Re: First fly set for Newbie in Alexandria, VA

[Matthew Longley]

Some starter advice--there will be PLENTY of opportunities for you to spend those LLBean coupons on fly fishing stuff.  Not saying you shouldn't get one of their rods (I have 2, and got my sister a quest package for xmas, they are great for the price), but don't feel pressured to shop for a rod there because you have them.

On Friday, February 15, 2013 1:45:33 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

Hello everyone, 

I'd like to get my first fly rod and reel setup so I can start practicing at Four Mile Run.   (Mainly I've done some spin casting on the OBX in the past, but it's been a while since I've done any fishing).  

I have some free coupons at LLBean, so I was thinking one of their starter kits.  But I'm happy to head over to Orvis or Urban Angler in Alexandria if people I would get a better experience (and save the LLBean coupons for waders and other goodies).   

Biggest issue is finding practice time in between work and family (50 yr. old father), but I'm hoping I can get something together before trying for the shad runs in March (if I miss that, then maybe something later....)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,  Leon.

[Leon]

Thanks, Matthew, I should have guess as much...

So for starters, should I just walk into the store (or call LLBean) and be at their mercy as far as beginner equipment goes, or should I get something more relevant to the Potomac?

TIA, Leon.

[Senor_denito]

Leon,

In terms of flies to start out with I'd recommend some size 4 and 6 clousers and some beadhead wooly buggers in sizes 8 and 10.  In my experience those flies have proven to be very productive.  Topwater poppers and nymphs are also productive and I plan on fishing more with those this spring.

In terms of a rod and real setup, I'd recommend a 9 foot 6 weight rod and a large arbor reel with floating line especially for 4mr.

[TurbineBlade]

5-6 weight works great, I agree with the ^^ post.  As your casting gets better and better it gets a lot easier to sling heavy flies with ANY rod.  Particularly if you learn to double haul well.  

If you intend to really go for the big fish and want to throw big poppers and larger flies (like #2-4 poppers, 1/0 - #2 lead clousers) the 8 weight is better suited for the job.  That's what my wife tends to prefer. I need to get an 8 weight at some point, not really for bass so much as for doing some SW fishing.  I'd love to try it.   

I use a 5-6 weight mostly with spools of 4, 6, and 8 pound test mono and it suits my needs.  

Gene

[John Bilotta]

I agree.

John

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 16, 2013, at 4:17 PM, flatsca...@gmail.com wrote:

 New to the forum. I just recently moved to Alexandria but I have fished and lived in the area most of my life.

 I won't reccomend a specific rod (to each their own) but, as someone that spent thousands of dollars early on , making the mistake of buying every new "best" rods and "best"reels on the market, I will make four suggestions to anyone entering the sport.

 1. Get casting lessons. You will enjoy the sport that much more and shorten the learning curve by years, if not decasdes.

 2. Instead of a new "starter rod", I would suggest buying a "better" combo used. You'll have a better combo for the same money but it will be one you can fish for a long time and will not "out grow" (assuming you find you enjoy the sport). (It will also have more resale value should you find it's not for you).

 3. Get casting lessons. The bad habits you teach yourself now will haunt you for most of your life.

 4. Okay, I don't really have a fourth but if I did, It would be to get casting lessons.

 

Good luck,

 GScott

 

 

 

On Friday, February 15, 2013 1:45:33 PM UTC-5, Leon wrote:

Hello everyone, 

I'd like to get my first fly rod and reel setup so I can start practicing at Four Mile Run.   (Mainly I've done some spin casting on the OBX in the past, but it's been a while since I've done any fishing).  

I have some free coupons at LLBean, so I was thinking one of their starter kits.  But I'm happy to head over to Orvis or Urban Angler in Alexandria if people I would get a better experience (and save the LLBean coupons for waders and other goodies).   

Biggest issue is finding practice time in between work and family (50 yr. old father), but I'm hoping I can get something together before trying for the shad runs in March (if I miss that, then maybe something later....)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,  Leon.

--
http://www.tpfr.org
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tidal-potomac-fly-...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders/-/szpvR_vqqLgJ.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

[Leon]

Thanks for all the helpful tips.  Ordered a 9 foot 6wt., should be arriving this weekend.  Can't wait to start practicing my fly casting (bring popcorn, it should be quite a sight)

Thanks again,  Leon.

[John Bilotta]

Bring it to club casting sometime and we will help out.

John

Sent from my iPhone

On Feb 20, 2013, at 1:26 PM, Leon <winda...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for all the helpful tips.  Ordered a 9 foot 6wt., should be arriving this weekend.  Can't wait to start practicing my fly casting (bring popcorn, it should be quite a sight)

Thanks again,  Leon.

--

http://www.tpfr.org
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to tidal-potomac-fly-...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/tidal-potomac-fly-rodders/-/u5D9yJBsAjIJ.