rappearle Loc: Adamstown, PA

I'm new to the forum and haven't used a fly rod for over 45 years at which time I used it for trout with worms just for it's action and length. I want to get back into it as it was intended. Most of what I have read seems to suggest buying a beginners 'set' so everything is balanced and includes everything you need. That sounds fine but I still have 2 of my rods from 'back in the day'. I don't remember anything about them. Only one is readable 'Cortland' with USA 20. They are both 8 ft., seem to be fiberglass and weight about the same. So my questions is. Has the advancement over the last 45 years been enough to go ahead and buy the 'set' because the rod will be of a better quality or build on the rods I have. Set seem to be around the $100 mark. I know fly equipment can get very costly and although I could spend more than the $100 with out changing my way of life, I'm not sure I wish to just starting up unless there is other wisdom amongst you. The last part of this lengthy post. If it is best to build on the rods I have, I don't have a clue of the complete list of items I will need. I see different line, something called buffer or fill line, tipits or tippets, and of course, leader and flies. Floating and end weighted I understand. It also seems the reel is basically just to hold the line and not much else although it seems they can get pricey so that doesn't make sense to me. Line seems to be the most important. So, if anyone can break any or all of this down, I would appreciate any help given. I will be fishing in PA. Susquehanna River and smaller streams for trout, bass and bream (bluegills, sunfish, crappies). From the bank and from a fishing kayak. Thank you so much.
Randy

Bubblehead

My advice would be to buy the "beginners" set. Everything about fly fishing equipment has
changed in the last 45 years. Rods are so much more sensitive now, reels are much better
with disc drags ect.,. Lastly, practice, practice, practice.

87cad

Randy I would like to suggest you go to a fly shop with your rod and reel and tell them you want a line that you can use with your present outfit that you can use on a new outfit when you buy a new rod later on. A $100 outfit will not buy you much. A good line will run app. $80. The reel you have for what you will be fishing for will more than likely fill the bill. If the fly shop has it purchase fly casting by Lefty Kreah. If fishing from a kayack I suggest you purchase a line two weights heavier than your rod calls for so much easier to load your rod for the forward cast. A good fly shop will put your line on with the appropriate backing and give you lots of good advice. Good fishing. Steve

Benjo

I like Steve’s advice. You can go broke buying high end fly fishing gear. Given the use you say you intend there is no reason a lower budget rig wouldn’t work just fine. As you gain more current experience and find that this is a sport you want to continue to explore there will be plenty of time to make informed choices on your gear. I have been tying and fishing flies all over the world for 40 years and all my gear together would not cost more than $500 total.

blk

I am 75 years old and have fly fished for trout since I was 15 years old. Taught by one of the best in the Adirondack mountains. I still learn something when I go out. Can't wade rocky streams anymore but I fish off the banks where possible and now fly fish the Laguna Madre for sea trout since we spend the winters in Texas. It is easy to fish it but the salt water is tough on your equipment. I would STRONGLY suggest you get a beginning set with a 8 ft. or shorter rod. I fished with the old fiberglass rods and even a bamboo Orvis. The new graphite rods and graphite reels are incredibly light, more sensitive and have a better action than your old rods will have. Buy a Cortland matched set from Walmart. They sell them for little or nothing and these sets match perfectly. I strongly suggest a double taper floating line in the size to fit your rod and reel. Kits may even come with them. I have a custom built graphite rod and it is no better action than the cheap Cortlands. They know what they are doing. Even the fly lines have changed dramatically. Fly line lubricants, silicone dry fly dips, materials used in trout flies. EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED and for the better. Good luck and glad to see you are getting back into fly fishing. Nothing has ever equaled it for relaxation and losing yourself from the "daily grind" for me at least.

Colin

Hi,

I was in much the same boat as you, then I found a book +The everything Fly- Fishing Book by Jeff Zhorne. It explained everything I needed to know. Good luck and good fishing...Colin

blk

Hey rappearle, What have you decided or done for you re entry into fly fishing. Have you looked at the new graphite and or carbon fiber rods and reels?

rappearle Loc: Adamstown, PA

My loan is still processing for my cottage/cabin but see no problems. I am actively looking at all that is out there. The responses have been very helpful. I just found out there is a huge boat store about 12 miles away that has bunches of kayaks so I will be going there after a short vacation starting tomorrow. Thanks to all!
Randy

saltysarge

Here's my two cents worth. All you really want to do is get out and enjoy your self. Right? So get your old fly rods out, clean them and the reels up. Remove any old fly line and discard it. Remove the spool and lube the gears. Most rods tell you what weight rod it is so you can match the right line. You really don't have to spend a lot of money on a good fly line. Use the internet for instruction's on how to set up your reel and what notes to use. If you think you need a newer reel just check around for sales. Fishing should be a fun out door sport that shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. Well that's my advise. Please let us know what you decide.

blk

Don't listen to saltysarge. He is bad for the economy. Spring loose and spend a few bucks. You'll help
will help the economy and don't forget: "The fisherman who dies with the most toys, wins!!"
Ha ha ha.

saltysarge

Yes I agree but spend your money on some new fly's and fly line. If you have a good rod and reel hell use it have fun. If your like me I love catching fish but if I get skunked I'm still eating.

blk

You are right on this one too Saltysarge, Probably the most important thing he can buy is a a good selection of flies, dry and wet unless he has a complete preference but I still fish nymph, a few wet flys and a lot of dry flies. Nothing like the rise that hooks a fish on a fly rod! And I mean a rise of any kind of fish. The trout to is just a plus I catch a lot of crappie and small mouths on a floating popper also. But there is just nothing like the rise of a 12- 15 inch brookie or rainbow on a dry fly on a beautiful stream or pond. Either one is just fine with me.

blk

I still want you to buy a graphite rod and reel with a matching line and learn to live!!

87cad

If that is what you want do it you only live once. Steve

Stan Loc: In, Ohio, Texas

First thing to do is take a casting lesson. Casting a fly rod is totally different than any other type of fishing. Even with the best equipment in the world you will feel like a complete failure without the proper technique and timing.
Most of my fishing buddies here in Texas started spin fishing and now seldom of never spin any more.
Good luck
Stan