FS Digest

So I'm pretty much brand new to fly fishing. I'm an avid fisherman when it comes to everything else( trout,bass,saltwater) but it's getting boring so I'm making the switch to a fly rod. Fishing so long I know you dont need the latest most expensive gear on the market however I feel like the cheap "starter" rod I bought might be hurting my casting. It's a decent cast but not really getting out out too far. I'm thinking it's not loading very well at all. Would I be better off biting the bullet and getting a better rod to help me improve distance?

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by spicym

FS Digest

You’d probably be better off biting the bullet. Unfortunately it seems that in fly fishing unlike other types of fishing there’s a bigger difference between low priced gear and moderate to expensive gear in terms of performance, at least imo. That being said a lot of times an upgrade in line might do the trick as well depending on how well the rod actually performs. Line with good tapering which shoots well could increase casting distance. Distance however isn’t always the most important aspect to catching fish. Welcome to the sport.

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by mattmalsomething

FS Digest

What rod do you have? Many long timers have mentioned most rods are good enough but its your fly rod and leader that make a huge difference. Of course your ability as well. Check out some videos from mad rivers outfitters on YouTube, they go over this really well. Inexpensive rods can work well when equipped correctly.

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by docfrayfray

FS Digest

Work on your timing with the cast and especially (a) how you apply power and where during the stroke and (b) the abruptness of your stops. I'd start there.

After that, it could be your rod. I've been fly fishing long enough to tell the difference between a quality rod and a less than one. But start with timing the cast, and then move on to other questions.

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by GlacierRambler

FS Digest

I would suggest it, it's also important to know what line you have on. Cheap fly line can hurt your casting as much or even more than a cheap rod. I don't think you need to go all out though, good mid range rods are excellent and will server you nearly as well as high end.

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by TearsOfLoke

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

It's probably a combination of the rod and the line, with the line being the main contributor. If you don't want to shuck out the bucks for better rod, invest in a good fly line - I would advise buy a little bit bigger line than what the rod says - if it's a 5 wt, try a good 6 wt line - when you're ready to move up in the rod department (which you're gonna be eventually) then you could buy a corresponding rod - the reel is negligible if you're fishing for normal sized fish - all it does is hold the line. If you hafta skimp, skimp on the reel. Unless your fishing for tarpon or marlin.

Captain Lahti Loc: Kennewick, WA

I’d caution you to be too critical of your casting distance. It’s not necessary to be able to cast very far to catch fish. What is more important is to be able to cast accurately and land your fly softly. And then be able to control the fly in it’s drift. The longer the cast, the harder that becomes. I don’t claim to be a world class caster but I enjoy caching trout on flies. I have caught trip trout 10’ in front of me and rarely more than 30’ 40’ feet out. And for as long as I’ve been fishing and as good as my gear is I’ve never been able to get the weight forward heavy part of the line all the way out. Some do regularly but I can’t and I do catch fish, if I pick the right fly, have sharp hooks and set the hook at the right moment. Same for nymphing. That hardly takes a long cast, more so the right presentation. At the right depth. You can do that with an old cane pole and no reel. The Japanese still fish trout that way. Tenkara, I think is what it’s called. So go practice your casting, add a little distance at a time.

jepolt Loc: North East Ohio

Welcome to fly fishing!you will love it. It truly is an art. You have received a lot of advice here. I have been involved in fly fishing o long time. My best advice to you is to forget everything you have heard here. It’s very confusing. Go to a local fly shop, tell them your new to the sport. Show them your current equipment. Ask if you have the proper line for the rod and be sure they see the reel. Once they advise proper line for you outfit. Ask that fly shop for a couple basic lessons in casting. They will give you great advice and you will learn the correct basics. If they provide a day with a guide take a day. Spend your money this way rather than updating rods reels line and other equipment. Use what you have, learn correct casting, go on the water with a pro and you will be off to a great start. Then practice what you learn. Good luck and have fun!!!