Re: First timer fail at 4MR.

[TurbineBlade]

Don't sweat it too much Carlos -- everyone does stuff like this once in a while, especially at the start.  I'd recommend you work with one of the casting instructors here on TPFR and also attend the "casting clinics" at Fletcher's boat house that they have periodically.  It helped me a ton, and all the guys are cool.  

Heavier flies usuallly = harder to cast on fly gear -- it's a bit different than spinning tackle if that's what you're used to.  You just have to practice your casting a lot, and it gets easier and easier.  When you learn to double haul it gets a LOT easier to cast larger/heavier flies, plus it's just generally helpful for a lot of reasons.  Whatever you do, don't think that you need different line or rod or something.  Save your money --  once your casting improves you can basically pick up any rod and cast it pretty well.  

Keep at it!  

Gene

On Saturday, May 18, 2013 4:06:25 PM UTC-4, Carlos V. wrote:

So I was given a beginner fly fishing kit 7/8 WT a couple of months back as a gift. After buying a ton of supplies, asking for tons of advice, and taking Orvis Fly Fishing 101 and 201, I decided to give 4MR a try since it's walking distance to my home. On my first cast I hooked a small bluegill on a popper but couldn't land it. Must have been the debarbed hook. I was starting to realize this fly fishing business is a lot tougher than I thought. I found casting long distance was pretty difficult. I thought maybe a bit heavier fly will help me. I switched flies to a olive/white clouser and on about my 6th cast I hooked some foliage behind me and heard a snap. Brand new rod tip broken. Done for the day. Despite my frustrations and the broken rod I was happy to get out and fish. I heard fish all around me but figure presentation at 4MR is key since this maybe a heavily fished area. I also saw a ton of snakes, something I did not expect.

[Eric Y.]

At least you broke it while fishing. I had a buddy who worked in a rod manufacturer's customer service department tell me the number of people that break rod rips off in ceiling fans before they even put a line on it is pretty astounding.

[Carlos V.]

Thanks for the advice Gene. I definitely plan on attending on some of the clinics and hopefully get a new rod soon to start practicing again.

On Saturday, May 18, 2013 5:09:37 PM UTC-4, TurbineBlade wrote:

[Carlos V.]

Oh yeah, I used to work at a sporting good store where we sold fishing tackle. Lots of people returned broken rods to us because of ceiling fans and the car door slammed against it.

[TomFly]

You might want to pay a little extra for a rod that comes with a lifetime no fault warranty.  I've broken several rods that were replaced no questions asked.  Gloomis, Sage and TFO are some that come to mind with TFO being the most reasonably priced.

[flatsca...@gmail.com]

 I'm thinking about hitting up some local (Alexandria area) water this Sunday morning or perhaps Thursday morning.

 If you would like to get together to fish some small water, and perhaps spend a little time on your cast, let me know.

 I am by know means an instructor but I spend a lot of time casting with instructors. I won't even try to make your cast perfect but I'll help you with it and I won't teach you any bad habits.

 Not picking up bad habits early on is, in my opinion, ninety percent of it.

 

 

GScott

[Carlos V.]

Hey GScott,

 

I'm going to be outta town for the holiday weekend as of now, so if things change I'll let you know. Thanks.

 

Carlos