Northwest Fishing Reports

I knew the time would come when I called upon all of your wisdom in this section, and the time is officially here. I have only fly fished one time, and that was with my brother in law who (kind of) knew what he was doing. I have always wanted to try getting into it, but didn't really have the money to buy a fly rod and reel, plus I needed a little motivation. My motivation came today when my grandfather gave me his nice, barely used fly rod. It's kind of old (probably 20+ years old). He told me that back then it was pretty expensive -- It's an Eagle Claw. I want to get started, but have no clue where to begin, or where to start. I don't know what flies to use, and my casting technique is pretty terrible. I'm not going to ask you guys to give me step by step instructions on how to begin this endeavor, but, do you know of any books, websites, etc. that can teach a complete rookie what I need to know about fly fishing (casting, flies, line, etc) so that I can be successfull. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

Joe

Joe-
Happy to hear that you are taking up the sport. You will love it.
If you were in the Spokane area, I would be more than happy to teach you. I think that the best way for you to get started would first be to visit a fly fishing pro shop in the Yakima area. Take a road trip up the Yakima River to Red's Fly Shop and visit with them. Also look for a fly fishing club in your area. Contact these people and ask questions.
Learning the sport is much easier today than in years past. The internet is filled with information on the sport, worldwide. When it comes to learning to cast, reading a book makes it difficult. Hands on instruction or a good DVD will help greatly. If you have access to a DVD camcorder, practice casting with someone who knows how to cast, tape his/her cast, and then tape your cast and compare. That way you can see what you are doing right or not. The key to casting is getting the line speed up to an optimun speed and maintaining it.
As far as learning the flies, equipment and techniques, this would be a good start:

www.thenewflyfisher.com/nff_pages/index.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Joan-Wulffs-Dynam ... 0892724323

Joan is the wife of the late great Lee Wulff. She has put together this video backed by decades of sound experience. All the reviews that I have read on the video are exceptionally high. It would be well worth the money.

Search the internet, talk with people and practice. If you have friends or family in Spokane, come on up and I will give you some free lessons and take you out on the water.

Ask any questions you like on this thread. There are a lot of guys on this forum that have years of experience behind them and are more than willing to help.

Oh, BTW, we were all "complete rookies" at one time. Now that you have stepped forward and asked questions, you are now past that pointo:)

I taught myself in my parents backyard as a teenager based on some how to books. I ended up pickup up some bad habits that were hard to correct and I still fight time to time.

I am a visual learner, nothing I read clicked until I actually went out with an expiranced caster. A lot of shops and some community colleges offer casting lessons fairly cheapy.

As far as fly and rod selection that comes with time. I would recommend a 4 or 5 weight 9 foot pole to start with. Cabela's has a rod/reel/line package that is about $120 with a DVD it might be a good starting point without a huge investment. Fly come with time. There is a post in this section about the "dirty dozen" I would start with those fly's

Marc said a mouthful. Nothing to really add. Instruction and time on water will define your technique. That Eagle Claw you speak of could be worth alot of money. Back about 20years ago Eagle Claw made some sweet fiberglass rods that today are worth 4-10fold their original value. I would talk to someone in your area that knows older rods and get the low down on it. If it is a true glass rod treat her kindly, she could be worth $1000 or more. Have fun and enjoy. Oh yeah Fly Fishing is very addictive!!!

I want to thank all of you guys for the information you have given me. I think the local community college gives offeres flyfishing classes, and if not them, I know for sure CWU offers classes -- I never got around to taking that class, and wish I would have. Also, there is a really big field across from my parents. I think I might get an instructional video, then go out there and practice casting before hitting the water.

Marc, thank you for all the website information as well as fly shop information. Oh, and especially the offer to show me some tips if I'm ever in Spokane. Speaking of which, next time I am in that area, I will let you know for sure! I'll make it worth your while too. I work at a meat shop, and I'll bring you some of the best ribeye steak you have ever eaten. :chef:

I'm contemplating getting a new rod and reel after what fish for brains said. I did some more asking around about this rod and reel, and found out that my grandpa purchased it in the mid 1960's. Its an antique, and being in good shape still, it might be better to let her sit in peace. Looking at the rod a little more it says "Eagle Claw, a Wright and McGill inc. product." Then , about a foot up from the bottom, etched in cursive is an eagle and it says "Wright and McGill favorite -- 8 1/2 ft rod. NS 2285. What is your guys' scoop on this? Is this something I should take care of and not consider fishing with? Here is a picture.

