Any Fly Fishers Here?

[shanez]

Herein lies the rub with Fly fishing..... There is often a need for more than 1 rod if you fish different types of waters.

Example: I am fairly sure @alaskanpiper did not use the same rod for that Rainbow as he used to catch that Salmon.... The trout looks pretty big but a 5wt or 6wt would tackle that baby quite nicely whereas that salmon was caught on an 8+wt. And with different weight rods come different weight reels, lines, leaders, and tippets.... Well you get the idea..

PLEASE correct me if I am wrong.

As AK said, you are correct overall however the same can be said for any type of fishing. I have a lovely little Shimano spinning reel on an Ugly Stick with 5 Lb test which is great for the same fish I go after with my 3wt flyrod but I don't think it would work for a 40L Lb+ king salmon.

I like to think of it as working within a (large) margin of error. On the plus side, you can get away with running lighter weight line on a heavier weight fly rod if need be, within 1-2 weights. Just buy a second spool for your reel.

 

[shanez]

This is a good point. But when you have a full grown sockeye or 30 inch rainbow on the line in big water, you'll want that drag. All of it, hahaha. Been into my backing on the Kenai with an 8wt more times than I can count.

Ha! I joke that I'm barely ever into my leader when fishing a stream that averages 2 yards wide and less than 1 foot deep. I use backing just to take up space on the spool.

 

[sandollars]

Ha! I joke that I'm barely ever into my leader when fishing a stream that averages 2 yards wide and less than 1 foot deep. I use backing just to take up space on the spool.

Perfect size for Tenkara. Just saying...

 

[alaskanpiper]

Ha! I joke that I'm barely ever into my leader when fishing a stream that averages 2 yards wide and less than 1 foot deep. I use backing just to take up space on the spool.

This video is when the water is LOW, on the slower upper Kenai hahaha. The lower Kenai is bigger, faster, and has bigger trout. I use an 8wt ?

 

[shanez]

Perfect size for Tenkara. Just saying...

Might be a little too much.

I've got my eye on a 1wt Redington Butterstick. At just 5'-9" it'll be easier to keep it out of overhead branches. I'd consider it in 0wt (which is available) but it's already so light plus it's a slow action so it will be hard enough not to overpower the rod. It's going to be a learning experience for sure.

A lot of the streams I fish are hike access only with lots of trees and shrubs. I swear I'm the only one dumb crazy smart enough to fish them. Most people don't even know it's possible which is a large part of what I enjoy about it. The only downside is hiking back to the Jeep afterwards.

 

[shanez]

I thought long and hard about taking up flyfishing. I am a jeweler, so tying flies appeals to me. But, after pricing the gear and tackle... too rich for my blood. I am just getting ready for the crappie runs here, but I'll take them with a rod and reel, and let you millionaires have at the flyfishing.

Here is a very nice all-purpose, beginner setup that is also nice quality for $169:

Best Fly Fishing Gear Online | ReelFlyRod

Visit ReelFlyRod and discover the Best Fly Shop in the USA! Shop All the Best Brands in Fly Fishing and enjoy first-class customer service and expert advice.

www.reelflyrod.com

Plus, I believe you can get money off your first order with them.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Here is a very nice all-purpose, beginner setup that is also nice quality for $169:

Best Fly Fishing Gear Online | ReelFlyRod

Visit ReelFlyRod and discover the Best Fly Shop in the USA! Shop All the Best Brands in Fly Fishing and enjoy first-class customer service and expert advice.

www.reelflyrod.com

Plus, I believe you can get money off your first order with them.

See, the problem is also that if I bought the expensive set up, the guy at the flyfishing store teaches me how to use it. Sure, that one is more affordable, but then I’m just the schmuck standing on the bank beating the top of the water with a cheap fly. I’m sure I could find a Japanese sword for $60, but that doesn’t make me a Samurai.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I made this one back when I was talking to NPOD about starting flyfishing. Now, if someone asked me to throw it back, I’d be ultra pissed.

 

[haparnold]

See, the problem is also that if I bought the expensive set up, the guy at the flyfishing store teaches me how to use it. Sure, that one is more affordable, but then I’m just the schmuck standing on the bank beating the top of the water with a cheap fly. I’m sure I could find a Japanese sword for $60, but that doesn’t make me a Samurai.

Most fly shops have classes regularly. That's how Mrs. Hap and I got into it. No expectation of buying stuff from them, outside of the class fee.

 

[shanez]

Most fly shops have classes regularly. That's how Mrs. Hap and I got into it. No expectation of buying stuff from them, outside of the class fee.

