Thinking Of Getting Into Fly Fishing

[AmericanAngler]

I am considering trying out fly fishing for a second time in my life. My father took me before about 20 years ago in the High Sierras near Bishop and I haven't been since. I am an avid Rod and Reel type fisherman and would like to learn and gain knowledge of the basics. I am planning on targeting trout on the Meremac and Little Piney. Here are my questions:

1. What would be a good beginners outfit?

2. What Flies should I purchase for bass and trout?

3. I am a big husky fellow do they make xxxlg waders?

4. Can most of these things be purchased at Wal mart or where would you suggest I go to purchase my equipment?

5. What type of rigging will work best?

6. Are there any Fly fishing Classes available in the Phelps County Region or near there? (Question added after a good suggestion made thank you)

Its funny that most of the time I can answer any question about fishing till it comes to Fly Fishing. So Ive decided to give it a go and there seems no better place then the Ozarks.

Jeff

[buroak]

If I had to do it over I would take a fly fishing class. That would answer most of your questions.

[AmericanAngler]

Good suggestion thank you just edited post and added that to the thread. Do you have any suggestions as to where I may be able to take a class or know of any one capable of giving a good lesson on the how to's of fly fishing?

[buroak]

My wife and I took a two day class with Jim Rogers at Bennett Spring last year. Depending on the class he will include a fly rod and reel combo.

[Terry Beeson]

1. Find a local fly fishing club and go to a meeting or two. Get to know the members who can help you a lot!!

2. Find a local fly shop, go in and introduce yourself.

3. Use these two resources to learn to cast and fish.

4. Go fishing with a guide a time or two (unless you're fishing the parks.) They will give you the best advice on fishing local waters and help your fishing and casting.

5. STAY AWAY FROM WALMART for ANYthing fly fishing related.

6. Yes, they make XXXL waders. They even make 4XL in some models.

7. Work with your local fly shop on the best equipment for you - budget-wise as well as fishing-wise. They can get you into a good rod, reel, line, flies, etc.

8. Learn to tie your own flies. Nothin' like the feeling of catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself.

9. Attend local fly fishing events such as Sowbug Roundup, Tri-Lakes Expo, Conclave, etc.

Welcome to the fly fishing world.

[Mo Mac Man]

I agree w/ the above, esp. #7. Alot of people will have you dropping a grand or 2 when it's all said and done. Go to a shop, tell them what you can spend, and usually they have something that will get your started. I got an outfit from Backcountry about 15 yrs ago for about $150 and I still use it.

[AmericanAngler]

Awsome reply there Terry, Luckily I have a few things going for me thus far. I can get my flies cheap and I know a little bit about tieing flys already. I think the best part is I wrap my own Rods and have custom built many fly rods. Having a business lisence is going to save my but a bit on cost since Ill get most things whole sale. Thank the lord they make the extra x waders lol Im definately going to need those. As for Wal mart they have been my competition for years when it comes to making custom rods cause some people are like I can got Walmart and get one. But like I tell them its notthe same as having your own custom job and there is no waranty on some of them. I am looking for guides and clubs now for the Phelps county area. Crossing my fingers my whole reason for wanting to get into fly fishing is so I can beable to be knowledgable for when someone wlks in my shop and asks me about it. Id like to say "I know a litttle bit let me show you some of what I know". I plan t open a tackle shop eventually in Rolla near 44, 63 and 72 for anglers from surrounding areas as all we have had there is a few places to buy worms and sometimes minnows. But I figure it would be a prime area as Meramac Springs isnt far.

Thank you again

Jeff

[Chris Gates]

Jeff, you can send me a pm with your address if you want and I will be happy to send you quite a few flies to get you started flyfishing. Good luck, I love fishing with a fly rod. I 2nd Terry's answer.

[FlyFishinFool]

Jeff,

I agree with buroak's reply - take the 2 day fly fishing class at Bennett Spring from Jim Rogers. In one short weekend you will learn all the basic gear, knots, flies, how to read trout water, how to cast and appropriate fly fishing courtesy. Additionally you get a decent entry level fly rod & reel with fly line, you practice casting with it, and learn from Jim Rogers, a Master Fly Fishing Instructor. Finally you go catch trout in the Bennett Spring stream.

I agree Terry's response is a good list, but to get a broad jump-start if you are unfamiliar with fly fishing, you could do a whole lot worse that take the Bennett class. I have had 2 family members take the class and they were both catching trout the next time I took them to Bennett Spring.

As mentioned - you can get waders in 2X, 3X even 4X; the only issue is that they often get taller as they get biggger. If you are more husky than tall, check out the right size in leg length and then look at the same size in a "stout" - adds extra inches to the waist without adding to the leg length.

Good luck!

[Terry Beeson]

I'll say that Jim would be a good source for sure. Didn't know he was still doing the classes. And he can help you with any rod building questions. I have a slick little 2 wt he built... VERY nice rod...