Question for the Fly Guys

[RuddeDogg]

I'm lookin at getting another fly set up. I'm lookin at the White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon set up (combo) from Bass Pro $84.99. The outfit comes with weight forwrd floating Hobbs Creek fly line, Magibraid backing, and tapered leader.

My question is would this be a decent starter set up for both fresh and salt water?

Second it is offered in:

7ft with #4 weight line
7'6 with #5
8'6 with #5
8'6 with #6
9'0 with #6
9'0 with #7
9'0 with #8

I have thought about getting two outfits one for fresh and on for salt water.

What length and weight shou I go with?

Salt water would be for striper, blues and weakies.

Fresh would for bass, pickerel etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Lightload]

You'd definitely want two outfits unless all your freshwater fishing will be for large bass.

If you're going to do any fishing for trout or panfish, a five weight outfit is about right. For saltwater, you'd want to go with at least a 7 and probably an 8. A 7 or 8 weight rig would also work for tossing large flies for bass.

[RuddeDogg]

any recomendations for rod length?

[Rockfish1]

you'll not go wrong with a 9' 8 wt for the salt or large bass in sweet water...

[chumrunner]

I've got that same combo in 8W 8'6" for saltwater and I love the rod, but the reel just doesn't seem like it's cut out for saltwater. I've only used it in the salt a couple of times, but the black paint is chipping off and there is already pitting on the bare metal. It's mostly just cosmetic damage, but there was a problem with the spool grinding against the frame where some of the paint was flaking off. Had to go ahead and scrape off the rest of it to make sure it could spin. I do really like the rod though so you could get the dogwood rod for the saltwater outfit and invest in a slightly better reel.

For fresh though, I think this setup would probably be ok as is.

[RuddeDogg]

Thanks guys.

[Lightload]

Yeah, I'd go with the 9 foot. And the reel would probably be the weak link in the system. I doubt very much that that reel is made for the salt so you'll have to wash it down carefully after each use. Also, the guides on the rod are probably just chrome plated so you'll have to pay close attention to them after use as well.

[RuddeDogg]

Ok, so I should upgrade the reel for salt water right? Any suggestions for a newbie? I would likes omething decent but easy on the coin. Not too expensive.

[RuddeDogg]

How about line brand and type? Thanks.

[Fly Wacko]

I use a 9' 7t for most salt water action. You will need about 200 yards of backing, and 3 lines. A floating, full sinking (200-250 grain) and a sinking tip.

FW

[rgking03]

I have a 9' 9wt rod with a 9wt large arbor reel using Scientific Angler- 30lb backing , 9wt Scientific Angler Medium Sink Striper Forward Taper line (and a floating version for back bay), 16lb 9' leader. Still undetermined if I wanna go with a tippet or just go straight leader to fly. Using mine for large bass flies, Clousers and Jenkin Flash Minnows.


Rich

[Lightload]

IMHO, Fly reels are ridiculously expensive. I mean all they are is a spool who's main purpose is to hold the line that you're not fishing with at the moment. Fly reels play no part in actually casting the fly and the part they play when fighting a fish is important, but not very complicated or technical.......and yet many of them are priced in the $500 category! Absolutely crazy!

To get a fly reel that is designed to be salt water resistant will probably set you back around $150. If you're just getting started, I'd go with the reel that comes with the package and clean it up thoroughly after each use. It'll last you for awhile until you see if you really want to do the saltwater flyfishing thing.

[rgking03]

My reel is a Hobbs CreeK and was not that expensive. Probably set me back for 60.00 and i bought the spare spool. Like any gear you buy you take care of it and don't abuse it.. it will last a long time.

[fishpimper]

Look at Ross Reels -- decent prices and made in the USA. I'd stay away from the cast metal reels for saltwater use. Machined reels will hold up a lot better.
Honestly, I'd stay away from White River products -- no offense but the stuff is crap. The rods feel like a wet noodle and the reels might hold up for a few trips. Take a look at Temple Fork Outfitters -- they cast nicely and are affordable.
I'm a fly fishing guide and casting instructor, so if your looking to get into the sport then purchase something thats quality -- It will make your experience more positive. Quality equipment will help you acheive better results.

[Railroader]

I'm just getting into the saltwater flyfishing thing, too...In fact, tomorrow I'm going on a fly-rod only expedition in the yak. No choice but to stick with the fly gear all day, something I've never done before.

I'll have to second the Temple Fork Outfitters suggestion. My "saltwater" setup is a TFO Signature 9' 9wt, with a TFO MK-II reel. Not expensive as fly gear goes, but it is a step into the "decent" category, at about $250 ready to go.

