I just bought a 12' Redfish Angler and went to Houston County Lake. I plan to fish for panfish and crappie and bass. I have a combo fly rod which didn't do as well as I thought. I had used it before for trout from the shore. I definitely need some new gear.

Without spending a zillion dollars, what basic setup should I get? I was recommended to get a 5 weight and 8 weight rod--medium flex? What brand and length would you recommend I start with?

Well, the hard core kayakers will chime in here but a longer rod has been useful to me when tubing just from the standpoint of keeping my back cast off the water.

What exactly was going on that was not working out for you with your current rod?

I throw a 6' 2# up to a 9' 6# from my yak. They both work great. Use what ever you feel comfortable with. It is not hard to cast from a yak. I have an 11 footer and slide right upon the fish without spooking them unless it is gin clear water. Most cast are no more than 20-25'. I can cast farther if need be but most of the time that is all you need when yaking. BTW when using shorter fly rods in a yak just shorten you casting stroke so that it stays right over your head so you will not have your fly dipping in the water behind you.

My current rod is a combo rod and is not even a dedicated fly rod. I have a lot of problems throwing small flies with it. It is Eagle brand.

I think I need a 4 wt or 5 wt rod. I don't know much about the rods. I have heard Sage and TFO but these at $200 and up. Do I need to spend this much or is there an <$100 rod that will do almost as well.

TFO has a rod I liked for 110 bucks.

Yeah, no need to spend $200 unless you really want to. There are TFOs for around $100 and Scientific Angler makes some really nice combos in 5, 6 and 8 weights for $100 or so, line and reel included.

But I am wondering about your set up and casting? Are you using a tapered leader or just straight mono? And what exactly are the problems that are encountered with the smaller flies? What weight do they rate the rod at and what line are you using with it?

I know this is like 20 questions but all these factors come into play.

BPS classic($100) I have one and I like it just fine. Do not get a high$$ reel. Sandies will never need to pull drag. The only thing I target that will go to drag on my fly reels is hybrids.

Problem I had with my setup is that I could not throw small flies (even sinking ones w/ small amount of weight) without extra weight. Bass poppers would work okay.

I don't know that I had WF line and I am embarrased to admit I don't know the weight of the line (and it doesn't say my combo rod line wt, but I guess it is around 8). Also, I had the line set up with 7 pound leader.

I bought a Ross 5wt 9' rod and reel with complete setup. I am going to set both up for my trip Saturday, and keep large Bass popper or Cricket on the Eagle combo reel and then set up with other smaller flies or poppers on the smaller reel.

Thanks! It sounds like the best plan would be to find someone who could have a look at your tackle and assist with casting.

Folks, what fly fishing club is closest to Crockett?

Robin,
BrazosAngler is a member of the BVFF and we will help with casting and gearing up..

oh sweet! He's all connected up!

Let us know how it goes

Wild Bill (front) and BrazosAngler in his new yak!

I got a Ross Essence FC fly rod 5wt 9' and the most basic Ross reel. It is a very nice setup and didn't cost too much. I was going to order a 4wt 8' Echo Classic and called up Gorge's Fly Shop and they talked me into ordering the Ross.

It is very nice and I have a good setup now to catch about anything. I will use the combo rod with 8wt for bigger fish if I go to the coast.

Will consider adding a fish finder at some point...

Now to go catch some fish!

You are in with a great bunch!