If there are other markings on the rod or the tube (if you have it), you can check out this chart for the old conversions from silk lines to modern fly line weights. I inherited three Orvis bamboo rods earlier this year and the chart showed me what I needed:

https://www.orvis.com/s/silk-fly-line-conversion-chart/2875

Also, the guys on this forum had a lot of useful information:

http://classicflyrodforum.com

I'm getting ready to take out my one beater fly rod and at least one of the bamboo's this fall. Been having too much fun with spin casting so far this year!!! (Bunch of bass last night and a good sized pickerel last night!!)

I've had a couple of wp's in the tackle box for a while. Lost one after three casts on a snag and was holding the other in reserve, gunshy at losing another expensive lure in the wrong situation... Last night I was fishing a river and had caught some nice bass - as well as nice crappie, small bass and sunnies with delusions of grandeur - and as it got darker, seemed like the time with bigger fish moving in to try my remaining wp. A few casts with nothing, then on the fourth or fifth cast I'd walked it across the river and fairly close to me a nice bass nailed it right outside a weed bed. Landed her and was sold - got to see the whole thing on the surface, it was awesome.

My observation, using flouro and a shackle: I noticed it sank on impact so started waiting after it hit the water for it to float back up. Also, kept my rod tip high to keep the line out of the water for the most part, which maybe mitigated the use of flouro.

I'm not a fan of trebles as they are harder to get out and at least for me do more damage. The officer probably should have given you a warning though, seems a bit harsh for a first offense. I've been thinking of putting single hooks on my hard baits, rapelas, etc - maybe with a weedless bale to keep from dredging every piece of veggie out of the river. Anyone have luck with that?

I've been catching bass on senko worms - green pumpkin/blkflake - and twist tailed grubs. Haven't been using the craws as much, though mainly because of where I'm fishing these days. I've noticed that the bass seem to be more eager for swim baits, like they're stocking up on bigger bites for the winter, but might be my imagination. I use billed and non-billed hardbaits and all sorts of soft plastics. Not so much top waters though a fast retrieve keeps the swimmie near the surface.

I'm in Mass west of Boston, so not sure if it applies.

And if you miss the bass, swim baits might bag one of these.....

Could be silt or algae... I'd probably throw cast in there a couple times to see if anything stirring, but not linger unless it proves productive.

I live near a nice river connected lake that's usually crystal clear - this year with it's connection to the river down to a trickle, the water looks a lot like this spot, green-ish and cloudy. I've stopped a few times and thrown a line in then quickly beaten it over to the river where the water is more clear. Any tips for fishing in clouded water like that? For things other than carp or cats, that is....

Nice Big Dog - i'll have to try that one. I've been messing around with bombarda bobbers to add options to my spin rod: haven't landed anything yet but it definitely adds new methods for using flies with the spin rod. I've had fish nipping at the flies, just never enough to set a hook. Your fly line method would more subtle for when the fish are spooky, I'd guess....

I've been picking up fly fishing for a couple of years now - always wanted to try it since I was a kid. The problem for me is I have so much fun and more success spin casting, so it's hard to put down the spin rods. As we transition into colder water, i'm going to lock the spin rods away so I get the fly rods going. I do find it more challenging than spin, though I'm just beginning with fly.

I'd say if you're getting more interested in the zen of fishing, fly fish all the way; it's active, meditative and lord gawd when the cast rolls out in that beautiful tight loop - nirvana.

Agree with badbobby - weightless is the way to go. All the extra rigging will hang you up way more, plus I like the weightless action on the fall. Weights and beads, carolina or texas rigged, still work in some circumstances when you want to go out farther or down deep quickly, but I go weightless first and always when working weed beds.

Update - went out alone yesterday, returning to the scene of the crime. This time had a much better outing - four or five bass with a couple of big ones, then a monster chain pickerel which was so active even on shore she nailed me with hook or teeth (happened so fast wasn't sure!!), but luckily the finger will heal. I'm thinking it is one of those smaller tweaks that were mentioned by many on this topic, specifically as Raddish mentioned: heavier line.

I've been using really lite flouro and I think that has resulted in my missing a lot of sets...also, makes it harder to feel the fish at all. I bumped up to a heavier line and was able to set much more effectively as well as have a better feel when the fish are engaging the lure. I think I can go heavier still - my go to before was a six pound daiwa pink or green and I started using an 8 or 10 transparent. Seemed to make a difference. I want to work in some braid as I think that will be even better.

I still had a ton of taps and tugs that I couldn't get sets on, but finally landed the pickerel. Used worms for a couple of the bass, grubs for others and swim baits netted the pickerel. The pickerel was a helluva fight - just awesome.

Regardless - thanks to everyone with their suggestions!

Dena - I think I have to get another person to join us fishing...worse at it than me, of course!!

BillyBrd1 - Looking to get out alone this week.. Both to get some practice and hopefully get the mojo going again. Last thing I need now is another day like the last time out!!

CaptBuddy - I've been thinking it might be a subtle difference as well, particularly with worms. I've tried ditching the snap shackles, switching to the type and color line he's using, etc. Sometimes seems to work... He does have a better set than I do (subject for another post, I think) and probably more subtle/patient in general. Could be how he's landing his casts, but I haven't seen too much of a difference there.

I'm down sizing my hooks and worm next, see if that helps. I do better when the fish aren't hitting worms exclusively because I love trying new things - used a bombarda the other day to use a fly with my spin rig when the fish were only interested in surface bugs, for instance. Swim baits I usually outfish him.

I'm gonna keep at it - totally obsessed with fishing at this point, so no going back.

Nice!!! I've got to figure out storage in my garage before I break one of my sticks...

We only went out in a canoe once - I've got boat building on my schedule this winter if I can find the time or buying if SWMBO can be convinced - I was in front and out fished him totally. I started to feel bad so let him lead casts, but that was one time he got skunked.