splash down, but I want a less noisy lift off. So when picking up, lift your rod tip high and get some line off the water. Slowly pull back your rod then life the fly out with a quick back motion. Its a technique but it will allow you to make a quieter exit.

Some of the patterns I use for spring Bassing:

Hook size/Pattern

2 Mouse, black or purple
2-6 Dahlberg strip diver, chartreuse
2-6 Near nuff frog
2-6 Sheep/rabbit streamer
2-6 Bumble bee popper
6 Peacock woolly bugger
2-6 Electric leech
6 Fruit cocktail

2-6 Mickey Finn

There are dozens of patterns. These are the ones that work for me in the North East. But I think they would work almost anywhere.

To get these flies out there you will need to know what kind of water you will be fishing. For Largemouth Bass fishing on medium sized lake or pond. You will want to use 8 foot to 9 foot medium action to fast action fly rod. A 6wt or 7wt will do the trick. These rods will have the power necessary to throw and lift a large fly. Remember will are throwing flies the size of motor homes.

Your fly line should be a matched 6/7 weight, floating, and weight forward. Forget about Bass tapers for now.

For a leader you want 9 foot knotless taper 1x. When you get your leader. Tie on a piece of 1x tippet about 15 inches long to your leader. The added length will give something to tie your fly to without shorting your leader each time you change flies. This also protects your leader because it’s the last 12 - 18 inches of leader that takes the most abuse.

For a sinking fly use a 6 foot knotless sinking leader with a 1x tippet. Same deal tie on a piece of 12 inch 1x tippet as well.

With the 1x tippet you are fishing at about 12 pound test and you can fish size 2 - 6 with it. You can also ties on 2x - 3x this will extend your fly size range 2 - 12. A good rule of thumb for tippet size to hook size is divide the hook size by 3 and that’s the tippet size to use. So take a hook size 12 divide by 3 and get 4 so 4x is about right for this fly. Take it with a grain of salt and use experience and judgment.

Also remember a knot weakens the line strength and decreases the pound test of the line.

This is a basic setup and will get you started on top water Largemouth Bass fishing.

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 6 7 £24999 US $31.57

Cabelas Fly Rod Holder By Scotty 267C US $15.95

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 5 6 £24999 US $31.57

old fly rod bamboo US $31.00

Stone Creek Trout Stalker Fly Rod 9 Foot 5 Weight TSO864 4 Brand New US $94.00

Split Bamboo Fly Rod US $75.00

Vintage WRIGHT McGILL DANDY 8A 7 1 2 Fly Rod Tip broke 4A 8 rod case US $.99

Oscar Travel Fly Fishing Rod 9ft 5 piece 7 9 £24999 US $31.57

HELINS FLY ROD FLATFISH F 4 GPL IN CORRECT SLIDE BOX EXCELLENT COND US $8.49

FRED ARBOGAST CO FLY ROD HULA POPPER IN ORIGINAL BUBBLE PACKAGE NIP US $4.99

St Croix Legend Elite Fly Rod 9wt EFW9094 US $250.00

Vintage 8 BAMBOO ANGEL FISH FLY FISHING ROD 3 SECTIONS GREAT LABEL CORK H US $39.99

GRAMPUS JAPANEASE BAMBOO FLY ROD US $95.95

IM6 2 Pc 2wt 6ft 6inch fly Rod Blank Translucent Green by Roger US $13.00

Fast Fly Logic FLP 9 6 7 wt fishing rod flyrod Tube Case Flex Tip Graphite US $129.00

IM6 4 Pc 4wt 11 Ft fly Rod Blank Translucent Reddish Brown by Roger US $14.60

IM6 4 PC 4 WT 9 FT FLY ROD BLANK Purple by Roger US $22.38

IM6 4 PC 5 WT 8 FT FLY ROD BLANK Blue by Roger US $13.00

Harley 03 FLH Fly Wheel Connecting Rod Assembly US $150.00

Vintage Heddon Vicount Custom 85 Fly Fishing Rod w Heddon Reel US $15.51

Pflueger Medalist Fly Kit, 9-Feet 0-Inch
Pflueger Medalist Fly Kit is a 8 feet three piece 5/6 weight fly rod with cork grip and 1094 metal rim control fly reel. It moves...

