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| Starting fly fishing |
Question:
Since moving to New Hampshire I've become interested in fly fishing, but when I started looking into it, including getting some introductory books to read I was startled at how expensive it is. Basically, I was looking at somewhere around $400 to get started. Of course, I can go to Kmart and buy the beginners set for around $40, but all the books claim this inexpensive stuff is garbage and that I should be spending close to $200 for a rod, etc. I'm wondering at the experiences others have had with bargain equipment. Is it worth it to start with cheap stuff and move up to good equipment later, or will I am totally wasting my time? Does anyone have suggestions as to good beginner equipment? How about sources for used equipment? I'm definitely open to suggestions.
Answer:
I would recommend starting without equipment. Borrow! I often take friends fishing, and I'm sure you have (or can find) some friends who will take you out and let you use their rod. Then, once you have the basic idea, go to the fly shop and try a few rods out with the help of a sales person who will steer you to those $400- packages. Now go to the discount sports store and find a $50- Browning or Martin or order a cheap Cabellas rod that will serve your needs. Write in to the net for advice on specific models and
I can assure you that you will find rods for about $50- and reels for about
$20- that will serve you for many years. Have no fear of glass rods. Some people don't like them, some folks prefer them. Many of the new low end graphite reels are quite good too.
After you get a rod and reel, spend a few bucks to have it wound with some backing and a decent DTF line (e.g. Cortland 333). Then a leader, some tippet, a couple flies, and you're set. I started with a small tote bag over my shoulder for a vest, and an old pair of sneaks over a pair of those $5.99 vinyl waders from K-mart. They lasted me a while and then I got a $30- pair of feather weight waders. I figure with a little care and discretion, you can get started for about $100-. After that, the sky's the limit.
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