New to Fly fishing

[GerryT]

Hi Guys

I'm very new to fly fishing in fact haven't bought any fly tackle yet at all.
Been fishing for many years and always wanted to get into fly fishing from an early age but never got around to it.
Maybe because I thought it was elitist or because I never thought I could cast a fly properly.
Read all the old "masters" books by Dermot Wilson, Oliver Kite, Dick Walker etc and dreamed of casting a Fly whilst reading them by torch light under the quilt.

Now that I'm grown up (some may dispute that) I would like to finally cast a fly.

So, too my question then; I want to spend around £200 or so on tackle and am looking for guidance on what I should purchase.
Probably be spending most of my fishing on small still waters and Rivers.
Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Tight lines to all
Gerry

[Pleccy]

I would get some professional instruction before you buy any gear, it may be a little extra but it is worthwhile and the instructor will be able to give you some advice on choosing gear. Take a look at the AAPGAI website to find a local instructor.

Generally you don't have to pay £200 for good quality gear, you could pick up a decent rod, reel and line for about £100 and you could use the extra money for the extras like a net, leader material, some basic flies (I have listed some must have flies below), fly box etc. I would recommend a 9ft #5 rod for general small stillwater and river fishing, this sort of rod will be perfect for this sort of fishing however you will find casting difficult in windy conditions and it won't be the right tool to use for fishing larger stillwaters and large flies. I usually recommend that beginners start out on stillwaters and work their way up, as rivers can be quite tricky for beginners as the fish are generally harder to catch. Therefore a 9ft 6" #6 or #7 rod will be better for all-round stillwater fishing. It's always a good idea to try a rod before you buy it, so try to buy the rod from a tackle store rather than online.

Some must have flies:
Diawl bach nymph
Zulu
Bibio
Cat's whiskers
Black buzzers
Olive nymphs
Black fritz
Daddy long legs
Damsel nymph
Muddlers

All these patterns are fairly typical but all are proven fish catchers and are a good choice to start your collection of flies.

[GerryT]

Thanks Luke
Splendid advice.

When I said I had about £200 to spend on tackle, I meant all those things you mentioned not just rod and reel.

I will look on the APGAI website to see who is available in my area.

best wishes
Gerry

[isle of innisfree]

HI MATE AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM
A very good starter outfit for the money would be this from Gary Evans

http://www.garryevans.co.uk/greys-gr...it-b-364-p.asp
or
http://www.garryevans.co.uk/new-scie...price-55-p.asp
Both good set-ups and value.

I would go for the 6/7# for what you want.
flies for still water
montana, cats whisker, hares ear, damsel nymphs, black,red,green buzzers and
spiders.
A good net and a spool of 6lb fluorocarbon.
Go along to your local fishery they should be able to give advice on the rest.
Good Luck

[GerryT]

Hi Inish

Many thanks for your advice.
Evans seems to give good value with those outfits, maybe take you up on your advice and let you know how I get on.

Best wishes
Gerry

[isle of innisfree]

You have some great fishing around that area, wait until you really get in to it and start boat fishing on chew.

good luck in you new sport and don't forget to ask the people where you are going to fish for advice, local advice can be worth ten pages of our help!

[GerryT]

Hi Innis

Many thanks for that.
I am originally from Belfast though been here for 26 years still long for the ole country tho .

Cheers

[isle of innisfree]

Big changes since you left mate for the better i hope!
we are having a meet for the s/west soon on another forum, more then likely at Kennick if you want to come along .
look at www.flyfishingforums.co.uk there off line til 5.30 today

[GerryT]

Nice one Innis will take a look then.
Thanks for that.

[isle of innisfree]

oops put wrong forum link its this
http://www.flyforums.co.uk/
look out for marazion midge, a good mate of mine but got booted from here for moaning! shame as he would have done lots of step by step fly tying