Sage Flight 370-4 fly fishing rod 3 weight
Through a further application of the analysis and construction methods developed for our G5 Technology, we've completely updated o...

Wild Water Fly Fishing 6 Weight, 9 Foot 4 Piece Freshwater Fishing Rod
The bread and butter rod of fly fishing. Perfect for a wide range of situations and species. From small streams to rivers, ponds t...

Silver Lake Fishing Flies Assortment
You’ll be pulling fish from water in no time with this excellent assorted set of hand tied flies and streamers. With 55 of today...

Echo Micro Practice Fly Rod
One of the greatest challenges of learning to fly cast is the issue of finding room! Learning to form a proper cast usually requir...

Post from: Fly Fishing

Largemouth Bass fishing with a fly rod

• 9-function fishing multi-tool
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• Compact size (6 -Inches long, 2 -Inches wide) allows for easy carrying and storage
• Lifetime manufacturer's warranty

Save space in your tackle box with the most compact fishing tool ever! It's a bright LED flashlight with fold-out hands-free stand...a hook remover, fish scraper, scissors, serrated knife, bottle opener...and locking retractable metal tape measure plus weight scale with hanging hook (metric/standard). All this and it can tuck into your pocket!

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Our Price: $ 23.98

Click Here For Info About Delk 41293 Ultimate Fishing Tool, Green and Orange

COLUMBIA PFG PERFORMANCE FISHING GEAR Nylon Convertible FLY FISHING XL pants US $13.05

FLY FISHING GEAR CORTLAND BRAND NEW US $27.00

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RARE ABEL HOLDS EVERYTHING TACKLE BAG Fly Fishing Gear Salmon Spey Saltwater US $12.50

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vintage fly fishing gear 2 reels1 line and 20 old flies US $45.00

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Captain makes a living casting
The water might be cold but the fish are still biting, says Capt. Paul Rose. “All year round, you can always find something,” said Rose, who owns the Internet-based fly fishing business Carolinabonefishing.com. A licensed fishing guide and...
Read more on The Gaston Gazette

Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit
Okuma Voyager Travel Spinning Pack... just the thing for the trail! Great for travel, camping and backpacking! Take this handy Fis...

Okuma Traditional Silver Aluminum 10 Window Fly Box with Foam
Classic Aluminum fly boxes. Storing your flies in style & tradition...

Martin Fly Fishing Caddis Creek Fishing Rod and Reel Combo with Fly Fishing Rod (Size 65)
For anyone after a simple, economical fly reel, Caddis Creek is just plain hard to beat....

Eagle Claw® 8'6" Pre-Mount Fly Combo
Eagle Claw Pre-Mount Fly Fishing Combo gets you into that river at a LOW price! It's at a "beginner" price, but it performs like a...

Post from: Fly Fishing

Delk 41293 Ultimate Fishing Tool, Green and Orange

There is not any one "fly rod" that is the "best for the money."   Fly rods come in all different sizes that are made for a specific type and size of any particular fish, and/or a certain style that is to be used.  We must also mention price, which varies considerably depending on quality, and quality has gone up a lot in the past 20 years. This discussion is aimed at helping you find the best fly rod for the money, because it is only the best if it is the right size and style for that targeted fish, and of course if you can afford it.

Size

First of all, let's talk about size.  The person that tells you that size doesn't matter is definitely the person that you shouldn't be listening to.  Size is the number one factor that will determine every rod choice that you purchase throughout your life, and, if this is you first fly rod purchase, there are sure to be many more in the future.  It really is that fun, one fish will ultimately lead to another.

There is a size of rod that is made for each fish species and/or targeted size.  The fly rod size is measured by weight (wt), but not the weight you get from a scale.  It is just the term used to signify the size, where a 2wt is considered light gear, and a 12 or 14wt is considered heavy gear.  A 2wt would be a good choice for small trout in a small stream; where as a 14 weight would be used for a Marlin.  Then of course there are all the rods and fish in between.  You will want a rod that is sized for the fish you are after.  If the road is oversized, the fight you experience will not be what it could be.  Worse off, if the rod is undersized, you will struggle for control and risk damage to your gear.  Plus, the faster you can get the fish in, off your hook and back in the water, the better chance it will have at surviving unharmed; also so you can get your fly back in the water after another one.

