I attached my leader to my fly line with the loops, but do I need to add tippet, or is that just for when the leader starts to disappear? Do I just tie a fly directly to the new leader?

The new fly line had two knots toward the end where the loop is?
Is they're a reason that they're there, or take them out?

Were those knots there when it came out of the box? If so then I'm not at all sure. B&B (Best & Brightest) please chime in here.

Sounds like you've got one of those store bought tapered leaders. They're supposed to be leader and tippet all rolled into one. The fly would go directly on the end if that's the case. Usually a leaders has a aection of tippet at the terminal end; fly's tied there. As tippet is used up it's replaced.

I recommend that you start looking at tying up your own leaders (Lefty Kreh's leader formula) or even furled leaders.

If you want some furled leaders, just buy some of Robins. They are great.

Big Dale

Normally, a fresh, tapered (factory) leader will have a loop on the fat end and no knots in the rest of the leader, down to the small end, where the new leader is attached to the fly. After you change flies several times, the leader, that was probably 9ft long, gets shorter and needs to be extended back to 9ft. That is where the spool of tippet material comes into play. Strip off 2 1/2' of tippet material (mono) and use either a blood knot or double surgeon's knot to attach the tippet to the leader. Go back fishing. Most beginners use factory tapered leaders. If you are interested in the furled type, talk with Robin. He's the man on furled leaders. He can explain what they are and how they are used, which is different from a tapered leader.

I'd invite you to come out to one of our Cabela's Fly Fishing University classes, but you did not post a home location...

Should I avoid having the line make a cracking sound while casting?

Yes. The cracking sound is bad.

Pause longer between your backcast and the start of the forward cast. You want the line to nearly straighten before starting the forward cast.

There's a good reason they call this the Quiet Sport. If your rod is producing a cracking, whipping noise, or any other very audible sound, then there's a problem with the cast...

Les

I kinda like crackin fly line like a whip, its really hard to do with a 5/0 popper.

Chris, first of all, congrats on your new purchase. Getting into fly fishing is like stepping into a whole new world. Forget everything you knew about fishing... Buy a video on how to rig your rod & how to cast... Join a local club... Ask questions...

Much like you have started here, there are thousands of questions that a lot of people are just too proud to ask. One reason the Federation of Fly Fishers created the Certified Casting Instructor designation is to certify those that not only know how to cast... They know how to teach!

The only thing you'll learn on your own is bad habits. A golfer, if he/she wants to be GOOD will hire a pro. Fly fishing is no different. If you want to learn how to cast a fly without making a ripple on the water, hire someone to teach you how to cast.

Learn how to cast before you step to the water's edge! Take your fly rod and some targets to a park or an empty soccer field. Learn how to cast ACCURATELY at 30 feet before you worry about distance casting.

I hope you enjoy your new fly rod. It is an addicting sport. It can be a frustrating sport if you don't become a student, open your mind to learning how to properly cast tight loops, and be patient with yourself. It takes time to learn the sport of fly fishing.

JR

Are there any fly fishing 'bibles' for beginners that are commonly recommended? I ride motorcyles and they have a book/video series called Twist of the Wrist which is commonly accepted as sort of the 'bible' for how to ride motorcycles.

I understand there are a million and one books/videos out there, but just curious if there is an option like this for fly fishing?

I don't know if there is a commonly recommended general fly fishing book right now. There are some "classic" fly tying books that get recommended often, but not general fly fishing books. For beginners, I think John Cave's "Performance Fly Casting" is a good, concise casting book.

It seems like Orvis, LL Bean, or someone else will publish a new general fly fishing book every year. Many of them are very good, but new books come out so often that I don't think there is anything that ever reaches "front runner" status before it gets replaced.

Maybe someone else will have a recommendation.

The Complete Book of Fly Fishing by Tom McNally

Someone mentioned a Cabelas Fly Fishing University Class.

Does anyone have any info on this class or any other class?

Thanks Rex & Hook in Mouth.