Ok Crippled Caddis Show Me How To Fish

[Ozark]

I'm going to buy my first fly fishing rig. I've done some study and for a beginner what do you think about a 5or 6 weight rod? 7 or 8 foot? Reels are pretty much open. Fly line I have no clue. Come on if you think I'm gonna fish with you this summer ya gotta help some too!

[Crippled Caddis]

I'm going to buy my first fly fishing rig. I've done some study and for a beginner what do you think about a 5or 6 weight rod? 7 or 8 foot? Reels are pretty much open. Fly line I have no clue. Come on if you think I'm gonna fish with you this summer ya gotta help some too!

Dang! You really know how to put a guy on the spot!;o)

Rod lengths rise and fall at a rate that almost matches womens' hemlines. For decades the 'standard' was considered to be an 8' rod for a #6 line. With better rod designs, tapers and materials a #5 line will now do almost exactly the same job as a #6 would historically. 8' however is still the same length.;o) So if you held a gun to my head and demanded that I suggest a rod for a beginner that would match the greatest number of variables I would simply have to fudge just a bit and leave the choice of an 8'-9' rod for a #5 or #6 line up to you to be predicated on whether the majority of your fishing would be for Bass, panfish or Trout. Big waters where one has unlimited room overhead and to the rear for casting allow a 9' rod, an advantage under some fishing conditions whatever the species sought. A #6 line allows the caster to push out medium weight bassbugs or other heavy, bulky flies with advantage. The 5 wt. rod offers more feel and greater delicacy of presentation for smaller flies for both trout and panfish as well as being more convenient in tight quarters.

As with life itself there are specific trade-offs involving preferences and what is best for the individual under his circumstances and personal choices.

From the foregoing you may not be surprised to learn that I will soon be announcing that I will be running for political office.)

[Ozark]

Well I was just asking. If I'm gonna learn to cast I might as well learn from someone who has. 8 footer Ok. Medium action? I'll go up to Back Country tomarrow to see what I can afford. As to putting you on the spot no worries I can only learn if you can break me of swinging a hammer.

Paul

[Crippled Caddis]

Well I was just asking. If I'm gonna learn to cast I might as well learn from someone who has. 8 footer Ok. Medium action? I'll go up to Back Country tomarrow to see what I can afford. As to putting you on the spot no worries I can only learn if you can break me of swinging a hammer.Paul

Hmmmmm-----lesseee----. Try this: tie about 10' of chalkline onto the claw of your hammer and practice letting it straighten out on the 'backcast' before starting to drive the nail. When you are no longer getting frayed ends on the chalkline from 'popping the whip' you'll have the flycasting timing firmly fixed in mind and muscle memory.;o) (Hey! It might even work! )