Here is a list of rod sizes and the fish they are designed for:

                2wt        small trout, pan fish

4wt        trout, pan fish

6wt        bass, trout,

8wt        steelhead, bass, saltwater

10wt      salmon, steelhead, tuna, saltwater

12wt      saltwater, dorado, sail fish

14wt      saltwater, sail fish, marlin, shark

Style

Just like gear fishing, there are different styles that can be used to catch a particular fish.  Traditional style is what most people will enter into the fly fishing world with. There are also methods within this style that will be better suited with very specific rods used to fish a particular type of water.  For the most part though, we will stick with the more general focused rods for this discussion.  There are also Spey Fly Rods.  These require two hands and more advanced casting styles and are usually used for bigger fish such as Salmon and Steelhead in big rivers.  Therefore you will probably be after a traditional rod unless you are specifically targeting a spey rod. 

Price

Over the past couple decades, fly fishing rods have increased in quality and price has followed suit.  Prices range from a cheap trout rod purchased at the store for .00, to a specialty bamboo rod with a price tag of more than 00.00.  Most fish sizes will have a rod to choose from in just about any price range.  Obviously you will get what you pay for, so be sure to keep that in mind.  Most midrange rods offer the best value and will have the quality to stand up to any reasonable request, but you may lack some comfortability when compared to the more expensive rods.  A typical price spread for a midrange rod is 0-0 depending on size.  High end rods will be in the 0 to 0 range and will offer superb feel and sensitivity.  Most midrange rods and, if not all high end rods will come with a lifetime, no questions asked warranty.  It is hard not to take advantage of this by purchasing a low end rod, as sooner or later we all break rods whether it be on fish or your truck door.

Now that you know the size and style of the fly rod you need, the next step is narrowing the results down to a particular rod, which, if you navigate to www.flyfishinggeararsenal.com, they will help you do so.  This site is loaded with useful information and will point you in the right direction to the best fly rod for the money, as well as other gear recommendations that we fly fisherman depend on so much.

Cortland Travel Fly Fishing Outfit Combo 9'0" 5/6 Weight 4-Piece
Rod: 9' 4 piece graphite travel rod with single foot guides. 2 stripping guides. Graphite reel seat. Evergreen color. Reel: Cor...

Redington Crosswater 9062 Combo Fly Rod-2 pc Outfit with Reel 6wt. 9ft.
The Redington Crosswater Series is a favorite for every level of angler, it was completely redesigned in 2007! Whether you're poli...

Wild Water Fly Fishing AX910-090-4 Fly Rod
You get our fantastic AX910-090-4 Series 4 piece fly rod with a rod sock and Wild Water's LIFETIME WARRANTY. This rod is designed ...

Wild Water Fly Fishing AX78-090-4 Fly Rod
You get our fantastic AX78-090-4 Series 4 piece fly rod with a rod sock and Wild Water's LIFETIME WARRANTY. This rod is designed f...

Okuma Guide Select 3-piece Fly Rod (3 wt)
Crafted from Okuma's latest IM-8 graphite, the Guide Select Series of Fly Rods are versatile, moderate-fast rods packed full of fe...

Post from: Fly Fishing

What Is The Best Fly Rod For The Money

Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide – Things to Know Before Going Fly Fishing for Trout in Montana

Montana is home to some of the best trout fly fishing in the United States.  People come from all over the world to fish its legendary waters.  Some fly fishermen seek the expertise of a Montana trout fly fishing guide while others are determined to go at it alone.  Regardless of how you do it there are certain things that you must be prepared for.  This is a quick guide to Montana trout fly fishing that is aimed at helping ensure a successful trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Even if a person was to fly fish Montana for a year and never catch a fish, the trip would still be a success.  You cannot believe the sheer beauty of this place until you have been there.  The wildlife alone is enough to get people coming back for more; throw a few 20 inch trout into the mix and you are in for one of the best trips of your life.  To make this trip as successful as possible, there are items that you will not want to leave behind and situations that you will want to be ready for.  Read on to get a general idea of what you need to be ready for, the essential items that you need to bring, and ideas on how to make this a great trip, and hopefully a successful one at that.

