I have purchased years ago a cheap rod and reel, south bend, they cost me somewhere in the range of $50, total, maybe a tad more. Anyways, I only want to fish for salmon and trout, mostly rivers.
I intend to purchase some good line and backing because mine is crap. But, what I would like to know is because my rod is line 7-8, will that handle a big salmon without breaking? It feels really whippy and honestly does not feel like it will hold up to the running of a salmon. I mainly use spinning outfits for most of my fishing, but lately I have the itch for salmon, and I feel the best succuss is flies.
I went out today and did some practicing in my yard, without the leader->tippet->fly, and my casting sucks, I can only get out about 20 feet of line, and not very gently.
Anyways. What I’d like to know also, is for rivers, mostly shallow about 2-3 foot deep max, what line and fly and all the other stuff should I use for salmon? I’ll be re-reading everything lots more till I remember everything.
Oh yeah, one more thing, dry or wet flies for Salmon? And can I use the same line etc for trout? Or do I need smaller line and a new pole/reel?
Shane,
I don’t think it’s a good idea to start your flyfishing career fishing for Atlantic Salmon, unless you go with a Guide. I might be wrong but Salmon aren’t overly cooperative with even the best of flyfishers. Start out fishing, on your own, with Dry Flies. You can watch your fly line and fly at the same time. Fish for any fish that is kind enough to bite your fly. You can get picky about what fish you like the best, later.
Practice, Practice and more Practice!
Welcome to the BB!
Doug
Shane, I agree with dshock on salmon, lots of hours fishing for a few fish is a great way to get frustrated.
I tell all new persons (I started two years ago) get some casting instruction one hour worth of lessons from a casting instructor will also save you hours of frustration, you will learn the basics and can build from there.
You dont say where your from if you post your location a casting instructor may find you.
to start fishing find a pond or river with some type of sunfish or planted trout and go catch and release a bunch of them.
Shane;
Come up to grayling MI for the Michigan Fish-In next week and receive some instruction from JC and LadyFisher. Two of the best. From your location, SW Ontario, it’s not that far.
A 7/8 wt rod should work for Salmon once you gain some experiance. Consider a line from Sicentific Anglers or Cortland
You can use that rod for trout. I used an 8wt rod on trout for a while because it was the only 9’ rod I had. I cast flies as small as #22 using that rod, and caught some nice trout.
I also have a whippy inexpensive 6wt similar to what you describe. When I switched from the $6 line I had on it to a decent fly line, it was like magic. Suddenly I could cast, and even enjoy casting.
Years later I can now cast a cheap line without a struggle, but it sure made a big difference for me when I was learning to cast.