Hello all - this is my first time to the fly fishing forum!

I have been bass fishing all of my life with spinning and bait casters - but with my in-laws recent land purchase near Taos - I want to start learning to fly fish.

Do you have any suggestions for starting equipment? I am not looking to spend too much money, but I do know that you get what you pay for - and I know I don't want junk! :-)

Thanks for any and all suggestions - I am excited to start learning a new way of fishing (to me, at least!!)

Well, you can fit in about any niche cost-wise. I'd suggest Bass Pro or Cabelas where there are a huge selection of set ups in all price ranges.

But let me suggest that you start off with a Scientific Anglers beginners setup in six weight. Comes with line, reel, rod and they make extremely decent stuff for the price. After you work with it a while and get a feel for it an upgrade might be in order. But you'd still have the SA as a back up or whatever.

And one more point, you mentioned Taos. There is a ton of good mountain fishing indeed. But some of the best fly fishing around is within 100 miles of McKinney in a number of directions. Sand bass in the feeder creeks, stripers both above and below Denison Dam, bass in Fork as well as all the other area lakes. A largemouth on a fly rod can make your hair stand on end, not to mention a 15 pound striper.

Let me invite you to Texoma On The Fly coming up in June. But no need to wait until June to get started.

If you've never cast a fly rod, I'd recommend getting a casting lesson before buying a rod, that way you'll have a better idea what you are looking at.

If you are not in a big hurry, Texoma on the Fly will have casting lessons, fly fishing lessons, fly tying, and fishing seminars. This event is very "beginner friendly". And all of it is free!

Rex