Where to Fly Fish in Montana

Montana is one of the biggest states in the U.S. and is home to the Rocky Mountains and other massive mountain ranges that feed thousands of rivers, streams and lakes.  With all of this water, it can be a daunting task to pick a particular body of water to fish.  I have had to decide where to fish on several occasions, and I'll tell you, it is not easy.  For the most part, all you have to do is find some cold clear water and you can bet there are trout in it, probably big trout.  From the northwest to the southeast corners, and everywhere in between, fly fishing for trout can be good.   A good portion of the Montana is not so mountainous and more so desert, but even in this 2/3 of the state, an experienced fly fisherman can find big trout if he or she knows where to look.  This is an area where a Montana trout fly fishing guide can come in handy.

Southwest Montana is by far the most popular part of the state for fly fishing.  It is home to some incredible rivers that are fed from the numerous mountain ranges that can be seen in all directions.  This area is unique in that a person can fish many different bodies of water in a short trip.  From one blue ribbon trout river you can drive over a mountain pass and be fishing in another blue ribbon river in an hour or two.  Here is a quick list of the rivers that you have to choose from in SW Montana:

Madison

Big Hole

Bitterroot

Ruby

Rock Creek

Beaverhead

Jefferson

Yellowstone

Gallatin

Missouri

All of these rivers hold a large number of big trout, but are just a few of the bigger named rivers that Montana has to offer.  It takes many trips to Montana to really determine a favorite river.  A person could fish Montana for a lifetime and still have new rivers to fish.

When to Fly Fish Montana

I have been to Montana and experienced both great and not so great fly fishing.  Whenever the conditions are right though, the fishing has consistently been on the great side.  A good way to better your chances of experiencing good fishing is to time your vacation around both weather and insect hatches.  Most of the hatches are dependent on weather though, so if you come during the time of year that weather is most predicable (summer), your chances of having a successful trip will increase.

Here is a quick break down on each season and what can be expected.

Winter: Cold!  This is the time of year to book a trip to do some tropical fishing.   Many of the rivers in Montana freeze all the way across or are made up of big dangerous ice shelves.  There is some fishing in some tail waters near the dams, but unless you are a local, the fishing is not worth going out of you war to be freezing.  If you do come this time of year, bring your skis, the skiing is better than the fishing.

Spring: The fish this time of year are less fearful than they get once they have had a few hooks in their mouth a little later in the year, so great fishing can happen.  The problem becomes the water flow and clarity.  There is usually a small time frame when the snow and ice clear in the valleys, but remains in the mountains, making for clear water.  This is a good time to fish but the window of opportunity is very small.  If you can get away with short notice, as soon as you here the fishing is good, you'd better get on it because as soon as the snow starts melting and the spring rains start coming down, the rivers will rise and clarity will drop.

Summer:  This is the most popular time to be fly fishing Montana's trout rivers.  The temperatures are comfortable and the river levels drop and become clear.  The Salmon Fly hatch is the first hatch to really start off the season.  It happens usually after June 10th.  This is a busy time of year for a Montana trout fly fishing guide, but the trout love to eat these significantly sized insects.  From the middle of June and throughout the rest of the summer, there will be hatches of either caddis, mayflies, hoppers and many more.

Fall: After the summer crowds leave, the fall gives way to cooler temperatures and less crowded rivers. This is a favorite time of year for many hardcore fly fishermen.  The fish are ready to fatten up for the winter and some big insects begin hatching.  The main attraction this time of year is the Fall Caddis hatch.  These supersized caddis are a trout's main entree and can be taken with ease off the top with large floating flies such as stimulators and caddis in size 6 – 10.

Being Your Own Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

For an experienced fly fisherman, Montana can be effectively fished without the help of a guide.  This will certainly cut down on the budget, but is only advised for those that are proficient at casting and working flies.  There is a huge learning curve in fly fishing and if you are not over that curve, then it will be beneficial to have someone to help you out, either a friend or a guide.  Before you go, you will want to know what you will need as for as gear and fly patterns.  At the link at the end of this article there is an insect hatch chart for Montana that can help you decide what flies to take.  Another good way is to stop at a fly shop on the river you will be fishing and ask.  Most of these people spend a lot of time on the river and will be able to steer you in the right direction.  You may also want to ask them if they have any guides available as sometimes you can book a trip last minute for a discounted price if the guide has nothing else to do.  If you are going to fly fish Montana on your own, then make sure you read the gear guide below to make sure you have all you will need.