I forgot about that. In my experience the fly fishing community is a little like the pipe community in that we like to help newcomers out and love to see them succeed at it but we are way too much into our hobby. ???

 

[shanez]

I made this one back when I was talking to NPOD about starting flyfishing. Now, if someone asked me to throw it back, I’d be ultra pissed.

There are far too many people in that picture! And a fence?!?! Don't get me started. If I wanted that kind of fly fishing I'd go do some combat fishing in Alaska.

People often question why "catch and release" or why "small fish"? My answer:



That particular stream is not well known and almost never gets fished. There is a pool at the upper portion which sits at the base of a nice sized waterfall that people fish, but the stream itself, not so much. The stream is about 2-3 yards wide and 12-18 inches deep. There is not a lot of cover around it. Those fish get spooked super easy and not only do you have to have the right fly, but presentation of the fly is everything.

Those fish are a surprisingly very difficult target. I like the challenge and to know that I'm not taking but rather letting them go back into the water for the others and for the future.

 

[sandollars]

There are far too many people in that picture! And a fence?!?! Don't get me started. If I wanted that kind of fly fishing I'd go do some combat fishing in Alaska.

People often question why "catch and release" or why "small fish"? My answer:

View attachment 72890

That particular stream is not well known and almost never gets fished. There is a pool at the upper portion which sits at the base of a nice sized waterfall that people fish, but the stream itself, not so much. The stream is about 2-3 yards wide and 12-18 inches deep. There is not a lot of cover around it. Those fish get spooked super easy and not only do you have to have the right fly, but presentation of the fly is everything.

Those fish are a surprisingly very difficult target. I like the challenge and to know that I'm not taking but rather letting them go back into the water for the others and for the future.

Another similarity between Fly fishing and Pipe smokers:

Just as most of us keep quiet about our favorite blends for concern they will be sold out all the time, Fly fisherpeople don't reveal their secret and favorite fishing spots so they don't get fished out!

 

[alaskanpiper]

There are far too many people in that picture! And a fence?!?! Don't get me started. If I wanted that kind of fly fishing I'd go do some combat fishing in Alaska.

People often question why "catch and release" or why "small fish"? My answer:

View attachment 72890

That particular stream is not well known and almost never gets fished. There is a pool at the upper portion which sits at the base of a nice sized waterfall that people fish, but the stream itself, not so much. The stream is about 2-3 yards wide and 12-18 inches deep. There is not a lot of cover around it. Those fish get spooked super easy and not only do you have to have the right fly, but presentation of the fly is everything.

Those fish are a surprisingly very difficult target. I like the challenge and to know that I'm not taking but rather letting them go back into the water for the others and for the future.

Haha, you can certainly find plenty of both in Alaska. The Russian River is some of the most insane combat fishing I've ever seen. But I've fished plenty of streams just as productive without another soul within 50 miles.

 

[BarrelProof]

Haha, you can certainly find plenty of both in Alaska. The Russian River is some of the most insane combat fishing I've ever seen. But I've fished plenty of streams just as productive without another soul within 50 miles.

And at certain times of the year, one can find solitude on the Russian, as well. Just like anywhere else, if you’re willing to work a little, you can distance yourself from the masses.

 

[trouttimes]

I've been a fly fisher for around 45 years. I tie a lot in the winter. I make bamboo rods from time to time and fish cane almost exclusively. To me, it's a lot like smoking a pipe. It calms me, relaxes me, and in some ways it puts me in touch with a bygone time.

 

[bullet08]

Strictly salt water, and a lot of beer. Usually call it beach party.

 

[dmcmtk]

More familiar with salt water fly fishing, my brother lives for it! I would use a spinning rig when I went with him.

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2020



My brother knows what he is doing! All caught 20~25 miles off Montauk, NY.

 

[danimalia]

Goddamn you guys, now I have a major fly fishing boner. Going to see if there are any specialty fly fishing shops near me and sign up for a class maybe.

 

[crawdad]

Glad to see this thread up. I have fly fished all my life, using cane rods and flies I tie myself. Got away this past weekend and fished the Mossy. The action was so so but when I broke out the hand tied spotlight caddis emerger, hot damn! Brown trout were giving themselves up to me.

 

[username]

Strictly salt water, and a lot of beer. Usually call it beach party.

Used to go deep sea fishing with my grandpa and uncle. Fly fishing in Idaho is on the bucket list as my mom has his fly rod and reel sadly no flys and it definitely needs to see the water some time. Same with the grunion run those were always fun to attend.