My wife and I have decided to give fly fishing a try. I would like ya'lls input on a beginner's set up. Been told to start with a 5wt rod. Not sure on length, will use on primarly on river and a some local tanks. I've been checking out the combos (not looking to break the bank) but I truly have no idea what or who makes a good quality rod/reel.

Well if you're looking to find out about it then Bass Pro and Cabela's combos are hard to beat. Don't cost an arm and a leg and are completely adequate for beginner casting. Or beyond. I still fish my Cabela's and Bass Pro equipment and love it.

Ranger,
My first question is what species are you and your wife targeting? If bass on lake fork, then a 5wt won't cut it. If trout, then a 5WT is fine.

If you're in Saginaw, you might want to drop in for the Ft Worth Fly Fisher's auction this coming Tuesday where you'll find casting help as well as some good gear.


http://www.fortworthflyfishers.org/wb/media/auctionflyer2012.pdf
I would love to meet you.

Les Jackson
member, Ft Worth Fly Fishers, Inc.

yeah I was looking at some of them, but not sure which brand to go with. I read some of the reviews and it didn't help me any on my decision. I know I don't want to invest alot in a set up right now as a beginner. Went to broken bow and had a blast with my spinning reel. Wanna try a fly rod this time.

I saw that also. trip planned for the end of may so need all the pratice can get before then.

figured for now would stick with trout and some pan fish at local lakes and ponds.

I bought the cabelas prestige combo. 6 wt 9 foot model, and though its my first rod I am pleased with the rod and reel. I went to broken bow yesterday and it was a tough day. I hooked into a few fish but the fish just weren't taking anyone's flies. The rod allowed me to make the long casts when needed with light enough presentation. The three rivers fly shop was alot of help in the info one the river. I only got one fish in hand but I missed 50 strikes and broke a few off.

I started with an Okuma 9' 5wt rod that I bought from Academy. Have caught trout and Bass up to 5 pounds on it. Have had a blast. One of these days I will get a better rod but this got me into it and on the water for cheap. I got mine on clearance for 19 bucks, was their $99 combo.

Obviously, I like TFO rods.

Before buying anything, I'd recommend attending one of the basics of fly fishing classes that are offered around the DFW area. Most of the classes are free. Taking a class first will help you to make a more informed decision when you buy your equipment.

Bass Pro offers a free basic fly fishing class every Sat and Sun at I think 10:00 am. You'll get information on fly fishing and a quick casting lesson. I'd call and confirm the class schedule before going. Free

Orvis will be holding a "Fly Fishing 101" class multiple times this summmer starting May 5. It includes fly fishing information and a casting lesson. Free

A fly fishing class will be offered the 3rd Saturday in June at Eisenhower state park on Lake Texoma by the park and the Red River Fly Fishers. Free

Both the Ft Worth and Dallas clubs offer classes throughout the year. And both clubs offer free casting lessons at many of their meetings.

If you're willing to come up to Sherman, I'd be happy to help you get started and I have several rods you can cast.

All of the options listed will provide equipment for you to use during the classes. Some of these options will have several different rods that you could compare and get a better idea about what everyone is talking about.

Good luck!

Rex you are a wonderful ambassador for our sport.

ranger487vs I strongly encourage you to take up Rex W on his gracious offer to share his enthusiasm, knowledge and time.

J.

thank you to all who responded. your input is greatly appreciated. I do have another question. I just purchased a hardy 8'6" 6wt jet rod. I was told it was a good rod($$$) and I got it for about what the Okuma I saw at academy was going for. Like I said I'm a newbie at fly fishing, so I wanna make sure I didn't just get taken by a so called buddy.

Also thanks rex for the offer. I have another friend that does fly fish that has offered to show us how to cast. I do still plan to attend some classes as my schedule premits.

Looks like you may have your hands on a nice old vintage fiberglass fly rod.
keebranch is a fiberglass and collectibles expert. He'll be able to tell you more about it.
My first impressions? If it's in decent shape then you got a good deal.

Ranger 487vs: I would encourage you to take Rex up on his offer when you get a chance. He is a great instructor and I know that he has helped hundreds if not thousands with their casting. It maqy be a good thing that we don't keep track of things like this or how much we spend on our hobbies.

Have fun with this stuff.

Big Dale

HardyJET is a wonderful rod based on specifications of John E Tarantino who was an expert distance caster in the sixties and seventies. The rods were first manufactured for Hardy by Fisher rods then eventually hardy began to make their own fisher inspired blanks in the UK. These are some of the best from that era and are still very good moderate actioned blanks.
Some specimens in better condition can range $250 and up, so I would say you scored.

Les