Hiring a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

One of the best ways to ensure a successful fly fishing trip to Montana is to hire a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide.  It is amazing how much knowledge most of these guys have after putting fly fisherman on trout every day.

Here is a list of the benefits that a fly fishing guide can offer:

Knowing the insect hatches:  Yes, Montana is full of big trout, but the way these trout get so big is because they are smart.  They know which insects are hatching, the color and size they are, and how they float in or on the water.  Knowing these key features is exactly what a guide is paid to do, so he or she had better be good at it or they will not make it in this business.  When fishing these smart trout, you need to have everything perfect; a guide can definitely help to make this happen.

Where to Fish: Trout have certain conditions that they prefer.  Fishing in the right spot is a crucial factor to success on any trout water.  Insects and other organisms that trout feed on collect in certain areas and this is where you will find big trout.  A good Montana trout fly fishing guide will be able to put you in the right place at the right time

Access: Getting to the trout waters is sometimes half the battle.  Much of Montana's trout fishing is best accessed by a boat or by walking through private property.  Not everybody has a boat and even if you do, it may not be feasible or possible to bring it.  A guide will get you where you need to be one way or another.

Equipment: Most guides will have a high quality fly fishing rod, reel and line set up for you to use that is designed to cast the flies you will be using and fight the fish you will be fishing for.  It is very important that you use the right equipment as this will greatly improve you fly fishing efficiency.

Knowledge: A Montana trout fly fishing guide will be able to offer clients so much more than just fishing advice.  A good guide also knows the history, geology, anthropology, and stories that make this part of the world so interesting and beautiful.

Gear to Bring:

Montana is a demanding place, both in fly fishing gear and clothing alike.  To make this the best trip possible it is advised that you come prepared for anything that Montana can throw at you.  I have seen it snow in July, and I've lost several fish due to size that I was not expecting.  Let's go over some items that you should not come to Montana without.

1. Fly Fishing Gear: Things you will need if not hiring a Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing Rod: It is very important that you bring a fly rod that is of high quality.  The Wal-Mart combo set is not recommended and will lead to headaches and a far less successful trip.  A well made fly rod is much easier to cast, more accurate, and stronger leaving you much less likely to break it.  Two rules of thumb are: 1. Buy the best rod you can afford.  2. Only consider rods that offer a lifetime warranty.  For more information on buying a fly rod and all other fly fishing gear mentioned here, click the link at the end of this article.

Fly Fishing Line:  Fly lines are a close second to the importance of a fly fishing set up right behind a quality fly rod.  With fly fishing, you are casting the line which delivers the fly to where you want it.  This means the line has to work with the rod.  This is why it is advised to use a high quality line in addition to a nice rod.  Also, you will want to be able to fish many different situations as the fish are not always willing to take an insect on the top.  You may need to use a sink tip to get bait fish imitations to the fish so it is also wise to go with a line that has interchangeable tips of different sink rates from floating to fast sink.

Fly Fishing Reel: a fly reel is less important and receives far less use than the line and rod, but a smooth drag system is very helpful if you hook into any trout 16 inches or more.  It is not a good experience to lose a fish of a lifetime over a cheap piece of equipment.  Again, it is suggested to buy the best reel you can afford, but if you must skimp on either a rod, reel, or line, this is the place to do it.

Waders and Boots: These are an essential.  Most Montana fly fishing is done at elevations well over 6000 feet making for cool mornings and cold water even in August.  Having owned a couple pairs of cheap waders in my early fly fishing days, I can tell you how important a quality pair can be.  Although they may cost twice as much, a quality pair can last 3 times as long before they start leaking in the seams and cutting in to your fun.  Also, a good pair of wading boots is a must on the slippery rocks of almost all Montana Rivers.  Good support and traction are what you should be after.  There are many types of soles to choose from.  A big push in Montana is rubber soles as opposed to felt in an effort cut down on transporting invasive aquatic organisms that can live in a felt sole that does not have time to dry out before using them in a second river system.  Nearly all quality wading boot manufactures have come out with rubber soles designed to grip slippery rocks and many have removable cleats that can add a lot of stick to your traction.  Check out the gear guide link at the end of this article to help you decide on all equipment you will need.

