First Fly Rod

[Zack Hoyt]

Alot depends on your price range. I would expect to pay at least $200 for a decent setup. I looked on the Bass Pro website and their White River Shop kits arent bad, or they had some listed with a TFO rod and a White River Reel.

[Zach Beach]

I really appreciate all of the information. I thought before the leader and tippet should of only been about 3 feet long. My thinking was that the fly should be close to the fly line so you could see the strike and see where your fly is landing. I also didn't think that with two to three knots in the line that you could cast the line without it hanging up on the guides. There will probably be a lot of trial and error, mostly error, on my part.

Another question I have is since I'll be fishing at Bennett do you think that I should use a dry fly that floats or a sinking one, or does it depend on how the fish are bitting that day? I have been done there only once before but I used my ultra light spinning rod with some 1/32 once jigs.

I was just thinking that it would be more fun to catch them on a fly rod and have to pull them in using my hand instead of using a reel. That is unless I get lucky and get ahold of a lunker.

[ness]

Here's what I'd suggest to get set up for fishing at Bennett, beyond rod and line:

1. monofilament loop tied on the end of the fly line at the shop.

2. three-pack of 9-foot 6X leaders. Rio are pretty good, and come with a loop on the end (to connect to the loop you got in #1).

3. one spool each of 4, 5, and 6X tippet.

4. both dry flies and nymphs* -- smallish sized. I'll leave specific recommendations to someone else.

5. some small split shots -- not the big 'ol honkin' ones you spin fish with. No bigger than BB sized.

6. some strike indicators. That's fancy for bobbers. I use the foam slide on anchor with toothpick variety.

7. Gink or equivalent to waterproof your dry flies to help them float.

8. Dry shake -- silica-type stuff that you dry your fles with to help them float.

More numbers here: smaller sized flies have bigger numbers. Practical range would be 18 to 12. Smaller would help, but those are getting tiny.

I think if you roll into Bennett with this stuff, you'll be ready to go.

As far as technique, well I'd count on a seasoned angler or friend to get you started. Or, Google around and find something that way. Practice on the lawn before you go.

You'll need to learn a couple basic knots, too. I use a surgeon's knot to tie tippet to leader and an improved clinch to tie fl to tippet. Orvis has a pretty good animated knot thingy, that you should be able to find via Google.

Hi ho, hi ho...

[AZ_Trout]

If Bass Pro is close -- then go there. For the most part I've found both good, and useful help in both stores here in Phoenix. When I'm in KC I always go to Cabela's - but it is closer to where we are.

Bass Pro has -at least on line, a couple of Temple Fork Outfitters combos - series 1 for $145 - upgrade to Pro model $175 and a Redington Crosswater for $120.

I like my TFO and have a friend that likes his Redington

The folks at the store should be able to help you ---- a great DVD is FlyFishing Made Easy by Scientific Anglers -- or search on you tube-- tons of instructions.

A 4 or a 5 wt would be fine, and all the other info has been great.

Suggestion -- if they have a couple rods set up --see if they will let you cast them. It may come down to just which one feels the best.

[Paola Cat]

Absolutely cast anything before you buy. PC

[am4mu]

Zach if you are within five minutes of the Independence Bass Pro you are also close to Rainbow Fly Shop(40 highway across the street from Tim's Pizza). Go in and see Matt and he will help you. He will take you outside and let you cast whatever rod you like. Also a great way to get introduced to a fly rod. I know he handles Ross combo's but he has a lot of other rods as well.

Good luck,

Doug Kiefer

[Brian K. Shaffer]

What rod did you end up with ?