I've used fly rods in fresh water all my life, but always some "combo deal" that was on sale somewhere.

The minute I picked up the TFO outfit, and took a short casting lesson from the Shop Pro, it was very obvious that the better equipment was much easier to use...No question about it.

As always, buy the best stuff you can afford, and take care of it...;)

[Fly Wacko]

I like the TFO's, best for the money around...All mine are TFO or Sage.

FW

[RuddeDogg]

OK, so stay away from white water. Ok this is what I'm looking for. I don't want to spend a boat load of money but I don't want cheap stuff either. So TFO and Sage are good rods? I looked at the Sage Launch and TFO sreies one. Any thoughts on those?

[Railroader]

RD..

Look HARD at the TFO Lefty Kreh Signature series. At $99 it's as good as most that cost twice as much, according to a few accomplished fly guys I spoke with, before I made my decision of what rod to start with...;)

[Lightload]

I've heard nothing but good things abut the TFO rods.

[Fly Wacko]

I like the TFO Lefty series so much I bought 2.

FW

[tunadog]

TFO's are great rods, but what ever rod you buy, make sure you get a good warranty. For saltwater get at least a 8 weight and make sure it has a fighting butt. for reels, Cabelas makes a few decent saltwater models that aren't that much, The orvis mid-arbor and large arbor have always been decent to me and are easy on the pocket. Check out sierra trading post for your lines, tippets and leaders, they always have super deals. o YA, after you get hooked on fly-fishing take some time to learn how to tie flys. It's not as hard as it looks, is much cheaper in the long run, and spiritually really connects you to the art, and the fish.

[fishpimper]

yeah, fly tying is a great way to help cope with cabin fever.
The only TFO is a 7 piece 7wt. outfitter rod -- it casts surprisingly well. It's a back-up rod, but its funny I've had customers break their $500 rod and have to use my TFO and ended up casting better with it. Go figure
Try over loading your rods, for instance -- use a 8 or even a 9 wt. line on a 7 weight rod. It makes it easier to shoot line, but in a stiff wind it makes it harder. It makes casting easier for beginners too, it really lets the caster feel the rod loading up on the backcast.
I mainly use G. Loomis rods myself. Cross Current GLX is by far the best rod i'e ever used in the salt.

[Fly Wacko]

I always go one line weight heavier.

FW

[clinder]

rudde I would have to ask what your fishing for before I chose a weight. With my experience, and Ive tied my own flies, ((fact the worse asswhipin i ever got was for killing peacocks on the plantation i grew up on for their feathers to tie flies with)) the speciece of fish your targeting dictates the fly size you will be using. I would not see the point in a 9+weight fly rig if your overhauling a nimph fly but if your fishing with a coppertail peacock shrimp with a 1/8oz. lead eye you want a heavier weight rig. ..........whats the general size fish you will be targeting??

[RuddeDogg]

Well like I said, salt water I would be targeting striper, blues and weakies. Fresh water I would targeting LMB, SMB and pickerel etc.

[Fly Wacko]

Good point Clinder...I use my 9' 5wt for most of my Chesapeke Bay wading. Easier on the arm. And plenty for Trout, schoolie srtipers, croakers etc.

FW

[finfish]

I have the 9' 8 weight rod you are looking at. I primarily use it for stripers and bass and have been very pleased with it. It is to heavey for anything smaller than that, but it will get a large fly out pretty well. You will probably need new line if you will be using large flys. The line that comes on it is ok for most applications, but a line that is designed specifically for large flys cast much easier. Have been planning on trying this rod out on some redfish but haven't had the chance yet. but think it would work well.

[marstang50]

Good point Clinder...I use my 9' 5wt for most of my Chesapeke Bay wading. Easier on the arm. And plenty for Trout, schoolie srtipers, croakers etc.

FW

Hey David,
I got a used setup and once I get it I want to get up with you to learn a little about flyfishin. Maybe when you come down this way this year we can get together.

[david123]

For salt water in the surf I'd go with at least a 9' and if your wading 9 1/2' would be better.

The TFO rods get very good reviews and a local guide I know speaks highly of them. As far as Reels go, I have a Pflueger President and love it . Got mine on e-bay brand new with line and backing for $125 + shipping.

Remember, if you can only have one, go for the heavier weight. You can throw a small fly on a 9 weight, but throwing large flies on lighter weight outfits is not so good.

[Sandcrab]

9' 9 weight works great for stripers, blues and large freshwater fish like bass, musky, and pike for me... Team up the rod with a Tioga reel and you're all set... ;)

Sandcrab