Flies, leaders, tippets, floatant, and line cutters: These are all necessary if you are going to be your own Montana trout fly fishing guide.  It is important to know how to tie all this together and what types of flies are effective during the time of your adventure.  One would think a trout would take any fly that it sees, but even the small fish are smart and will mostly only take flies that match the insects that are hatching at the time.

2.  Things to bring guide or not:

Hiring a Montana trout fly fishing guide will definitely cut down on the amount of gear you will need to pack as far as fly fishing equipment.  Still there are several items that you will not want to leave home without that your guide will not provide, especially if you are not hiring one.  Here is a quick list of items that should not be left home.

Rain proof coat: have it ready too.  The weather in these mountains can change in an instant from sunny and warm to cloudy, rainy, and sometimes even snow.

Binoculars: the areas are home to some incredible wildlife and you never know what you are going to see.  Deer, elk, big horn sheep, moose, wolf, coyote, bear, and many more species are all possible.

Camera: Make sure you have one handy when you real in that fish of a life time.  The surroundings are picture perfect as well.

Sun Screen: The sun is intense at these altitudes and the rays will reflect off the water.

Sun Glasses: Sunglasses are very helpful when spending all day on the river.  Polarized sun glasses are recommended as they cut down on the glare coming off the water and enable a person to see through the water much better than with just regular sun glasses.

Handling of Montana Trout

All trout are very delicate.  It is best not to touch them at all, but if you do need to take a picture, wet your hands before touching, take a quick photo, and get it back in the water.  It is best to let it swim away as soon as it has the power to do so.  Please do not caress it and rub its belly like you see them do on fishing shows.  Get the trout out of your hand as soon as possible.  Most of Montana requires Barbless hooks, but do it because it is the right thing to do as it is so much easier to remove the hook this way.  Barbless hooks get a bad rap for loosing fish.  I think it is more of an excuse.  Many times that hook is going to come out barb or not, the key is to keeping the line tight.  Many experienced fly fishermen including many Montana Trout fly fishing guides will agree that the barb actually makes it harder to get a good hook set on a fish because it has a wider shank to seat it firmly in the mouth tissue.  The final argument against barbed hooks is the fact that it is not smart to have a barbed hook flying around your head, or any part of your body for that matter.  A barbed hook in your eye is not a pretty sight.  Just hope there is still have sight from that eye when you get back from the hospital.

Conclusion

No matter how many big Montana Trout you do or don't catch, you are sure to have a good time.  Like I said before, the scenery alone is worth making a trip here. Typically my drive home to Idaho is spent planning out the next trip to Montana.  Every time I make the trek to these legendary waters I am faced with not having enough time to fish all the water I would like to.  That is because a lifetime is not enough time to fish all of this state.  On the drive to Montana it always seems like I have more than enough time to be fishing, but before I know it, it is time to pack up and head for home.  I guess time flies when you are having fun, luckily there are many more trips to come if I have things my way.  I hope to see you all there, and please be respectful of the fish so we all can enjoy fly fishing Montana together for years to come.

Take the Right Gear

To make sure you are properly equipped with the right gear for fly fishing Montana, go to this gear guide where you will find advice on fly rods, lines, reels, waders, and all necessary gear related to fly fishing: http://onlineflyfishingguide.com/onlineflyfishinggearguide.html and click on the gear guide. For more information on hatches, river flows, and other important articles about fly fishing, click on this link: Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide.

Question by fencer: what is a good beginner fly fishing reel?
I have a fenwick ff80-3 that my dad gave to me and im looking for a good beginner reel to go with it so i can try fly fishing in about 2 weeks from now, maybe a kit that has some flys with it as well and the string that goes with it. Does anyone know of a good beginner set up i can use.

Thanks alot.

Best answer:

Answer by trunorth
One important thing to remember about most fly reels (the exception is hard core saltwater reels) is that it is simply a place to keep your line.

I would recommend the Pflueger reels, I have two of them and they work well.

http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/products.php?p=33

Add your own answer in the comments!

