Right on Brendan. I had a similar experience and wasted time and money on the wrong stuff.
yea, my purchasing has been more towards a variety of decent rods/reels than high end models of any set length/weight.I think I started out with the same setup as Dan though the 7/8 weight version. that finalist was a mess, but the worst part was definitely the crummy line. It was only because I loved fishing that my interest kept up, that initial setup definitely slowed my conversion from spinning. Once i picked up my first half-decent fly rod, a fairly cheap $125 st. croix, I fell in love with the sport. casting was considerably easier and while i'm still far from Lefty or probably most people on here, i felt as though the line movements were at least starting to resemble the guys in those old vhs tapes. Even now i'm not sure i could cast that thing w/ half the distance and accuracy of my current 7wt setup (nothing fancy, sage vantage which isn't great, but decent)I'm pretty cheap when it comes to equipment but sometimes that means investing in quality....definitely no gear snob, tho would love one day to own a bamboo outfit, but i guess the main point i'm making is that you can get a good setup for a lot cheaper than most people think at the local shops so it's worth that investment rather than throwing away $75 on junk at Walmart, Dick's or Sports Authority.In terms of an incremental steps up... I think the local shops also offer some amazing rods in the $200-300 range that will take advantage of your improving skills, the upcoming shows are a great time to test/compare, but beyond that would focus more on picking up a couple different types of setups before dropping $800 on a winston or whatever.
good luck,b--
On Tuesday, February 5, 2013 12:12:02 AM UTC-5, dubblehaul wrote:I went with the Prius of fly rods (8 1/2 ft 6 wt plus reel package for $150) when I first started a decade ago because that's what the salesman was programmed to say, now I never use it, except as a back up and a loaner. I prefer my 5 wt for the TPFR when I'm feeling sneaky, and 7 wt for throwing big flies. I have 9wt and 6wt two-handers, and all my reels are under $100 (mostly Okuma) except for my Orvis Battenkill mid arbor. I've purchased perfectly good rods for under $250 and hate the ones for which I paid under $100. So, there is a middle ground in my opinion.I have two good friends who started fly fishing in the past two years and they have both invested much, much more than I have in tackle, and they are happy…but it doesn't mean they catch more fish or cast any better. In fact, I recommend NOT going high end until one really knows what they prefer, or need, depending on fishing style, environment, quarry and budget. Just my two cents.The 6 wt was fine for most fishing. A great fly line makes a huge difference though.- SteveOn Feb 4, 2013, at 5:13 PM, Daniel Davala <daniel...@gmail.com> wrote:Guys, I run the TPFR site - as in I decide its course. Dalton Terrell is the Web Master. A separate Buy-Sell-Trade forum is a top priority for me, so hold tight. I have 99% of the logistics laid out, and I have a BST forum moderator all lined up. We should be good in another week or so. It is also my commitment and requirement to keep buying, selling, and trading off of the main forum, indefinitely and I have very good reasons for this.Back on topic, while I definitely agree about the better quality of fly shop starter setups, I can't really disagree about starting super cheap. I started fly fishing over 20 years ago with an opening investment of $40. That bought me an 8' 5/6 South Bend "Black Beauty" fly rod, a South Bend "Finalist" (Pflueger Medalist copy) reel, a #5 Level floating fly line, a crummy wet fly selection and a "Dial a Popper" set. I couldn't have been set up more poorly, but I had TONS of fun with that outfit and caught a ton of fish. Working at a shop now, this is not the route I recommend, but it can certainly work just the same.The most important thing I think for the new fly fisher is to get connected to a bunch of other fly fishers who are passionate about the sport, the resources, and who are willing to share. Looks like you're well on your way in that regard.Dan DavalaOn Mon, Feb 4, 2013 at 4:28 PM, Brendan <brenda...@gmail.com> wrote:
highly recommend avoiding the super cheap options... basic rods are hard to screw up but there's still a significant difference between those cheap box store starter kits and the ~ $150 fly shop starter setup. Most importantly, the crappy reel and line can really kill the buzz. With TFO, FFB, Reddington offering quality intro kits, worth the $75 difference. also, worth ingratiating yourself w/ the local shops...and having them help you get setup. The box of flies, leaders and 'getting started' guides in those packets are worthless.Would be nice to setup a local gear exchange site. who manages the tpfr site? there is a lot of free/opensource software for this kind of thing.To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/
On Monday, February 4, 2013 12:57:11 PM UTC-5, TurbineBlade wrote:I'd bet the ranch that you could find a fly rod from someone at a beer tie ;). I'll second Todd ^^ in that my having gone out with Rob early on helped me get started and made me enthusiastic about really getting into fly fishing. I'd encourage that route!Also +1 on visiting a local fly shop. They're a really, really good source of local information for things you probably won't even think about (weather conditions, slippery rocks, access points, naked weirdos, patterns, etc.), and they can save you a lot of frustration. I'm biased toward Urban in Alexandria because they're the first I visited, chatted with, etc. and they're close to home. The other shops are excellent too, so you're probably set no matter where you live or choose to go.Don't worry -- lots of newbies around too. I'm you, just 6 or so months down the road.Gene
On Monday, February 4, 2013 10:20:29 AM UTC-5, Todd Kuethe wrote:I was in a similar position about a year ago when I first decided to give fly fishing a try. I spent my money on a morning session with a guide, active club member Rob Snowhite. He taught me enough to get started, and on his advice, I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and bought a cheap outfit to get started. I fished pretty hard for several months until my cheap set up (about $50 total) broke. By then I learned enough that I felt comfortable plopping down a couple hundred bucks on a mid-level intro kit (Reddington). When I wear that sucker out, I should be ready for a Helios.That's what I would recommend. Spend the money on a proper guide and some instruction. Buy a super cheap set up, new or used, knowing that it will eventually break. Upgrade along the way if you stay with the sport.Also, just get out there and fish and have fun.
On Sunday, February 3, 2013 8:38:30 PM UTC-5, Sardman wrote:Come to a beer tie and talk to people. Also, visiting a local fly shop is not a bad idea. Spending a ton of money on gear for a sport you don't even know you are goign to follow, is not a good idea, but also wasting your money on bad gear may even make you give up prematurely.
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