Gearing Up, Need Help!

[Bill Benson]

I live in nearby Lebanon, but grew up fishing the small headwater streams of the Black Hills for brookies and browns. I have never fly fished bigger waters, actually the only reason I used a fly fishing rig was to get some distance from the streams' edge and cutbank. I do know how to cast although.

I need some particulars on getting a fly fishing outfit from the ground up including rod, reel, line, etc. etc. Brand names, lengths, weights etc. would be helpful, not looking to spend a great amount at first, looking for some bargains I suppose.

Thanks in advance!

[bclift65706]

go to the store at Bennit I think they have just about everything you need in several diffrent price ranges. their are so many diffrent typs of line and leaders for diffrent typs of water and what fish you are fishing for they can probley help you better than I can they sold me the stuff I have. cost around $200 you can probley get set up a little cheaper and I not sure I anyone knows the maximum amount you can spend. the rig you have will probley work just fine.

[jjtroutbum]

Have to disagree with buying from the park store over priced and under experienced for the most part not to mention really just to busy.

Do yourself a big favor and go by Charlie Readings Shop. He has casting ponds (so you can test drive different actions/flex and weights and brands of rods) and a great knowledge of all fly fishing(lines, reels, and such). He carries high end and mid grade equipment No junk and isn't going to recommend anything just to push a sale. Its just not his style. Tell him your needs and wants and ask questions. This man loves to talk fishing and thats about the only problem with going too his shop. Is going there if your in a hurry to get to the stream. Don't go by his shop to early or to late though seems to keep casual hours.

For flies leaders and tippet and such go to Weavers. They have the prices and great service to boot.

and finally ask tons of questions here.

Welcome to OAF

JJ

[dave potts]

I agree with JJ. Park store is ok but overpriced and not that knowledgable unless you talk to Jim Rogers himself. Charlie Reading would be best place to go. Very helpful and will work with you for best outfit for what you are willing to spend. The test pond is great. Then browse around his store-a great flyshop.

Dave

[Wayne SW/MO]

You might stop by Larry's and talk to Ed. They've both been around Bennett a long time, longer than most. Ed was the manager of Springview when it was still standing in the park.

I gurantee you he will do you right, more so than many around the area.

[FishinCricket]

I will definitely concur with the guys above, there are frankly about 10 places out by bennett with a wealth of knowledge, Readings' being my favorite. I think it's the fish talk and the atmosphere...

I sent you a PM, welcome to the forum (I am new here too, and practically your neighbor!)

[jjtroutbum]

You might stop by Larry's and talk to Ed. They've both been around Bennett a long time, longer than most. Ed was the manager of Springview when it was still standing in the park.

I gurantee you he will do you right, more so than many around the area.

Larry's is a good choice also!

[Bman]

You might stop by Larry's and talk to Ed. They've both been around Bennett a long time, longer than most. Ed was the manager of Springview when it was still standing in the park.

I gurantee you he will do you right, more so than many around the area.

I will give another thumbs up to Ed at Larry's

[drath]

Another vote for Ed here. You may want to try Bob Gaston at Gastons(sp) tackle. He gave my wife a lesson when we bought her rod and she improved greatly.

-D

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I'm going to agree with JJ - Readings is a great place and you will get a lot of information and help. Ed and Gaston's are both excellent places as well. I'm just saying I think Readings as a bigger selection of rods and reels. Bob (Gaston's) will spend all the time you need discussing fly's and even show you how to tie a few if needed. A great place as well.

John