Okuma Sierra Fly Reel (105/12)
Okuma has set the standard for what can be expected from a starter fly reel. Whether for a first time fly angler or a river guide ...

CRYSTAL RIVER CR-0001A CAHILL FLY REEL #3,4,5
CAHILL FLY REEL 3,4,5 CLAM...

Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reel (Capacity 7-8/100)
Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reels Changing Fly Line is a Snap Machined aluminum diecast frame offers durable, flex-free construction E...

Pflueger Trion Fly Reel, (Up to 12 Fly Line)
Forged, machined and anodized aluminum frame and spool. Mid arbor spool design. Oversized ball bearing and one-way clutch bearing....

Post from: Fly Fishing

Montana Trout Fly Fishing Guide ? Things to Know Before Going Fly Fishing for Trout in Montana

A quiet morning, a small moving stream and the fish are biting. If this sounds like something you dream about, you are a fly fisherman at heart. So for those of you that are new to the sport, here is a little fly fishing guide to get you started. Even some of you fly fishing gurus might be able to get a little brush up here!

Fly fishing is alot more then just casting a line and wishing for the best. Many other things must be taken into account, i.e....the fly rod, the fly line, the fly reel, casting, and finally the tackle needed. I hope to cover all of this here in a very short amount of time for you.

The rod: Fly fishing rods come rated like 3-weight or 5-weight. All that means is that the rod will effectively cast that size line. Now this is not a scientific fact, but a 5-weight rod casts 5-weight line better than any other. In discussing fly fishing for beginners, a little experimentation is in order.

A trip to a fly shop will be good for that purpose, but you are going to see another aspect of the rod called "action". "Action" determines how soon the rod begins to bend. This is important to lure presentation as well as in certain conditions.

The line: There are many types of fly fishing line. All of them are designated by letters like "DT" (double taper) or "WFF" (weight forward floating), "WFS" (weight forward sinking) and a few others. Each has it's own applications.

For the most part, a DT or WF line is recommended by most fly fishing guides. Again, with fly fishing for beginners, the line is the most crucial part of your gear. A good line will cast well on the worst pole ever made.

The reel: This element can mean the difference between landing the fish of your dreams or watching your prize fish swim back into the depths from where it came.

Reels can cost anywhere from around to thousands of dollars. The most important part of the reel? A good drag system that is adjustable. Without a drag system on the reel, you run the risk of running the reel out of line and damage can occur.

As a fly fishing guide line, get yourself a decent reel and load it with some GOOD line to match the rod.

Casting: Fly fishing for beginners wouldn't be complete without a word or two on casting. Start by moving the rod back and forth. The cast has two parts; the back cast and the front cast. On the back cast, the line will travel behind you. Then on the front cast, the line will unroll and travel out in front of you.

Practice this front/back casting and watch the line as it travels. Keep the line in a large "C" shape. When you have this down, start to tighten the shape into a "J" shape. This is THE method for fly fishing for beginners and is taught by many fly fishing guides as it is the main cast used in fly fishing.

Flys: This is the most important factor in fly fishing. If you are familiar with the water you are fishing then load up with flies that resemble the natural insects there.

On new rivers or lakes try match the flies you are using to any kind that seems to be on or in the water. Then match that as closely as possible from your fly arsenal.

It is always a good idea to research the water you are going to fish before you fish it, however this is not always possible so sometimes it is best to match the fly to the insects you see around you or ask a local where possible.

Martin Fly Fishing Multiplier 3:1 Ratio Fly Fishing Reel with Disk-Drag
Quick retrieve makes quick work of even the toughest fight, and when an irate 20 lb. steelhead decides he's going to make a run ri...

OKUMA MAGNITUDE ML-7/8 LARGE ARBOR MAGNESIUM FLY REEL
Unbelievably light! the ultra-light Magnitude series by Okuma is one of the world's only magnesium fly reels. This fresh-water...

Waterworks Lamson Konic Fly Reel, K 3.5
Our goal is to bring the best technology in reels to any given price point. We?ve now addressed the important $ 100+ price point wi...

Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reel (Capacity 7-8/100)
Fenwick Cartridge Fly Reels Changing Fly Line is a Snap Machined aluminum diecast frame offers durable, flex-free construction E...

Post from: Fly Fishing

River Fly Fishing