Recommendations needed and appreciated

As most of you probably know, I am brand new at fly fishing. I finally got to get a fly wet today for the very first time at my Uncle's pond. I am not sure what the temp. was but half of the pond had a thin sheet of ice on it, and the eyes on my rod built up with ice, but I had a blast just standing there practicing casting. Thanks for all of the advice on roll casting, it really made a big difference being on water as opposed to my backyard.

The rod and reel I have is one my little brother gave me. It is a Shakespeare SigmaSupra rod, 8 ft for a 5-6 fly line. I am not sure how old the line is that is on it, but I know he gave up fly fishing a few years ago, and it has just been sitting in his garage ever since. The leader definitely needs changeing and I suspect the fly line itself does as well. I will mostly be fishing is small ponds and creeks. I am curious what kind of tippet do I need as well. The reel is the one that came with it, a shakespeare 1094. I know there is no backing on the reel now and I am not sure if I need one or not.

I don't have any idea what kind of fly I was using. I was just practicing with a small hope of actually getting a bite. I am thinking about trying to get as assortment of flies to use as well and was wondering what would you guys buy.

I am not a rich man, and I am hoping to keep all of this around a 100 bucks. Santa usually leaves me a 100 or so every year, although I could be counting my chickens before they hatch. After all, times is hard, and I can't really claim to have been a good boy all year.:D

All help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance,
Jason

Tell ya what.....I have a few extra used WF5-F lines hanging around..maybe a Cortland or an Orvis. Send me your address and I'll ship it out to you.I'll throw in a 2-pack of Orvis tapered leaders, too. I'm heading out of town on business for a few days, so I won't be able to ship until next Friday. How's that? That 1094 is a real basic reel, but should fit the bill for what you want it to do.

Ken

Good for you Ken. You have a PM.

Welcome to fly angling hungNtree. I'm fairly new at the art myself having just completed my third season. Now as for getting new fly line if it's cracked or has other ovious problems Scientific Anglers make a good fly line that can be had for about $25. I've used it myself and have been pleased with it. Just keep it clean and it should last you several seasons. For leaders if you're stapped for cash you can use a straight piece of monofilament somewhere in the 10 - 15 lb test catagory depending on how big the flys are that you want to cast. Or you can build some tapered knotted leaders yourself. I've done so and have been pleased with the results. In the backing catagory I've never had a fish take me into the backing but I still want it for that big one that just might hit. I fish waters where there are plenty of fish large and strong enough to do that. You might be able to find some 20 lb test dacron line that would do the trick or just buy some regular fly line backing. A 100 yd spool from Cabela's will on set you back $6.50.

HungNtree;
PM your mailing address and I'll send you a couple of Furled leaders. 1 of Uni 6/0 tying thread that you can treat with flotant for dry fly's and 1 of fluorocarbon for swinging Wolly Buggers or Streamers. They will last for a couple of seasons and you will only have to change tippets to match conditions.

Hi hungNtree,

A reel like that should work fine for you as a starter, but you'll want include the backing when ausable_ny sends you the line... if nothing else, it will keep the line from coiling too tightly, which can be somewhat of a nuisance. And just like cycler68 said, the first time a fish took me into my backing, I was glad to have it, because it was a beast!

As for flies, E-mail me your address and I'll send you a good assortment for your area, and tips on how to use them, and where.

I have some extra spools of Orvis 20 lb backing..I'll send one of those, too. Jack, that's a good thing you're doing with those leaders. You make a great product. I'm still using the ones you sent me. Jason, you should be set to go once everthing promised here arrives, but you'll have to catch the fish yourself...we can't do that for you :)

Ken

Hang onto that hunderd bucks. You won't need anything like that. :)

The generosity of this forum has truly impressed me -- and Jason if you PM me with an address I'll throw in a dozen flies -- let me know what fish species you'll be fishing for primarily and I'll tailor the selection accordingly

hungNtree,

I don't have any lines, etc. but my fly boxes are full.... if you PM me with an address, I'll be happy to send you an assortment of flies that will work in ponds.... Best Regards....

