Newcomer inquiries

[ronnie84]

I've decided that I'd like to get into fly fishing, mostly for the challenge and a different way of fishing. Problem is, like most others (probably more so), I'm lost. I've done a little research but for now I've got a few questions. Fair warning, some of these questions will probably come off as rediculous or retarded. Anyway, here we go...

Is it necessary to have a tippet? Does it hurt not to have one? If using a tippet, do you match it with the leader in terms of lb. test?

Is it possible to use two different fly line weights on a single rod? Reason I ask is because while looking around at Wal-Mart today I noticed a Scientific Anglers outfit labled 'Weight 5/6'. I'm assuming that means you could use either five or 6 weight on that rod?

As far as fishing flies...this is where I really become clueless. How do you fish them? Prior to even thinking about fly fishing, I pictured it as casting and basically letting a fly drift, bringing it back in as it got downstream. Obviously that's not the case. Is it basically the same as conventional fishing? Is the fly brought to life by rod twitches or what? As far as particular flies go, off the top of my head I'm familiar with Wooly Buggers, Streamers, Nymphs, Dry Flies, Poppers and Wet Flies. How do you fish each one? Just a general idea would be appreciated. Again, I'm just plain clueless as to what you do with a fly upon casting it out. That may sound retarded, but that's just how clueless I am.

Bringing fish in...now I've read that it can be done by 'stripping' or utilizing the reel (if the fish is large). The question I ask is does it hurt the reel to use it, big fish or small fish? Or I guess another way to put it is why not use the reel even on a small fish?

Say I cast with my right hand, as far as I know, the left hand is used to bring strip line in or reel in. I've noticed a little slack line out with the left hand out holding it whilst casting with the right. The question here is what is the purpose of holding slack line whilst casting? I might be answering my own question but regardless...is it to let more line cast out or to shorten a cast? Hopefully that makes sense...

Casting cranks, vertical jigging, trolling, drifting, tossing inline spinners and buzzbaits, minnows under a bobber, etc...this is the fishing I've known my whole life -- fly fishing is completely foreign to me but it's something I'd really like to get into and learn as much as possible. I'm sure I'll have another question or two later, but this is what I've got for now. All help is appreciated.

[Warm Water Fly Fisher]

did you read any of the begining fly fishing articles on FAOL if not you should. WElcome to the sport.

Warm Water

[Warm Water Fly Fisher]

got to the FAOL homepage on the left side click on fly fishing basics, i reccomend you read as much as you can

First Welcome to the board. It's a great place where you can find the answers to your questions and a lot of great people to help.
That SA outfit is a good buy for a beginer or anyone. I've watched JC cast that rig 90 feet!! If it is the one for around $60.00 I believe it comes all set up
The tipit is usualy lighter that the leader so it will break off first. My experiance with catching trees is that the tipit breaks close to the fly and you only have to tie a new one instead of replacing the entire leader.
Leaders & tipits are by size, a bit confusing.
0X = 0.011"
1X - 0.010"
Down to 7X which = 0.004" (They do go Smaller)
The strength of the leader or tipit will depend on the material it's made from.
You don't say where you're from so it's hard to recommend fly's.
Check out Fly fishing 101 over in the articles.

[Warm Water Fly Fisher]

Jack at the WalMart here they sell tipits down to 10x

Matt

[ronnie84]

I've done a decent share of research on the net and there are still some questions I feel are unanswered, namely the ones I've brought up. Again, this is all new to me and most of the stuff I've read still leave me a little bewildered.

By the way, I'm from western PA. Local lake/river -- Shenango River Lake.

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

[ohiotuber]

Ronnie,
Welcome! This is THE best board for flyfishing. Almost everything I know about flyfishing I thank FAOLers for teaching me. You will love it here. BTW, I did respond earlier tonight to some of your questions on the Ohio board. I'll let our FAOL experts kick in here...also, follow the advice given & read all you can here about beginning flyfishing, & ask all the questions you want.
Mike

[darrell]

ronnie84 - best advice I can give is read - and if you don't understand it - read it again. Read FAOL items. Pick up books and magazines and read. Lots of web sites out there now on flyfishing.
Don't worry about understanding everything all at once - nobody ever does.
The nutshell is that the rod casts the line which carries the fly. After that ....... everything else is confusion

don't worry about it. Read. Ask. and have fun


oh yeah - welcome along ...........

[MontanaMoose]

Welcome to the 'Sport of Kings' ronnie84. Short of paying a fly fishing guru or lucking out and 'landing' a mentor on stream or lake, you're best bet could be to try and locate a fly fishing club in your area. There you will find one on one assistance from setting up your gear to the zen of the double haul. Some clubs often have guest speakers at their meetings and much can be learned in that way also.

Of course as mentioned already, all that you want to know and then some is contained right here in FAOL. The search tool usually reveals something on anything I can think of. Also the headings on the left of the FAOL home page hold tons of info. What are you fishing for to start with ronnie84?

Cheers,

MontanaMoose

[mtb4jc]

http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Fishing-Te...e=UTF8&s=books

Excellent resource.
Good luck
Gary