How much to get started?

[Christy]

Hello everyone, basically I would to know if I can get a suitable all round fly fishing outfit, that's suitable for fishing rivers and small lakes for trout and tailored towards a beginner. I have absolutely no fly fishing tackle or experience with it, I've never even touched a fly rod before so I will need all of the essential paraphernalia, I do however have a suitable net, unhooking matt, disgorgers, etc....

 

My budget is £100, is that too tight? I would much rather buy tackle that's going to last a good few years than tacky junk! Also is it possible to learn how to cast entirely on your own by watching DvDs and reading books? I would consider myself a strong/fast learner, I've taught myself how to fish for coarse fish, build high performance PCs and even websites to a high level with nothing but free material on the internet. If so please recommend some!

[Elton]

My knowledge of fly-fishing is next-to-none, so hopefully somebody else will provide specifics, but click here to visit TackleBargains, as they sell a lot of end-of-range / ex-display / bulk tackle, etc. My mate has used them, recently to kit his dad out with two complete outfits, and raves about the stuff he bought.

[Sportsman]

Just had a quick look on Tackle Bargains.

This looks good value

http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/A...---Blowout.html

and should work well with this

http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/A...pool--5328.html

 

That would leave enough for a decent floating line (don't get an airflo floating line whatever you do)

One like this is excellent

http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/shop/ty_429-sh...g-line-987.html

Get a WF6

Still a bit left for a leader and some flies.

Have fun

[Christy]

Just had a quick look on Tackle Bargains.

This looks good value

http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/A...---Blowout.html

and should work well with this

http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/A...pool--5328.html

 

That would leave enough for a decent floating line (don't get an airflo floating line whatever you do)

One like this is excellent

http://www.johnnorris.co.uk/shop/ty_429-sh...g-line-987.html

Get a WF6

Still a bit left for a leader and some flies.

Have fun

 

Sweet! How about learning to cast? Also where are some good reservoirs/rivers for rainbow trout that are near public transport? (I live in South London)

[Worms]

Sweet! How about learning to cast? Also where are some good reservoirs/rivers for rainbow trout that are near public transport? (I live in South London)

Casting is all about timing. Get the timing right and you can cast. It does help if someone with experience watches you as you will make mistakes, usually involving the back cast! Don't expect to become proficient in the first ten minutes but practice on the lawn (if big enough) or down at the local park/recreation ground. Do use a leader but tie a bit of wool or similar to the end. The leader will prevent damage to the flyline and the wool will show you how the leader is turning over as it lands gently ( ) on the 'water'.

 

Try and remember that in general, more effort is required to lift the line off the water for the back cast than the forward cast. The back cast should be firm and smooth with the rod stopping as close to vertical as possible. The weight of the line will then bend the rod back further. As the line straightens with the rod still 'loaded' aim your forward cast to a point 12-18" above where you want the fly to land. Slow and pause the forward cast at approximately 10 o'clock and relax the rod as the line shoots forwards. Lower the rod as the line is all in front of you and it should kiss the 'water' with nary a ripple!

 

Don't try and cast 30 yards first off, get used to the weight and balance of the rod and line with some 'false' casts. You will know when you've got the timing right by the way the line changes direction smoothly. Don't be afraid to look back over your shoulder to watch the way the line flies but always wear eye protection, sunglasses at least. Even a bit of wool in the eye will have you on your knees crying in agony. A brimmed hat can save a nasty sting on the ear as well!

 

Good luck and I'm sure some more skilled flycasters will point out anything I've missed or got wrong!

 

Sorry I can't help with reservoirs in your area.

[Christy]

Casting is all about timing. Get the timing right and you can cast. It does help if someone with experience watches you as you will make mistakes, usually involving the back cast! Don't expect to become proficient in the first ten minutes but practice on the lawn (if big enough) or down at the local park/recreation ground. Do use a leader but tie a bit of wool or similar to the end. The leader will prevent damage to the flyline and the wool will show you how the leader is turning over as it lands gently ( ) on the 'water'.

 

Try and remember that in general, more effort is required to lift the line off the water for the back cast than the forward cast. The back cast should be firm and smooth with the rod stopping as close to vertical as possible. The weight of the line will then bend the rod back further. As the line straightens with the rod still 'loaded' aim your forward cast to a point 12-18" above where you want the fly to land. Slow and pause the forward cast at approximately 10 o'clock and relax the rod as the line shoots forwards. Lower the rod as the line is all in front of you and it should kiss the 'water' with nary a ripple!

 

Don't try and cast 30 yards first off, get used to the weight and balance of the rod and line with some 'false' casts. You will know when you've got the timing right by the way the line changes direction smoothly. Don't be afraid to look back over your shoulder to watch the way the line flies but always wear eye protection, sunglasses at least. Even a bit of wool in the eye will have you on your knees crying in agony. A brimmed hat can save a nasty sting on the ear as well!

 

Good luck and I'm sure some more skilled flycasters will point out anything I've missed or got wrong!

 

Sorry I can't help with reservoirs in your area.

Awesome, You make it sound so simple! One of my main attractions to the sport is the finesse involved so I think I will really enjoy getting to grips with it, I'm also attracted by the sheer beauty of trout and the fact that they're so yummy. How do I go about 'dispatching' them humanely? When sea fishing I used to hang my catch in a plastic bag, which I understand in retrospect is rather cruel . Also on an EA owned lake/river how many rainbow trout can I take in a day and what is the minimum size?

[Sportsman]

Sweet! How about learning to cast? Also where are some good reservoirs/rivers for rainbow trout that are near public transport? (I live in South London)

 

 

This might help to get you started

 

http://www.sexyloops.com/beginners/index.shtml

 

Lots more stuff on there as well

 

[

Edited June 9, 2010 by Sportsman

[Steve Walker]

I know that at the real budget end of the market, Shakespeare Odyssey fly rods are considered to be excellent value for money -

 

http://www.atkinsangling.com/Models.aspx?P...mp;ModelID=1296

 

£23-99 is not to be sniffed at!

 

You don't need to spend much on a reel. This bloke's lines are very well thought of and very cheap - £16.50 delivered!

[Christy]

I know that at the real budget end of the market, Shakespeare Odyssey fly rods are considered to be excellent value for money -

 

http://www.atkinsangling.com/Models.aspx?P...mp;ModelID=1296

 

£23-99 is not to be sniffed at!

 

You don't need to spend much on a reel. This bloke's lines are very well thought of and very cheap - £16.50 delivered!

They don't look too bad, is there anyone on this forum with experience using them?

 

Also I would really like a bright orange Line, what can you recommend?

Edited June 9, 2010 by Christy

[chuby]

They don't look too bad, is there anyone on this forum with experience using them?

 

Also I would really like a bright orange Line, what can you recommend?

 

Hi

Afraid you won't find any rivers near south london containing trout,except perhaps the Wandle that does hold a few brownies.

Plenty of stillwaters in surrey/sussex.

Look here

http://www.flyfishingvenues.co.uk/list.asp...th+East+England

 

You should be able to pick up a reasonable enough rod and reel,line,backing and leaders fort your budget.Just look on ebay,there is plenty of choice.

Why do you want an orange line??.Not that there is anything wrong in that,but if you have never fly fished why insist on an orange line!!!!!!!.

Lines are plentiful and everyone will probably recommend something different.Take a look at www.impactflies.com.I use these now,tested a line for the guy and found them very good and decent price as well.Shakespeare lines are good.For real cheapness take a look at Mullarkeys web site.They do a mill end at around £4,cheap as chips and they are ok too .

Edited June 9, 2010 by chuby