The manufacturer is still in business. I tried to get on Eagle Claw's site, but it was down. If you can contact them, they might be able to give you an idea of when it was made. Send them the picture.
As far a value goes, it is more sentimental than anything. If I were you, I would retire the rod and keep it as a family heirloom.
The new graphite rods have more power than the old glass rods. The price has come way down for the middle of the road rod. Unless you are going to be Steelheading on the larger rivers, contending with wind and needing the distance, you don't need a high end rod. Cabela's has some good starter rod combos, for around $200.00

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... &noImage=0

This would be plenty rod for you.

Did you say Ribeye!:bounce:
Come on up and I'll take you out. I have access to a pontoon boat and I have all the flies. Amber and Medical have been producing well this year.
Pick up Joan Wulff's DVD. I think that would help greatly and you shouldn't be disappointed.

I am also looking to start fly fishing. I didn't really want to spend $200 on my first rod/reel. What do you think about some of the cheaper rods/reels that they sell at walmart? Are they a waste of money or could they be good for the beginner? Hey BEERMAN1981 I heard Rays sells measle beef, you know, their shanks are dyed pink. Is this true? Kind of off topic but I was just curious since you work there and all.

IF IT AINT KOBE IT AINT THE BEST!!

Beerman: Last year I bought a WW Grigg. WOW what a rod for only $99. I was looking for a Pike/Salmon rod to take to Alaska for Salmon last year and for Pike locally. I contacted a buddy who was the lead guide for a shop in Colorado. I didn't want to spend more than $400 on rod alone. He suggested I go a try a Grigg.So I did. I was very impressed. I am really picky about how a rod casts ond this thing blew me away for only $99. Come to find out WW Grigg Bought the patent from G.Loomis for what is now the GL3. I own a GLX streamdance HLS so I know what type of rod Loomis can produce. Go cast one and see what you think. I got mine at Sportsmans. That Eagle Claw looks real nice take good care of her and hand her down thru the family!!!

Jollywhite wrote:I am also looking to start fly fishing. I didn't really want to spend $200 on my first rod/reel. What do you think about some of the cheaper rods/reels that they sell at walmart? Are they a waste of money or could they be good for the beginner? Hey BEERMAN1981 I heard Rays sells measle beef, you know, their shanks are dyed pink. Is this true? Kind of off topic but I was just curious since you work there and all.

IF IT AINT KOBE IT AINT THE BEST!!

Hey Jollywhite, I don't know where you got your information from, but you are completely mistaken. Measled beef is a condition caused by tapeworms, which causes the meat to turn color. After consulting one of the elder butchers I work with (my father who has worked there for over thirty years) he shed some light on the subject for me. If a company brings in a measled beef, the beef has to be quarenteened and then frozen, in order to kill the parasite. I guarentee you that such a beef has ABSOLUTELY NEVER BEEN ON THE PREMISES OF MY WORK. Unfortuately, like so many people, you have us mistaken with Ray's Wholesale Meats. We are Ray's Retail Meats. We are located next door to eachother, but have no affiliation with one another, so it does get a little confusing. Thirty years or so ago, the stores were owned by the same owner. For the past thirty years or so, the two business have been owned and operated by separte owners, and we do not even associate with one another -- there isn't the best blood between the two companies. Anything you see in a supermarket, school district, restaraunt, etc that has the Ray's Meats logo on it is NOT OURS. Ray's wholesale sells in bulk quantities to schools, stores, etc etc. They focus on quantity processed. My father told me that years ago, the owner of "ray's wholesale" did buy measle beef -- probably in order to save some money. They were properly quarenteed according to FDA rules. But once again, this WAS NOT OUR STORE, and NOT AFFILIATED WITH US. We would never fathom doing such a thing. We are a much smaller (four man operation). We don't distribute. We have an old fashion meat counter, which we stock every day with fresh cuts of meat. We focus on quality, and that is how we stay in business -- Fresh, properly aged cuts of meat. We could not risk brining anything less than high quality. This is how we have stayed in business for about sixty years. Also, our beef always comes from the same local source, Washington Beef, each and every time. We don't make bids for the cheapest source of beef like many supermarkets do, in order to keep a consistant high quality margin.