HungNtree,
PM your address. I'll tie up a couple gurgle pops and woolie buggers that will work on bluegill and bass in your area.

Jeff

You guys are too good helping out a new fly fisher :)

You guys are too much. I certaintly didn't expect this, but I sure do appreciate it. It was truly a very lucky day for me when I found this site. It truly makes me hope that I will be able to give back someday. I hope that doesn't sound to sappy, but it really is true. I just simply cannot thank you enough.

Thanks again,
Jason:D

Jason,
There's a pretty long and very nice history of folks on FAOL helping new guys out. I know I've been on the receiving end of the generosity of others in this community. There's no doubt that a day will come when you will be helping out a new guy too. It's not sappy at all.

I'm glad I could be a part of helping you out. Can't wait to see the pictures of the fish you're going to catch.

Jef

Jason,
Many of us on this site believe in the adage, "Pay it forward". It gives us true joy to picture the expressions on the faces of the recipients! Enjoy the gifts! Some day, your turn will come.
Betty

PM your address and I will send you some flies.

Rick

hungNtree,


Sounds like you're about to receive some very good flies and gear in the mail. There's some fly tiers in this site whose patterns are so beautiful they should be exhibited in museums.

Your new-at-this situation reminds me of my first attempt at fly fishing.

I also had an 8-ft. 5/6-weight rod. So once you get backing and fresh floating line on your reel, plus a leader attached, you'll be pretty much ready to go.

If you don't object to some unsolicited advice: Try to identify the different feel in your hand during the casting stroke as you throw flies of different weights and shapes. Try to determine which flies are the easiest for you to cast at the distances you normally fish.

In my case, the biggest mistake I made in my first fly fishing attempt was I threw only large, heavy, air-resistant flies. This is because at that time I was focused on catching largemouth bass to the exclusion of all other species. My ambition was larger than my casting skills; during the backcast I was forever whacking my chest or face with those heavy flies. Either that, or I would wait a fraction of a second too long on my backcasts and end up snagging those heavy flies in the vegetation behind me.

There does seem to be an ideal balance point in any fly rod rig, a point where a certain weight/size range of flies works best for the tackle you're using. Using the flies you'll soon be receiving, try to get a feel for what this balance point is for YOU. Once you find it and become comfortable with it, casting becomes much easier, more natural.

After you get your stroke under control on this combination -- whatever it turns out to be -- then it gets easier to cast heavier AND lighter flies. You'll have an instinctive feel for how to adjust your casting stroke to compensate for the weight/size change.

As a general suggestion, try the lighter weight flies first and work up from there. And try for bluegills first; wait until after you're catching bluegills on a regular basis before switching to the heavy, larger flies used for bass fishing.

And DEFINITELY put that backing line on your reel. Large catfish might live in your Uncle's pond, and if you ever hook one it'll take you into your backing quick as a hiccup.


Joe
"Better small than not at all."

Jason;
I"m anticipating your next question! "How to put the proper amount of backing on the reel?" The easiest way, though time consuming is to wind the fly line leader end first on the reel then tie on the backing. Check the "Knots" section in the Arcives for that. Wind the backing on until you have filled the spool to about a 1/4 inch from the rim. Now send the wife & kids out for pizza, put the pets outside or lock them in another room and strip all that backin/line off the rod. Lay it out in nice neat coils that may have to start in the living room go down the hall through the dinning room, etc, etc. Attach the backing to the spool (Knot Archives) and re-spool it all back on the reel. This last step is why you want the house empty for if anyone should walk over/through the fly line and backing while you are re-spooling it you will be reduced to a blubbering, hair pulling and possibly comotose state that would not be a nice thing for the family (or pets) to see.
Now you are ready to attach the leader (They were mailed today) so go back to the Knot Archives and look at the "Castwell Knot". Next comes the tippet!