The "X" factor - how do you match up the leader X size with your fly line, tippet, and flies? I think I've really been short changing myself on this one and using much lighter tippet than necessary.

Personally, I default to 10 lb. mono for tippet. Keeping some 4 or 5 lb. in the kit just in case the need arises. If it's quite weedy or bigger fish like striper, 20 lb.

Okay, here's what I want to know. How do readers of the Fly Fishing forums feel about shameless self promotion? I find it difficult to do, but at some point ... Also, what is the best way to shamelessly self promote on a thread? I ask because it looks as if I need to try it (or some would say try harder!). Feel free to move this somewhere, or I will repost a new thread if needed.

I think that if it is worth the reader's while, then there is no problem. Self-promotion, IMO, is only "bad" if it does not have any value to the reader. Actually, delivering value to the reader is possibly the very best self-promotion of all. Again, just tossing in my opinion.

Okay, thanks for the insight Robin.

hey guys, first time posting in this section I am getting into fly fishing and had a couple of questions.

I am going to a clinic at bass pro tomorrow and grabbing some gear afterwards. I have a very nice friend who gave me his old Browning gold medallion rod that 8'6" and is 6-7 weight. will this be good enough or should I go after the tfo 4 piece 6w rod they have for 159.00

Here are the other questions I have:

1. What I was wondering is, if I plan on using this in the creeks lakes for whites/ bass/ trout/, what do i need to get later down the road for striper topwater or even coast fishing for reds, and eventually small tarpon (8w or 10w?)

2. can i use something like Power Pro braid 30# for backing? is this a good idea?

3. leaders, what type of leader can i use for the creeks and how long does it need to be? this is primarily for learning fly fishing while catching whites during the creel spawn.

any info will be greatly appreciated.
thx in advance!

Ben P

Hey Benp, i've fished with you a couple years back with lee and them. Doesn't look like anyones answered your post so i'll give you my take. For the sandbass run a 5 wt or 4 wt is perfect. I would pick a 5 wt. 9 ft.

Your 6-7 wt is perfect for stripers, I would just use normal dacron braid backing, nothing here freshwater will take you to your backing. So just regular Cheap 20 lbs 100 yards will do.

Leaders I use vanish flourocarbon in 4 at the start of the season, and than switch to 10 when the hybrids come in. Just 6 ft of it tied from fly line to the fly. thats all you need.


(Caught over a 200 sandbass while you were on that boat in the creek last sunday!)

Thx for the info Dipson. Good seeing you at Rowlette as well. The first season with the fly rod was fun for sure. learned a lot, caught some fish, good first run. Can not wait till topwater this summer and maybe broken bow later in the year as well.

duz nebody know if there is a "fly" or floating bait that looks like floating fish food...my nabor has a fish feeder and when it goes off, perch/catfish/carp r everywhere...figerd i mite catch 1 if i had a "fly" that looked like the fish food...little help wood b prish8d

Yes:

https://catalog.theflyshop.com/product_i...i0id08flngkqlbp

The question of self promotion triggered some research I did on www accepted practices by the founder's'. Verbatim 'posts should be enlightening,informative or entertaning. Refrain from posting uninformed opinions'. If not the correct venue...

Thanks give a long and good post

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Best Fillet Knife with Reviews

I'm making two trips to CO this summer, and have been debating purchasing a fly rod/reel. I've stashed away a few hundred bucks, and by the time the trip rolls around I could potentially add more, so I kind of know my budget, and buying a nice used setup is where I'm leaning. Another thing I'm wondering about because I see them in every picture where someone has caught a trout, is a net. Is that a must have or a dead giveaway that you don't know what you're doing if you don't have one? I know about the whole keeping your hands wet while handling them and best I can tell a net just helps with all that.

I've fly fished in New Mexico, and Colorado several times back when I was in high school, but that's been over 10 years, so I have somewhat of a understanding of it. It's just been awhile.

With a semi-new & a new kiddo, I don't get to do a whole lot of fishing as it is so I don't want to go too crazy on getting setup with everything on something I might only do 2 or 3 times a year tops, it'll end up being something that sits in the garage with all my other fishing stuff, but I don't want to go on the "cheap" and it break on the first time out. I read through most of this thread, but are there any good tips/advice someone can throw my way, going off my situation?

NoconaBrian, I read you post and thought I would jump in. I think everyone who is trying to get a good rod on a budget owes it to themselves to look into the Echo Base series. Look up George Anderson's Five weight shoot out. The Echo Base scores well considering the price of all of the others in the competition. They review 5 and 8 wts and both compete with high price rods. I own the 6 and the 8 and am very impressed. They are very castable in all ranges. I would get an Okuma Sierra 5\6 reel ($30) and bass pro or cabalas brand cold water trout line for about $45, and a 5 wt echo base for $89.99. Then learn to cast and never read about rods again and you want know that you don't have the "best." I hope this helps.

Newby here. New rod and reel from Cabela's. So what knot do I tie so I don't waste line, holds good etc...? Thanks!