As it’s getting near Christmas and I am going to receive some much needed cash, I think I’m finally going to try out the fly fishing.
I’ve already picked out a set-up in my price range (St. Croix rod and G Loomis Venture reel), but I’m not sure about the terminal tackle needed to go with it. I’m likely getting a 7 wt - something that I think will be versatile - but I have no idea about what line to get (sink-tip, floating, or both) or what fly(s) work best around here. I’m will be targeting reds and trout, if that helps.
I know that there are several guys on here that seem to know a lot about fly fishing (Chasing Tail and TrueBlue come to mind), so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Get a good rod and then spend $40 bucks on an Okuma Cascade 7/9 large arbor reel.
Get a good weight forward floating line (scientific angler comes to mind), and then get yourself down to the Charleston Angler and get an assortment of flies. Talk to the guys there and they’ll set you up right.
AMEN Brother Jerms… That or you could also learn form them ho to tie your own… I learned a long time ago and love to tie my own flies and catch fish on them is the icing on the cake
“Well sounds like a textbook release. I’m sure he will live to fight another day.” – Misplaced Prioity
For the Fly-Line I would go with a floating line. Around here it is the most versitile. Down the road if you want to get a second line I would go with a sink tip... this will help you if your targeting trout down deep. As for flies, there are alot of them out there... clousers, copperheads, wigglers, and Razmataz's seem to have been the ticket this year... shrimp patterns work well also. Depending on the day and the fishing situation there are alot of different flies that will help you out.
Nikon,
I second tying your own flies… its truely a rewarding experience. And yes We would be glad to teach you how to tie.
Jerms,
I also just built my first rod this year. My first fish on that rod was a 28" 10lb redfish, and he ate one of my flies that I tied… that was pretty awsome I have to admit.
Dont worry frenzy… there is alot goin’ into this, but once you get goin it really aint all that different… just work on your cast and practice every chance you get… you can always buy the best gear and tackle available, but it won’t mean nothin if you make a bad cast!
After a little practice it’s not as hard as it seems. Once you get the basics down it’s all easy. My wife got me a kit from Cabelas and it had a video and booklet that showed you the basics of wrapping, spinning hackle etc and I started tying freshwater trout flies and when I got back home here I was able to translate that all over to salt flies easier since everything we tie for the salt is MUCH bigger I would rather tie a 3/0 clouser than a size 22 BWO any day!!! That and I am getting older and it’s easier to see the salt hooks I am by no means a professional but I can show you what I know if ya want.
“Well sounds like a textbook release. I’m sure he will live to fight another day.” – Misplaced Prioity
when looking at reels make sure you get one that has a FULLY sealed drag. if it will get any salt use this is a must. when the spool is pulled off you should be able to hear an audible suction sound. take a look at lampson reels too.
sea pro sv1900 w/115 suzuki
lowe 14’ johnboat w/25 yamaha
TFO is nice but if you were looking at the St. Croix rods, look at the Reign… it has a lifetime warrenty, and its a much better rod for about the same price. A sealed drag is a good thing… the venture does not have a %100 sealed drag (most reels dont) but with regular flushing and maintanence it will last you a long time. the lamsons are excellent reels but they will raise the price tag a little from where your at right now.
A venture 7 and st. croix reign 8wt will be a great setup to get you going in the sport, and if you take care of it, it will be around for you to enjoy for a long time.
FishingF looks like they answered all your questions. Pick Mikes brain as much as you can and take advantage of every bit of info he gives you. I can not thank Mike enough he has been extremely kind and helped me more than words can say. Honestly alot of the stuff I have learned and all my setups are from listening and hanging out with Mike.I would strongly suggest paying Mike a visit at the Mt. Pleasant store.
Thanks for the compliments Jeremy… Im not anything special, ive just been in the game. All ive done for you is offer my opinions, you had to have the determination and desire to pursue it and learn for yourself, and with an attitude like that you’ll know as much or more about this sport than me in no time.
I love to run my mouth for anyone whos willing to listen, so if you or anyone else ever has questions about flyfishing, I would be glad to offer you the answers as I see them, and any other help that I can.
It can be intimidating and a little overwhealming to get into this sport but with a little help and being pointed in the right direction will help you avoid getting mired down and frustrated.
Thanks for the compliments Jeremy… Im not anything special, ive just been in the game. All ive done for you is offer my opinions, you had to have the determination and desire to pursue it and learn for yourself, and with an attitude like that you’ll know as much or more about this sport than me in no time.
I love to run my mouth for anyone whos willing to listen, so if you or anyone else ever has questions about flyfishing, I would be glad to offer you the answers as I see them, and any other help that I can.
It can be intimidating and a little overwhealming to get into this sport but with a little help and being pointed in the right direction will help you avoid getting mired down and frustrated.
Let me know if I can help.
Mad Mike
Thanks, Mike. I’ll definitely be coming by to see you. I can’t wait to get the new set-up and try it out. Too bad I still have nearly a month to go.
I apologize I really didnt speak on the angler as a whole. Well havent spent but maybe 5 minutes in the West Ashley Store but ive spent numerous hours at the Mount Pleasant store and I cant say enough about that store and location. They have a excellent staff, excellent selection, and its a great enviroment. Im definately thankful to have a shop that I enjoy so much nearly 5 minutes from my home.
i have to echo CA. they answered my questions very knowledgeably. i work in a tackle shop at pawleys and i send my serious fly people there. he explained that it is much easier to learn on stuff that isnt at the cutting edge. you have to have your timing honed to get the advantages of the really fast materials and learning on them is more difficult. the ultra cheap stuff would also make it difficult with the misalignments and slow recovery, same as spinning stuff. i do keep disposables for cousins etc. but i really enjoy the rod they helped me pick out.
i recommend you learn to tie as well. get somebody to help you with the first steps and then get on one of the online sites that step you through the skills. dont expect your first works to be art. you may want to buy out somebody who is giving it up rather than stocking all new stuff. ebay works. just make sure they are tying salt stuff. look at the hooks sizes and the type of materials. the tiny packs which will tie “hundreds” of #16’s wont go very far when dressing 1/0’s. you can also tie on tubes so you dont use up all those hooks. plus you dont leave stainless in reds and you can use diffent size hooks on the same fly to match conditions.
welcome to flyworld.
hutch
pawleys
we dont need no reservations we dont need no cruise control
mike-- I’m pretty much in the same situation as FishnF. However, Charleston is not my primary fishing location, being as I go to USC. Is there a rod/reel combo that can be used in both fresh and salt water ( the rivers in columbia, and wading for trout/reds in charleston )?? I’d really need to stop by the store and pick your brain for general information, but ive got to head back today for exams. I’ve bought most of my spinning gear from there and have always been impressed with the friendly and knowledgable staff. I’ve been going over CF for a few months now trying to get a better knowledge of inshore fishing being as ive only been a few times.
one of my main concerns is places to fish. As of now i dont have a boat and have no clue where to go about fishing around charleston without one. Is there anyone who could point me in the right direction? i dont want to invest money in something that i wont get use out of.
Again, thanks for the help guys. I’ll be the first to admit that i need all the help i can get and just want to learn and be out there giving it a shot.
Thanks in advance to everyone for your help or advice! Allen
