Fly fishing: Just bought my first pole and I’m overwhelmed
Jun 24, 2020 17:49:15 #
I just bought my first fly pole and I’m super excited to get out there and learn but I feel just so overwhelmed with all the information out there. So many different flies and techniques I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve practiced my cast and what not but not sure where to begin as far as flies
Any go tos you guys use for bass/trout? I’ll be fishing the Wisconsin rivers primarily the driftless area
Thanks!!
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by misterdabson
Any go tos you guys use for bass/trout? I’ll be fishing the Wisconsin rivers primarily the driftless area
Thanks!!
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by misterdabson
Jun 24, 2020 17:49:20 #
For bass, some weight forward line and a few poppers should be a decent start.
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by john_adams_house_cat
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by john_adams_house_cat
Jun 24, 2020 17:49:32 #
Something like these. https://www.cabelas.com/product/BETTS-TACKLE-CO-BASS-BUG-POPPER-KIT/3072456.uts?productVariantId=6129421&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=01773635&rid=20&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1246492&ds_rl=1246531&ds_rl=1247882
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by john_adams_house_cat
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by john_adams_house_cat
Jun 24, 2020 17:49:36 #
Jun 24, 2020 17:49:49 #
Jun 24, 2020 17:49:55 #
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:02 #
Don’t worry about the fly types, I have fly fished for 2 years and all I call my flies are: poppers, sub surface, nymphs, and streamers
As far as getting started DONT start with small rivers, you want somewhat flat clear areas, getting snagged on a back cast sucks, I tend to cast with the rod tip around 3 ft above my head, and way out to the side, I will change depending on what’s around me, this will absolutely come naturally, I don’t fish for trout but dry flies are a staple, and small nymphs, using a indicator (the bobber of fly fishing) would be great for learning your area and help regulate your depth, you can also tie on a popper, and then tie another line to the hook of that, and then tie a nymph to that line, this works wonderfully for fishing to catch fish, as some want something different than others
I’m no expert by any means, but this is all from personal experience
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by FANTOMphoenix
As far as getting started DONT start with small rivers, you want somewhat flat clear areas, getting snagged on a back cast sucks, I tend to cast with the rod tip around 3 ft above my head, and way out to the side, I will change depending on what’s around me, this will absolutely come naturally, I don’t fish for trout but dry flies are a staple, and small nymphs, using a indicator (the bobber of fly fishing) would be great for learning your area and help regulate your depth, you can also tie on a popper, and then tie another line to the hook of that, and then tie a nymph to that line, this works wonderfully for fishing to catch fish, as some want something different than others
I’m no expert by any means, but this is all from personal experience
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by FANTOMphoenix
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:09 #
Lookup Orvis fly fishing videos on the learning portion of their website. They break it down very well and make it not overwhelming. Ive been at it for a few years and recently watching these make me feel much more confident.
Also find a local fly shop and say hey im new to the sport set me up with a few basic patterns and maybe a decent location to start. Sometimes they have free lessons etc. Best of luck
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by Jiveturkwy158
Also find a local fly shop and say hey im new to the sport set me up with a few basic patterns and maybe a decent location to start. Sometimes they have free lessons etc. Best of luck
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by Jiveturkwy158
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:14 #
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:18 #
Best place to learn the basic casts, IMHO, is on the lake shore with plenty of room to cast. Get your few basic casts down without the frustration of losing flies and snagging tree limbs and river side bushes; learn a proper hook-set on eager sunfish, then you're off to the races.
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by fglasssmass
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by fglasssmass
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:23 #
Awesome! Just found a channel that is quite wide and clear where bass/walleye flow through quite heavily, going to give that a shot!
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by misterdabson
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by misterdabson
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:33 #
Before anyone knocks you(which hopefully they won't) - fly rod, not pole. But who really cares. What's the rest of the set up? Reel? Weight? All of these will help with fly selection.
Practice and always practice. I will have a beautiful cast then one that looks like my 2yo did it. Next point, let bad casts go and fish them - it's already out there.
I don't know Wisconsin well, but always check in with and support a local shop. They know the waters and what usually works. Support them and they will support you.
Find the bug in and around the stream, river, lake you are fishing and try to get as close as you can. Then, just fish.
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by bamcg
Practice and always practice. I will have a beautiful cast then one that looks like my 2yo did it. Next point, let bad casts go and fish them - it's already out there.
I don't know Wisconsin well, but always check in with and support a local shop. They know the waters and what usually works. Support them and they will support you.
Find the bug in and around the stream, river, lake you are fishing and try to get as close as you can. Then, just fish.
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by bamcg
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:37 #
Hey thanks! Figured it was a pole as well lol I got a 8.5’ 5wt rod - as far as the reel, no idea lol $60 white river rod from bass pro - the gentleman said the set up was compatible so I trusted him and purchased haha
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by misterdabson
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by misterdabson
Jun 24, 2020 17:50:41 #
It’s all about the dragless drift! Learn to mend the line so the fly is drifting naturally and not being dragged. Be patient, especially with snags on trees and bushes, the hardest decision is whether to ruin a good hole to get your snagged fly! Also, just take a moment sometimes and enjoy the river without your line out.
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by jjtitula
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by jjtitula
Jun 24, 2020 20:47:09 #
Welcome to the Forum. Where in the Driftless area will you be fishing?
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