Fly Fishing

Choosing A Fly Reel

A fly reel attaches to the handle end of the fly rod. Fly reels are used to hold the backing and fly line and sometimes to help you play the fish back to your hand or net.

Again, I heeded the collective advice of those same fly shop experts. They helped me choose a modestly priced reel with an adequate drag system that would easily handle the average size fish in my local streams and rivers.

I have seen fly reels priced in the thousands of dollars. I am sure they are very fine pieces of machined metal and feats of engineering, but I've never gotten to use one in that category. I think my second one cost less than $100. It's fine for most situations I find myself in. By the same token, I have a bigger reel or two laying around just in case I get the opportunity to go fishing for some of the big boys that reside in some of the waters I have access to fish.

Decide on your budget and then go shopping.

Continue reading: Choosing A Fly Reel

Choosing A Fly Rod

It was a long time ago when the guy behind the counter at the White's Auto Store asked me if I wanted a fast one or a slow one. A really long time ago. I was totally confounded and confused and didn't have an answer for him. I had no idea there were fast ones and slow ones and half fast ones. I was a young bundle of nerves, anxiety and clueless all rolled into one. I just wanted to buy a fly rod and catch a fish.

Let's see if I can spare you some of that anxiety in preparation of your quest to purchase a fly rod.

Continue reading: Choosing A Fly Rod

Fly Fishing Basics - Some Tips For Getting Started

"You want a fast one or slow one? I got two here. Gonna be strippin' wets or you think yer gonna be driftin' a dry to risers most of the time?" queried the man behind the counter. I stood in silence. I had that deer in the headlights feeling inside my brain. I didn't understand a word he had said. He continued "Come on now boy, yer gonna have to give me a hint iffin you want me ta help ya."

"I, uhhh, I'm not, ahh, sure. I don't know." was all I could muster. "I just want to buy a fly rod."

Continue reading: Fly Fishing Basics