Sorry guys, I had to put the record straight for the company I work for. I am very proud of our quality product, and don't want to see our reputation ruined.

Back to Fly Fishing though. I have decided officially to not use that beautifull rod, and to keep it in the family as you guys have suggested. Thanks for the rod suggestions, I appreciate it. I might have to do a little saving before purchasing though. I'll put a bug in my wife's ear! Thanks again, and sorry for my long little essay.

Joe

I looked at the Grigg on line. The rod is about $90.00 but the reel is $100.00. You then have to buy the line for about $50.00 plus the backing. Cabela's is $199.00 which includes the rod, reel, line and backing. Much better deal.

For an inexpensive fly rod combo, Cabela's also has a combo made by Pflueger, which has the rod, reel, line and leader for $75.00
Cabela's Item#315257

This would be a good combo for someone that is on a limited budget. Pflueger has been around for a very long time. Cabela's also has excellent customer service and support. You may not be able to find someone at Walmart that knows anything about fishing, let alone fly fishing.
Buying from Cabela's is safe all around.

Marc Martyn wrote:I looked at the Grigg on line. The rod is about $90.00 but the reel is $100.00. You then have to buy the line for about $50.00 plus the backing. Cabela's is $199.00 which includes the rod, reel, line and backing. Much better deal.

For an inexpensive fly rod combo, Cabela's also has a combo made by Pflueger, which has the rod, reel, line and leader for $75.00
Cabela's Item#315257

This would be a good combo for someone that is on a limited budget. Pflueger has been around for a very long time. Cabela's also has excellent customer service and support. You may not be able to find someone at Walmart that knows anything about fishing, let alone fly fishing.
Buying from Cabela's is safe all around.

Just giving the guy ideas there Marc. For your info my set up is the following and cost me under $200. Grigg 9' 8wt, Orvis Large arbor reel, and SA Steelhead taper fly line, Backing is Always FREE!!! if you buy line from store and have them put it on. If not then keep walking. I broke my rod by accident within 3 weeks of having it and Sportsmans replaced it over the counter no questions asked. Where did Walmart come into this?? Stay away from WalMart for Flyfishing eq. I like to buy my Eq. only once, save up and by good equipment once or buy cheap junk that you will out cast in a year and need to replace costing you twice as much in the long run. Not trying to bash ya Marc just stating my .02. Like I stated before go try some rods out before you buy, what we sugggest you may not like. Good Luck Beerman!!

Jollywhite wrote:I am also looking to start fly fishing. I didn't really want to spend $200 on my first rod/reel. What do you think about some of the cheaper rods/reels that they sell at walmart? Are they a waste of money or could they be good for the beginner? Hey BEERMAN1981 I heard Rays sells measle beef, you know, their shanks are dyed pink. Is this true? Kind of off topic but I was just curious since you work there and all.

IF IT AINT KOBE IT AINT THE BEST!!

Jollywhite asked about rods at Walmart. He is interested in starting also, but doesn't want to spend $200.00

Howdy, fellas! I've been "off the net" for awhile! Great ideas from everybody, hence some of the sayings we've all heard about opinions are like....and everybody has one!

I like Marc's idea about Cabelas combos.....they are quality rods at a fair price. I own a Cabelas Genesis 8.5 feet 5-weight that I absolutely love! This and other combos like Marc mentioned are good possibilities.

Wal Mart's Scientific Angler rods are not as cheaply made as some folks would lead you to believe. I'd dabbled in fly fishing for 20 years or so, mostly rivers, but when I got real serious in 2002 I started with two SA 9 feet 6-weights with Okuma Integrity reels. The rods only set me back $50, ditto for the Okuma reels. These so-called "starter" rods are still my regular rods five years later and I can't tell you how many thousands of fish these have seen. They are as strong, durable and functional now as they were the day I bought them, and I fish a LOT, sometimes 4,5, 6 days a week. They've got a lot of years left in them! I liked them so much that the following year I picked up two SA 8.5 feet 5-weights and topped them with Okuma 5/6 Sierra reels. The cost? $20 per for the rods and $35 for the reels. I liken fly rods to rifle scopes. I know from experience that I don't need a $600 Leupold to harvest deer and elk...my Nikon Pro Staff at $150 works just fine, ditto for my Bushnell Trophy scope at $100. Anyways, these all came with a Lifetime Warranty.....if they fail, SA will handle it. I've put these rods through a lot. Regardless, whatever you get, just don't close a door on it or run over it and you'll be just fine.

