Hello Valleyangler & Flyguy,

I am very new to this site and also like Valley angler just getting back into fishing after about 15 years. I fish freshwater only before: rivers,creeks, streams lakes, ponds, etc.

Your questions were exactly what I also need answers to! The answers were spot on for me!

I am doing a little bit of salt water fishing haven’t gone out in the ocean and got some lingcod and other rockfish, and some Stryper and catfish in the Delta. I’m looking to get more into this as well as back into freshwater fishing.

I live in Northern California and want to get into steelhead ASAP!

Any info would be MJ h appreciated!

I am sorry if I missed spelled any names or did not do this correctly as I’m not good at technology! I appreciate this site and read it every day and spend time in different fishing/sports stores trying to learn!

Happy New Year!

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