Fly-fishing - starting off

[amico1582]

I live literally on the doorstep of the tamar river and looking to advantage of such a geographical blessing, by taking up fly-fishing. So basically I want to know if it's easy to get going and what sort of stuff should I be looking out for when getting started? Relaxing having a beer and fishing seems to be right up my street, I just want to know if my dreams are not realistic thanks

[Dubbed Squirrel]

Hi Amico, are you thinking of fishing the tidal reaches of the Tamar, or fishing upriver? Some great tree lined stretches further upstream, reminds me of one of the rivers we fish up here. A lot depends on which fish you are going for.


Peter

[amico1582]

I live right by the mouth of the Tamar so possibly tidal fishing, but I do head north on occasion just to get a bit more tranquillity

[Dubbed Squirrel]

Forgot to say welcome to the forum. You may want to think about a saltwater fly rod if you`re going after sea species, rings are less likely to be corroded with salt water. Here are a couple of web sites you might want to look at first.
http://www.ukswff.co.uk/

and

www.fishandfly.co.uk/beginners.html

I would also say that, a few casting lessons first, would be a good idea, you won`t regret it. Hope this helps you.


Peter

[the pyromaniac]

Peter, you nailed it about the casting lessons. I made my first attempt at fly casting yesterday and it was as awkward as a Brit trying to explain Mexican cooking to my fishing buddy Tóño (who happens to be chef/owner of the best Mexican restaurant in my area). It was just bad. My longest cast went maybe 13 feet........

That being said, I know the problem is that I have 30 years of spinning, spincasting, and baitcasting experience. I think I was trying too hard and not allowing myself to use finesse.

Amico, welcome to the forum, first of all! I think if you give fishing the proper chance you'll be hopelessly addicted in no time. Find somebody who already fly-fishes and get them to show you what you need (equipment and skills) to get you started. I'd also pick up a spinning rod and fish the river mouth with that as well, as sometimes when fish are deep you won't be able to reach them with a fly.

[amico1582]

Cool thanks for the advice I have found a buddy to go with, he said just grab a fly fishing starter kit and I will be ready to go, the link is to the starter kit I am thinking of getting what do people think, has it got all I need? No that I am doubting my mates credentials ha

[Dubbed Squirrel]

Nice river set-up ( although starting out, I would have said a 9`0" 6/7 wt rod might be better), but I`m not so sure for the tidal water, as this kit is meant for freshwater fishing(fisheries and river). It`s a complete kit except for leader material (line from the end of your flyline to the fly), a couple of tapered leaders would be better starting off, as they will help with the turnover of the fly. I`m sure your mate will be a great help and keep you right. Good luck.


Peter

[Ripple]

Sounds as if you're on the right lines. ! Now you need some fish in front of you !
When you have caught a few, its surprising what it does for your confidence.

Good Luck !

Ripple.

[adam_v]

Hi and welcome
I 2nd a #7wt rod my wychwood quest 10ft is pukka although I'm biased lol
As a few say it's hard to learn to cast best advice I had was to go down the park and practice,
Iv also tried a special casting tool which a big brand lent me not as good as the real thing although I did get funny looks in the park
Just remember it's not about power also a casting aid are really good trains your wrist as if your break it while casting you don't get the best cast

[Dubbed Squirrel]

A friend of mine wanted to fly fish and asked if I could help with a few pointers. So I took him onto the river, demonstrated the basic casts (roll cast/ forward cast and side cast), couldn`t get him to keep his hand, wrist and hand straight. He kept bending at the wrist, resulting in the cast crumpling behind or in front of him, just couldn`t do it. Rather than thump him with the rod, I took off my wader belt and tied the rod at the reel/handle to his arm, crude but effective, sorted out the problem. Ever mindful of a wadersful of river, when I got home, I took an old bag strap, cut off a 12 inch length and stapled velcro on the ends. Next few river outings he used the belt to secure the rod, just below the wrist, worked a treat. The only down side is now he probably casts better than me.


Peter