new to fly fishing but intrigued

[ckim85]

this past weekend, couple friends and I took a stroll out to Snoqualmie river. We hit the mouth of Tokul Creek and walked around fishing the pools off Snoqualmie. Being new to river fishing, I had no idea what I was doing aside from throwing spoons and spinners out there. Needless to say, I caught nothing despite seeing fish surfacing along with what looked like a giant Chinook (had to be atleast 15 lbs!) rolling around in one particular pool. But it got me thinking...I really want to learn how to fly fish. I absolutely love the idea of finding nice creeks and rivers in the wild and fly fishing. I would mostly like to fish for cutthroat (sea run and in rivers), different kinds of trout, and possibly steelhead, and salmon.

I had previously purchased a 5wt Reddington Crosswater combo on sale but returned it shortly due to lack of commitment. The guy over at OE said a 5wt is pretty typical standard for trout to possibly steelhead but I had no idea so I went with whatever he said.

with that said, where should I start? Any websites I should familiarize myself with? I've been reading Washingtonflyfishing off and on for a couple months now but not much information for beginners. Any websites that can possibly show me the different kinds of flies, different casts, beginner tips, etc?

Much appreciated in advance!

[leahcim_dahc]

here are a few resources to get you headed in the right direction...lots of good information. Enjoy!

http://www.westfly.com/cgi-bin/home
http://www.troutnut.com/
http://www.flyfishersrepublic.com/
http://www.myoutdoortv.com/fly-fishing/index.php
http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/html/benthosclean.html
http://nwnature.net/macros/index.html
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/

[Marc Martyn]

Chad has a pretty good list. I would also add:

http://www.midcurrent.com/

If you get into fly tying, this is a great site for patterns:

http://www.hatchesmagazine.com/

For learning how to cast, Joan Wulff has a very good DVD. It is worth buying. She is the First Lady of fly casting.

http://www.amazon.com/Joan-Wulffs-Dynam ... 972&sr=1-2

http://www.midcurrent.com/video/clips/w ... intro.aspx

[ckim85]

ah thanks so much! I might actually be taking a drive out to Snoqualmie on Sunday so I'm looking forward to doing some casting out there just for fun. Don't know what i'm doing but just getting out there to cast in the open sounds fun.

I'll also be doing a lot of reading!

thanks everyone.

[leahcim_dahc]

Good luck, have fun and be safe!

If you ever need someone to go along with you and show you exactly what not to do...I am in the learning process as well...give me a shout.

[Marc Martyn]

ah thanks so much! I might actually be taking a drive out to Snoqualmie on Sunday so I'm looking forward to doing some casting out there just for fun. Don't know what i'm doing but just getting out there to cast in the open sounds fun.

I'll also be doing a lot of reading!

thanks everyone.

It's not rocket science, Chris. All that fly casting amounts to is timing and momentum. Joan's video going into great detail on how to achieve this. It may also be worth taking a lesson or two from an instructor at one of the local fly shops. I have also found it helpful in the learning process to have someone video tape you while you are practicing your casting. That way you can play it back in slow motion and see exactly what your line is doing while you are going through the motions. I have done this with a couple of friends that were learning and after seeing their own casting, they have replied " Oh ya, now I see what I'm doing wrong."

[leahcim_dahc]

Practice, practice, practice...if you don't have a decent sized yard, go to a secluded area of a park or playground (with decent grass...easier on the line), tie on a chunk of yarn about 1/4"-1/2" long and practice casting. Don't worry so much about distance from the get go...work on accuracy. The idea of having someone (or yourself) take video of you casting is a good one...especially slowing the playback down and watching your line. Thinking about trying it out myself.

[Lotech Joe]

Marc and Chad have both given you some great information. I will second Chad's link to Fly Anglers On Line. I've been with them for over 10 years and never been disappointed. They are all about fly fishing and they are a wealth of information. Unlike a lot of other sites out there, they are polite and very friendly. From beginner to so called "expert" they have something for everybody. I've made a lot of friends there.

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/

[ckim85]

thanks everyone. tons of help. I didn't get a chance to try it out this weekend but planning on heading somewhere with an open field to do some practicing. I've been reading up and watching youtube videos and man...it is a bit daunting but sounds great.

