Newbie Needs Advice

Saltwater Fly-Fishing
1

Hey y’all,

Wanna start throwin’ the fly, but don’t wanna break the bank doing so. What’s a decent (saltwater) rod/reel combo for a complete beginner? Also, what’s the best way to learn proper casting technique? I imagine I may get as many different answers as responses to my questions, but that’s fine; I’ll take all the ■■■■■■■■ I can get. Thanks in advance.

“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”

2
quote:
Originally posted by Black Bart

Hey y’all,

Wanna start throwin’ the fly, but don’t wanna break the bank doing so. What’s a decent (saltwater) rod/reel combo for a complete beginner? Also, what’s the best way to learn proper casting technique? I imagine I may get as many different answers as responses to my questions, but that’s fine; I’ll take all the ■■■■■■■■ I can get. Thanks in advance.

“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”

Back in the old days, I learned how to cast 2 ways:

  1. I bought about 10 vhs video tapes and practiced what I learned out in the yard. Especially the double haul, you’ll need to know how to do that.
  2. I paid for a few lessons from a casting instructor.

As for a rod/reel, if you’re just starting out, you don’t need a $1500 setup (which you can easy get to with a newer Sage rod and a Tibor reel). I would look for something used, maybe Craiglist or the CF swap list. Get a 9ft, 8 wt, 2 or 3 piece rod and a reel with a weight forward shooting line. I don’t own any, but I’ve heard Temple Forks are good for the money.
Starting out is tough, kind of like learning the golf swing, but once you get going, it becomes an addiction.

3

the cheapest way to learn how to cast or later on if you start tying flies is to watch youtube videos. i taught myself how to cast and how to start tying flies.

Another thing i would recommend is going into the stores like charleston angler or the lowcountry fly shop and talk to them in person.

4

Dude I have a semi-cheap 8wt rod that I learned on. Welcome to borrow it if you are lacking a setup. I also purchased one of those practice casters for like 30ish bucks from orvis. A totally different action than most saltwater setups, but good to get the actual casting motion down. Find someone to fish with is the most helpful but thats difficult around these parts

5

I took John Irwin’s class through CA. Well worth the money and you will learn a ton from how to rig how to cast and how to tie the knots etc

2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com

6

x2 on Irwin’s class, you’ll learn more in 6 hours than you would in a day of youtube, locally focused as well

Capt. James Newman
TidalFly Charters
803-446-0407
tidalfly@gmail.com
facebook.com/Tidalfly

7

x3. any of the guys at the angler will help you out. their 101 class is a great place to start.

17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott

8

Are you in the Charlotte area? For some reason I thought so. If so, I will be glad to help you get started. I give casting lessons at my place just outside of Matthews. I’ve been a certified instructor since 2005. Shoot me a PM if interested

I plan on living forever, so far so good

Egret 167, Etec 130
Wooden Driftboat
Jon Boat & 2 Canoes

9

Thanks for all the ■■■■■■■■, guys. It’s nice to have a resource like cf.com for situations like these.

“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”

10

I also took John Irwin’s class through CA. Best fishing class I have ever taken. Do it and Lear how to cast the right way.

My biggest worry is that my wife (when I’m dead) will sell my fishing gear for what I said I paid for it.

11

BTW I think John owes us all a beer LOL

2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com

12

Ditto on John Irwin. He is great, and as mentioned adds the local info. As far as an outfit that won’t break the bank, Bass pro has some that are decent until you get the hang of things. Once your hooked, the skies the limit on price for the quality equipment you will want to switch to.

13

John Irwin is known in FFF casting circles to be a great teacher. On a side note his engagement announcement was in the Charlotte Observer this past weekend. Congratulations John!
I recommend getting some casting lessons for anyone just starting out. I was self taught many years ago and I still have bad habits that I have to battle to not show up.

I plan on living forever, so far so good

Egret 167, Etec 130
Wooden Driftboat
Jon Boat & 2 Canoes