would like to get into fly fishing this spring and have signed up for classes. But will take all and any advice on equipment and not to do’s as I can get. What is a starting rod and reel. ETC. ?? I am a low country native and live on Edisto Island Its never to late to try fly fishing and now that I am retiring its time to do something different. Take all the help I can get. Thanks
Just call your buddy, I’ll try to lead you in the right direction, Input from others is also helpful. -Shorey
For what it’s worth, I started about 48 years ago with a Cortland fiberglass 8 wt outfit. Panfish in a local tidal creek in MD where I grew up is what I learned to catch first, then on to larger fish such as bass, Pickerel & Striped Bass. Fiberglass is still a decent fly rod material & generally more durable than graphite. Even a $50 glass rod could get you started, but may not be the best for all conditions & situations.
I own a couple of Temple Fork outfitters (TFO) rods, and like them very much. Depending on what species & conditions you intend on targeting, TFO would be a good brand to start with, particularly in a 8 wt or 9 wt if you intend bass, Striped bass or inshore salt. There are of course other brands too that are worth looking at. I bought a couple Redington Crosswater outfits in 9 wt a few years back. The first was for one of my son’s to use, but I liked it so much I bought a second as a back-up for me. Got them from Sierra Trading Post for under $85 an outfit. (Rod,reel & line)
Reels are a different matter as far as salt goes. You can go cheaper, but will need to replace more often. There are good options these days, and primarily depends on what you’re willing to spend. I’ve been using Okuma Integrity reels for bass & Stripers, and even in brackish water back in MD. They’ve held up very well to both fish & the elements. But, if I was going for strictly something for “salt” I would be looking for a much better reel. What I’ve got is fine for occasional salt, but not regular use.
Lines, leaders, tippet, flies & any other gear that goes with it are fairly easy. You have to start with the rod & reel, and the casting before you have great need to get specific with the other stuff IMO.
I’ve had good luck with Okuma SLV fly reels. Used an 8 weight in Alaska for red salmon and it did awesome. Great value for $50.
Okuma makes some very good reels, good value for the price. I also have a couple of their Sierra reels that I use on 3 & 4 wt rods.
But, I wouldn’t fish saltwater with them.
Unless I’m recalling incorrectly, the SLV are magnesium alloy reels, so they also would not be good in saltwater.
On a fly fishing site I frequent, several folks have said they like the SLV for bass and other freshwater fishing. 