Hey guys, im an avid saltwater fisherman:smiley:. I am only 13 years old. Im looking to start fly fishing:smiley: i have a kayak and pair of waders and acess to small flats. I operate out of a VERY SMALL BUDGET. i need to keep up with my traditionl spinning gear first and formost. im looking at theMartin Fly Fishing Caddis Creek Fishing Rod and Reel Combo with Fly Fishing Rod, on amazon.com I wanna go mess around in a pond for bream and small bass but mostly in saltwater. Im wondering what line, what flies, and is this even worth $20 i think so but wanna check. Also what wt is this? i honestly have no idea even how to cast it or what tippets are or whatnot. Please look this look this up and tell me! thank you so much!
A small fish in hand is better than big fish in promise
If you have never done it before, I would say go for it just to get your feet wet, fly fishing isn’t cheap … ScottyD or MadMike could provide more direction than me … they are great and have a lot of knowledge
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
and for flies, just go pick up 5 or 6 flies from Lowcountry Fly Shop, Charleston Angler, or Haddrells, just a couple don’t get a box of flies that are factory made flies that you will probably never use …
Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous
if you have a link to the rod we could tell you more…the sound of it- Caddis Creek- makes me think its a smaller weight rod. A six weight will do alot around here- largemouth, reds, trout, flounder, etc but will have a tad of ttrouble throwing the heavier flies.
(tippet is just a term for the last bit of line on a leader closest to the fly…leaders are tapered from fat to slim so the energy transfers through the flyline into the leader helping the fly turnover in a straight line) instead of buying a new leader after trimming bits off, you can simply add the size (8,10,12lb) tip to the leader)
any ?'s feel free to ask- we all were beginners.
good luck
I cant figure out a link, but just google search Martin Caddis Creek fly fishing combo. On some sites it doesnt say and some it says different wts! and im planning walking in to the angler and buying 4 or 5 flies, i would also need line and that is really expensive so i would probably get an idea or what i need and get it on ebay, and yes hurricane i have never had any expierince with a fly rod, my whole family that fishes says that you dont need that and stuff especially my dad, so ive never even seen anyone use one thanks all
A small fish in hand is better than big fish in promise
That combo will be just fine for messing around with bream and bass… but its nowhere near what you need for salt. I had a combo like that when I was a kid, its alot of fun on ponds and such, and its a great way to learn to cast, but you won’t be able to redfish with it…
You best bet, if your looking to saltwater flyfish, would be to save up some money, keep checking ebay or craigslist and see if you cant find someone trying to dump an old setup… you won’t get one for $20… but you might be able to find a good deal.
This setup would be worth your money as a learning tool, and as a pond setup, but its not capable of salt…
I know this is a bit of a downer, sorry, but come in the Charleston Angler, or Scotty’s shop anytime and we will be willing to help you in any way we can…
Yeah mad mike i was hoping that would be enough, because i looked on the other forums and that guys 2wt was enough for ponds and stuff even NC trout. So what is the cheapest fly combo i could get i want a combo because i dont feel comfortable mixing and matching reels and rods cuz i dont wanna have 2 that dont match i saw a pfluegar reel on ebay for 20$ but dont have that much on me(tryin to convice the mom). i know if i found that rods are incredibly expensive like $300? i wanna start ff but not for over a 1000 i dont have this kinda $$
A small fish in hand is better than big fish in promise
Young man, you are the kind of person we all want to encourage as you investigate the wonderful world of fly fishing. And most of us still remember when we didn’t have the money for proper equipment. This can be an expensive hobby. My guess is that there is someone on this site that can help you out by lending you a proper rod and reel to learn on before you invest in your own gear. I live on Seabrook Island so if that is convenient, call me at 768 zero seven four zero and I will fix you up.
-george
Yakman, that craigslist link is for Moneyman Pawn in Mt.P. You can find some good deals in pawn shops. Allot depends on the pawnbroker. The ones @ MM work off a comission. Depends on how hungry they are. Cash America is also a good one. Have you ever tried the Ladson Flea Market? There’s always someone around there selling fishing stuff. Try the outside vendors first. Some of the inside vendors are decent. Ebay is good, also. I bought 2 decent fly combos for around $30 shipped a few months ago. Got’em to learn on. Been working allot, so I haven’t got to try them out, yet.
Also, there’s plenty of informative videos on youtube about casting, tippets, leader and such. But, nothing beats someone showing how to do it.
Word of advice, the more research and patience you have, the better deal you’ll get.
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
Yeah izzydone thats what im gonna do, it sucks but in this situation i cant afford to support the local tackle shops. I think im gonna wait till my bday in may and get a nice 8wt combo! then ill need somebody to show me how ahah buts thats another story
A small fish in hand is better than big fish in promise
Thank you snook! i would be happy to take you up on that offer! i have seen a couple of reels for go for around $50 but dont have money in pocket right now just PM me and ill come pick that up snook. Thank you very much!
A small fish in hand is better than big fish in promise
Yak, I have an 8wt. reel that is brand new that you can have. I did not need it and ran in to it at an Orvis warehouse sale for something like $10. 'Couldn’t pass up a new $10 fly reel. Have had it for years. No drag. You’d have to go old school and palm drag it, which works. It would get you started and I’m sure it would hold up for a few years, just fine.
PM me if you’re interested.
Now all you need is some line…and if I were you I’d go see Mad Mike and see what he had. The reel does very little. The rod and line make the difference. If you can spend a little money on this, spend it on the line.
Thank you chris snook! that fly rod is great! When i buy that line and reel the charleston angler is the first place im going to cast that thing! i will definitly be back in their soon to get some flies and such. Thank you!
A small fish in hand is better than big fish in promise
However you do it, just get one of those outfits from someone or buy a cheap combo set up. I would say you will have the best time if you keep is simple. use a 2 or 3 section leader at most and not over 9ft to start with. Get a weedless bend back fly and some bass poppers for the pond and have a blast. I learned to cast from my grandfather but when i got good at it I was readying Lefty Kreh’s book every day until it made sense.
Have fun
I started with a 2nd hand 8’ ■■■■■■■with a Auto-reel (one with auto-windup off lever). Works great to set the hook on a panfish. $10 at a yard sale. My first new one was a Martin combo in 5wt. It works great on mountain trout and pond fishing. A big LM bass will dog it and hard to land. I got a 8wt for the bass then from Cabela’s and put a larger Cabelas fly reel on it. It is great on LMbass and ok for saltwater starter. Have to hand/palm it and finger pinch the line to the grip for drag. It will get you going but, an overslot red is going to hurt your feelings. Got to have a fly reel with a drag system on it. Just get what you can afford and have fun! Most fly rod fights will result in a broken leader / lost fly rather than a spooled reel if you are under equipped.
Most fly rod fights will result in a broken leader / lost fly rather than a spooled reel if you are under equipped.