Question:
I've wanted to get in to fly fishing
and I am wondering what brand of
equipment would you recommend for
a beginner.
Answer:
Look for good quality entry-level
rod and reel. All of the major mail-order
catalogues (orvis, ll bean, cabela's)
have good selections. G-loomis,
St. Croix, Cortland, orvis, ll bean
offer low-mid price rods - less
than $200. If you aren't sure and
you're just testing the waters,
try out a friend's rig first.
While the
things I enjoy about fly-fishing
aren't diminished or enhanced by
the quality of the equipment, stuff
poorly suited to your methods of
fishing can make it more difficult.
Here’s what I’d do if I wanted a
good start on beginning to solve
the great mystery... 1. Orvis or
ll bean entry level outfit du jour.
Generally reliable offerings and
good folks to deal with at a distance.
Excellent guarantees and return
policies.
Or, go to
your closest fly shop and get personal
service - recommendations, etc.
you don't mention the kind of fishing
you'll be doing. I’ve fished a 3
weight rig in Montana, Maine, Pennsylvania
and NC. It will do fine and is comfortable.
For all round use, 4 or 5 weight
is probably better. I’d go with
the 4 weight. Unless you're fishing
tiny water, get an 8.5 foot rod.
Get the best line you can - stay
away from cabela's entry-level tomato
staking line. Cortland and orvis
are my choices for mid-price lines.
2. Breathable stocking-foot waders.
Hodgeman, Dan Baily, Orvis, Simms
- Simms are the best for heavy-duty
use, imo, but expensive.
I’ve heard
they are coming out with a new mid-price
wader. my expensive pair is still
going strong...so on a cost per
year basis, I got better value than
the much less expensive Hodgeman
that lasted a little over a year.
I wouldn't take chances on the waders.
get the best you can justify for
the kind of fishing you do. 3. Chota
felt-bottom wading boots for comfort.
Buy a size bigger than your shoe
size to accommodate socks and stocking
foot waders. 4. Leaders and tippet.
Look at catalogues. Maxima and Rio
and climax are good. Buy the 9 foot
leaders. 4x leader, 4x, 5x, 6x,
7x tippet material. 5. Flies - elk
hair caddis, parachute Adams, stimulator,
royal wulf, prince nymph, pheasant
tail, gold-ribbed hares ear... 6.
Learn the nail or needle knot, surgeons
knot, improved clinch knot. 7. Buy
a book on fly-fishing.