[Lotech Joe]

Don't let it be daunting. When I first started casting a fly rod, I remembered when I was kid trying to make and play with whips. If you work it just right, you can make a whip CRACK pretty loud. To me, casting a fly rod is a lot like playing with a whip but trying to NOT make it crack. I try to think of the casting stroke as a "slow acceleration to a rapid stop." The stop is what makes the whole thing happen. Potential energy (if you will) during the casting stroke, and kinetic when you STOP the rod. If you can, get the Joan Wulff DVD "The Dynamics of Casting" I think it's called. She is really something to watch casting. And, easy to understand.
Most of all, have fun. There is nothing like watching a trout rise to a dry fly, and bringing it to hand.
WHAHOO! I think I'll go fishing this weekend. :bigsmurf:

[ckim85]

Don't let it be daunting. When I first started casting a fly rod, I remembered when I was kid trying to make and play with whips. If you work it just right, you can make a whip CRACK pretty loud. To me, casting a fly rod is a lot like playing with a whip but trying to NOT make it crack. I try to think of the casting stroke as a "slow acceleration to a rapid stop." The stop is what makes the whole thing happen. Potential energy (if you will) during the casting stroke, and kinetic when you STOP the rod. If you can, get the Joan Wulff DVD "The Dynamics of Casting" I think it's called. She is really something to watch casting. And, easy to understand.
Most of all, have fun. There is nothing like watching a trout rise to a dry fly, and bringing it to hand.
WHAHOO! I think I'll go fishing this weekend. :bigsmurf:

thanks for the encouraging words. I dropped by Avid Angler today and talked to a couple guys there about the lessons. Looks like I'll be signing up and hopefully taking my first class in a couple weeks.

[Marc Martyn]

There you go, Chris!:cheers: Your life just changed.:thumright

[leahcim_dahc]

I got bored tonight and surfed around You Tube for a few fly fishing videos. Found a series of thirty-some videos that cover a wide range of topics from casting, flies, line types and knots to filleting a fish. The videos have weird sounding audio...the video isn't the greatest...but it was interesting to watch none-the-less. Kept me busy for a couple hours. Anyrate, might find it of some use...linky below. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p ... 6362E0834C

[ckim85]

thanks again everyone.
This past weekend, my gf and I went out to the Snoqualmie Middle Fork for some morning hiking...turns out the road is closed about 3 miles from the trail head

We could've just hiked it down but we decided we should just go down to the river from a bit further back and enjoy the river with no hiking.

Met a fly fisherman there and talked to him for a little bit and he gave me some great advice. Got me very excited so I am very eager to take my lessons from the guys over at Avid Angler and head out to the river as soon as I know what I am doing.

As far as purchasing a fly rod/reel goes, its become very evident to me that they can be very costly...After speaking to the guys at Avid Angler, they suggested that I don't go too spendy and buy an expensive reel but I should definitely purchase a rod/reel that is "decent"

After reading up on things, a few I've come down to are:

in 5/6wt:

Lamson Konic
Sage 1800
Okuma Helios
Cabelas SLA(?)

Any suggestions on what I should be looking for? Are these a bit too advanced for me? Last thing I want to do is spend $150 on a reel + another $150 on a rod and line and all that. I'm confident this isn't going to be one of those things I quit since I love fishing and I hope to learn all different kinds of it, but investing money on something I haven't done before is a bit daunting.

Any advice on what I should look for?

[curado]

get the sage

[leahcim_dahc]

ckim85,

Your initial setup is going to set you back a few bucks, it doesn't have to though. Shop around and stay away from "gear-whores". Those are the guy's that have all the latest and greatest gizmo's and trinkets, but don't know how to use them.

I haven't had any experience with any of the reels you listed except the Okuma Helios 5/6WT. It's not a "top of the line" reel, but it's a decent entry level reel which has served me well. IIRC, it's not too awful expensive, I think Sportco has them for right around $150. Additional spools were around $70. The reel has a sprag-type clutch and immediately engages the drag, but if you find you prefer to "palm" it instead of using the drag, you can. It has a large knurled click-type drag knob so you can make adjustments easily if need be. As far a swapping out spools, the Helios has a quick release button in the middle of the spool which makes swapping them relatively hassle-free.

The Cabela's SLA has decent reviews...but just doesn't look like it has much "beef" to the frame itself, I am sure it's strong enough for it's intended purpose.

As far as Sage goes, they make great rods...don't know about their reels. The price of the 1850 5/6 WT seems fairly reasonable, though.

[ckim85]

Ah, thank you so much. I am a bit cautious to spending big bucks so I won't be going with anything top of the line. Actually will probably go for a beginner but man...even entry level reels are a bit expensive.

I do like the reviews I've read of the Helios and the thing does look pretty beefy.
I'll be playing around with them at Sportco and see how everything feels.

