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Starting out?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:03 pm
by Proverb
http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Fly-Fishin ... d_sbs_sg_4

Do you think this would be a good way to get started? I have only fly fished once with a friends pole and it was enjoyable but I'm not sure if I'd love it because I have only tried it once. I'm reluctant to spend the money on a setup at the store because they're all over 80 dollars. I have a gift card for amazon though and found this pole. Do you think it would be worth the price or am I better off waiting until I finish college and have money hah.

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 2:40 pm
by Bscman
Look at your local Fred Meyer...they've got "discount" combo's for $30-40.
Also, Big 5 sporting goods stores carry some in the $20-40 range.

If all you want to do is learn to cast, dink around in your backyard, or use it to figure out whether or not you're truly interested in fly fishing....$20-40 is the cheapest way to get it figured out--but you will find yourself upgrading pretty darn quickly.

Be aware these type of kits have no *real* drag, simple a spring/detent system that keeps the reel from backlashing. This means it's going to be a chore working larger fish, and you'll need to learn to "palm" the reel.
As be aware most of these types of reels are plastic, and not serviceable.

However!
My first kit was a cheap $50 Pfleuger from Sportsman's Wharehouse. I don't mind it one bit (other than the LOUD "drag" system). I actually prefer this reel when fishing smaller trout lakes where I can expect to catch fish mostly under 12"

The rod isn't great, but it works okay.
The line was terrible, and as soon as I could afford it I swapped it out, along with the backing, and leader--which ended up costing just as much (or more, actually) than the initial kit.
The 2-3 flies that come in these types of kits are pretty terrible as well--but flies are cheap, so no big deal.

I found out quickly there was no "cheap" way to get into fly fishing.
If you can't afford to lay down at least $200 for basic gear right up front, it's going to be tough going!

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:28 pm
by Proverb
Alright that's to bad but thank you for all the information. :)

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:29 pm
by Marc Martyn
Proverb wrote:http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Fly-Fishin ... d_sbs_sg_4

Do you think this would be a good way to get started? I have only fly fished once with a friends pole and it was enjoyable but I'm not sure if I'd love it because I have only tried it once. I'm reluctant to spend the money on a setup at the store because they're all over 80 dollars. I have a gift card for amazon though and found this pole. Do you think it would be worth the price or am I better off waiting until I finish college and have money hah.
When the description doesn't say if the rod is graphite, it probably is a fiberglass rod. This would be a low end rod and reel and would most likely be a rod with a lot of flex in it and would hinder you in learning to cast. There are some rod kits out on the market that are better quality. I saw this one on the same page. You would be better off spending a few more dollars and getting a rod that will handle line better.

http://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Cascade-Fly ... d_sbs_sg_6

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:01 pm
by BassAssassin
hey ya might want to check out this rod reel setup also. So many choices! haha http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... E?_DARGS=/
cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat20457_TGP&id=0051114320440a&navCount=
11&podId=0051114&parentId=cat20457&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=8IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=
cat20457&hasJS=true&_requestid=123703

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:10 pm
by Marc Martyn
I have seen that Cabela's combo and it looks like a good set up for the money.

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:47 am
by Chin_nook
Here you go. Check this link out. Save your money if your not sure you want to get into this hobby. These rods are out dated but still are great to learn with. Another thing you can do is go to a dedicated Fly Fishing Store in your area. They will school you on what to look for in an out fit. Instead of buying a cheapo combo kit, IMO use that money to get casting instructions first. Good luck with your choice and welcome to the Dark Side:-"



http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/boa ... hp?t=50080

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:59 am
by Proverb
Whoa, hey could you click on his profile and get me his e-mail? Wont let me look without being a member. I'd like to see if he still has that. I'll be going to the V.A. hospital there in spokane soon maybe I can swing by.

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:57 am
by The Quadfather
Proverb wrote:Whoa, hey could you click on his profile and get me his e-mail? Wont let me look without being a member. I'd like to see if he still has that. I'll be going to the V.A. hospital there in spokane soon maybe I can swing by.
That is a great website/forum even if you don't ever fly fish. I would take the time to join it, and then read their forum for whatever info. you pick and choose. At least it will tell you where to find fish.:-"

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:07 pm
by Proverb
Alright I registered there as well. I referred your name quadradomus because it said Chin_nook was invalid name to refer. Not sure if you guys get some kind of bonus for that but sorry Chin_nook if you do.

Edit: Oh and a newb question... that's a pole he's offering right? Not sure what it means by wt. glass.

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:48 pm
by Salmon, Trout, Steelheader
that is 7 weight and 8 weight rods. so yes they are rods. there are different weights in flyfishing. a good weight for trout is 5 wt.

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 1:07 pm
by Chin_nook
Proverb, Sean responded to your inquiry regarding the free set up.

RE:Starting out?

Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:07 pm
by Proverb
Yeah I just got off the phone with him. He's going to give me a pole that would be good for steelhead. I usually hate going to Spokane to see VA doctors but now I'm looking forward to it so I can pick this up hah.