The common belief is that fly fishing is an expensive sport. This is true to an extent, for your average fly rod and reel will usually cost more than an average spin rod and reel. But there are lots of options available that will mitigate the wallet damage if you should decide not to use that Eagle Claw. Speaking of Eagle Claw, I also own a couple 5-piece, 8.5 feet 5-weight Eagle Claw rod and reel combos, package deals that came with cases. These are my "pack" rods for mountain lakes. Wally World carries them. A few weeks ago, one of my partners lost two Temple Fork Outfitter rods (poor guy!) and needed a rod to use until his newly ordered rods came in. He wanted a packable 5-weight so I offered him one of these Eagle Claws. It wasn't until 3-4 trips later that he admitted that he was nervous about using this combo! But it absolutely changed his mind....he loved it! And this guy's no slouch, he's been fly fishing for 20-plus years! He said "I never realized that you could get that type of quality in an Eagle Claw". He was stunned!

Raff

Marc Martyn wrote:

Jollywhite wrote:I am also looking to start fly fishing. I didn't really want to spend $200 on my first rod/reel. What do you think about some of the cheaper rods/reels that they sell at walmart? Are they a waste of money or could they be good for the beginner? Hey BEERMAN1981 I heard Rays sells measle beef, you know, their shanks are dyed pink. Is this true? Kind of off topic but I was just curious since you work there and all.

IF IT AINT KOBE IT AINT THE BEST!!

Jollywhite asked about rods at Walmart. He is interested in starting also, but doesn't want to spend $200.00

Good Point, my bad. I am going to sound like a broken record here but again go cast some rods and see what fits you best. Everyone is correct, the average joe or starter won't be able to tell the difference from a $60 rod to a $600 rod. OK beerman just go buy a rod and have at it, reguardless what you buy "have fun"! FLyFishing will open your eyes to a new area of fishing. Good Luck my friend! Let us know what you bought and post your first trip!!!!

fish4brains wrote:

Marc Martyn wrote: Good Point, my bad. I am going to sound like a broken record here but again go cast some rods and see what fits you best. Everyone is correct, the average joe or starter won't be able to tell the difference from a $60 rod to a $600 rod. OK beerman just go buy a rod and have at it, reguardless what you buy "have fun"! FLyFishing will open your eyes to a new area of fishing. Good Luck my friend! Let us know what you bought and post your first trip!!!!

Right on guys, I appreciate all of the suggestions. One thing I won't be doing is going to Wall Mart. Cabelas, sportsmans outlet, etc etc. I want someone who actually knows about fly fishing to sell me a rod. There is a spotrsmans outlet in tri cities, and I've been dying to go there again... I might have to whip out the mastercard, haha. I really do appreciate all of your help. It is such a relief to get advise from people who obviously know what they were talking about. Keep up the good work!

Joe

Beerman, you are right there! Some of the best C&R anywhere. The Yak between Easton and Yakima. Take a drive up the canyon and go to the evening hatch It's at the truck stop by 90. Ask them what's working buy a few flys or some new line and leaders, they'll set you up. Then you can fish from shore or wade a bunch of spots. I'd start out with mile post 20 then head east to the bridge, walk across and down stream a bit. I caught a nice little fatty at mile post 20 when "just trying out the gear".

beerman 1981,
Give this website a try. All the wrong stuff about fly fishing I learned on my own. All the right stuff came from;
www.flyanglersonline.com
It is an international website that originates in Poulsbo Wa. and is an absolute wealth of information.

I'm glad to see that Washingtonlakes.com has a forum for fly fishing. I too am a newby. Last week I took a casting class here in town. 4 hours of trying to learn how to get the line to go out into the lake rather than dumping at my feet. I finally made a few respectable casts so now it's time to get my own gear. I went to Cabelas and found a pretty good starter outfit for $99. Rod, reel, backing, line and leader. I got a 9' 4 section 5 wt rod. Placed the order so now am waiting for my new prize to arrive.

My brother-in-law, who lives in Michigan, is a big time fly guy. In fact he is on his way to a week long trip to Montana. Maybe now we will have someting in common. I am sure I will need some major help in this new approach to fishing. Though I will be 70 at my next birthday I am teachable.