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Fly fishing: Worth trying to learn in 2 weeks?
Jun 8, 2021 10:25:43   #
FS Digest
 
I will be spending 2 weeks in Alaska where I will be at various bodies of water. Me and my dad planned to make our first stop at some tackle shops to buy gear as we will spend a lot of time fishing. My question is is it worth picking up fly fishing equipment and trying to learn there or would I enjoy the trip more with spinning tackle?

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by oh__yikes

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Jun 8, 2021 11:04:50   #
OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin
 
There are both Bass Pro Shops and Sportsman’s Warehouse in Anchorage and perhaps elsewhere in AK. You can probably have a great time fly fishing, but spinning gear may offer more options. Have a great time and good luck!

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Jun 8, 2021 15:34:41   #
fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
 
Fly fishing technique, especially a basic casting motion, is not as difficult as one might imagine. This is especially true of streamers, but dry flies are easy too. You might be amazed at how easy it really is. If you have a "dream" vacation planned for AK, and want to maximize your catching adventure, then I would definitely encourage you to take tackle that you are comfortable with.

You may be a gifted fly fisherperson just waiting to blossom, and you'll never know until you try. I would suggest buying a low end, inexpensive rig and then practice at home on a local lake or stream to see how it goes. That way you know ahead of time if you should bring it to AK.

Some of the answers may lie in what species you intend to pursue. Some fish are more "fun" on a fly.

I spent about 3 years in Anchorage back in the early 80's...and I found that fly fishing in mountain lakes for trout and grayling via the fly was fantastic...but they could also be caught on ultra light spinning gear too. If the salmon are running, then swinging flies can be fun too...but then again, you may catch them via other methods as well.

If steelhead and dolly varden are the "go to" fish of choice...once again, the fly rod worked just as well as spinning gear.

Best regards on your journey...and please share your adventure back here so we know how it all went!

arctic grayling - Crescent Lake - Seward Peninsula (AK) - home made rod from a kit (still have it!)
arctic grayling - Crescent Lake - Seward Peninsula...

dolly varden - Ninilchik River (North of Homer, AK)
dolly varden - Ninilchik River (North of Homer, AK...

sockeye salmon (reds) - Russian River, AK (note spinning reel w/fly!)
sockeye salmon (reds) - Russian River, AK (note sp...

bright chrome steelhead in fresh from the sea - Ninilchik River, AK
bright chrome steelhead in fresh from the sea - Ni...

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Jun 9, 2021 13:53:48   #
Ozzie Loc: Central Florida
 
Having been a spin Fisher for years....at age 82 I decided to try fly fishing....just received my Redington Path outfit yesterday....going to work on learning some knots to put it all together and try a new adventure....you are young enough to learn to use the fly rod too.....cannot wait for fight lines on that equipment. Good luck on your trip....pictures always welcome here

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Jun 9, 2021 17:22:31   #
Salesrep Loc: Maryland
 
I would try it while there, but is a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but the catching will probably be good .
Use your spinning as backup in case the fly becomes to difficult.
Salesrep

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Jun 9, 2021 18:08:56   #
davedumont Loc: Oscoda, Michigan
 
I say go for it but buy a spinning rod and reel as well. Some situations are better suited to spinning gear than fly gear. However, there is nothing like feeling that fish on the end of your line while fly fishing. Learning to fly fish can be as easy or as hard as you want to make it. A simple straight forward cast will work just fine. Don't waste time trying barrel rolls, etc. I doubt you have time to learn that. I've been fly fishing off and on for over 45 years and still don't bother with fancy cats. They look cool but the fish don't seem to be as impressed as the fisherman. Lol. I do just fine keeping it simple. The fish don't seem to mind. Good luck and take some pictures if you can.

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Jun 9, 2021 22:39:16   #
Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)
 
It really didn't take me very long to catch a bass on a flyrod... Maybe within 1/2 hour of first touching a flyrod... Had a GOOD teacher right there with me though... I was also only about ¿14 years old? ... 62 now... Not sure what you ought to do. If you or your dad have 0% experience/ fly fishing ... I'm thinking that I would have to use what I am familiar with.

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