Thanks again.

-Chris

ckim85,

Your initial setup is going to set you back a few bucks, it doesn't have to though. Shop around and stay away from "gear-whores". Those are the guy's that have all the latest and greatest gizmo's and trinkets, but don't know how to use them.

I haven't had any experience with any of the reels you listed except the Okuma Helios 5/6WT. It's not a "top of the line" reel, but it's a decent entry level reel which has served me well. IIRC, it's not too awful expensive, I think Sportco has them for right around $150. Additional spools were around $70. The reel has a sprag-type clutch and immediately engages the drag, but if you find you prefer to "palm" it instead of using the drag, you can. It has a large knurled click-type drag knob so you can make adjustments easily if need be. As far a swapping out spools, the Helios has a quick release button in the middle of the spool which makes swapping them relatively hassle-free.

The Cabela's SLA has decent reviews...but just doesn't look like it has much "beef" to the frame itself, I am sure it's strong enough for it's intended purpose.

As far as Sage goes, they make great rods...don't know about their reels. The price of the 1850 5/6 WT seems fairly reasonable, though.

[Marc Martyn]

Chris-

Cablela's has a pretty good looking combo which includes rod, reel, line and backing at a decent price. I own a Sage Launch and love it.

http://tiny.cc/IXp2V

Don't spend a lot of money on a reel and then cut back on the rod. The reel just holds the line, the rod carries and presents it.

[Lotech Joe]

Chris,
Marc is right on the money about reels. To my way of thinking, they are the least important component of your rod, reel & line. If you have an Orvis dealer in your neck of the woods, it might pay off for you to take a look at their Battenkill Disc. I have two of them and I wouldn't trade them for love nor money. I think they retail around $79. For a rod, the Sage Launch is a dandy. However, I believe Sage has discontinued them and replaced them with the Vantage series. Probably the same entry level type rod as the Launch. You may want to take a look at the TFO (Temple Fork Outfitters) line of rods. I use the Professional series in a 9' 4 weight and it has served me well. It also handles a 5 weight line quite well. The Professional series retails for $149. Don't forget that the line is also a very important element of the equation. Probably the most important. Depending upon your application (where & for what you fish) the line you choose can make or break your day. I fish primarily "upstream & dry" for cutthroat trout in rivers and streams. My favorite line for that is Cortland's 444 Peach line in a WF5F configuration. That's a Weight Forward, 5 weight, Floating line. Mine is 4 or 5 years old and still serves me well. I think they retail for around $50.
Good luck, have fun, and I hope this info serves you well.

[ckim85]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I went out to Orvis last weekend over in Bellevue and had a good talk with a couple guys there and the reels they have do seem very nice for the price. I'm an admitted gear junkie...i love buying gear but I gotta find that good balance between whats reasonable for me to spend on a reel and rod. The suggestions I've seen are perfect in my price range!

I do really like the TFO Professional, took a look at one at Avid Angler and I've heard and read some great reviews...and as for reel, its slightly above what I was looking for but man, those Ross CLA's are nice!

Anyway, after paying off two traffic tickets this past week (two in one weekend...no record before this), I'll be holding off on fly gear for a month unfortunately. Might be better for me to do some research and really figure out what I want. And real bummer is I had to cancel my class because I will be down in California the week of the class for a work conference.

I am definitely committed to learning this though...I've been too interested for too long to not do it.

Thanks everyone for the advice, very very much appreciated!

Chris,
Marc is right on the money about reels. To my way of thinking, they are the least important component of your rod, reel & line. If you have an Orvis dealer in your neck of the woods, it might pay off for you to take a look at their Battenkill Disc. I have two of them and I wouldn't trade them for love nor money. I think they retail around $79. For a rod, the Sage Launch is a dandy. However, I believe Sage has discontinued them and replaced them with the Vantage series. Probably the same entry level type rod as the Launch. You may want to take a look at the TFO (Temple Fork Outfitters) line of rods. I use the Professional series in a 9' 4 weight and it has served me well. It also handles a 5 weight line quite well. The Professional series retails for $149. Don't forget that the line is also a very important element of the equation. Probably the most important. Depending upon your application (where & for what you fish) the line you choose can make or break your day. I fish primarily "upstream & dry" for cutthroat trout in rivers and streams. My favorite line for that is Cortland's 444 Peach line in a WF5F configuration. That's a Weight Forward, 5 weight, Floating line. Mine is 4 or 5 years old and still serves me well. I think they retail for around $50.
Good luck, have fun, and I hope this info serves you well.