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Vancouver, BC
Canada
43 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2012 : 9:31 PM
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I think I want to start fly fishing. For those who do this sport, as a beginner, what do you recommend I purchase as my first rod/reel/line, etc.? I do a lot of back country hiking and camping, but I now want to start adding this to my activities.
Also, which stores do you recommend I check out in Vancouver, and where are some good locations to practice? Not sure if this is the right place to ask for this advice, but I figure there are hikers here who also fish. Thanks in advance. |
Edited by - pud333 on 09/14/2012 9:35 PM
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 canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6773 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2012 : 9:35 PM
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exscape,on this board is likely someone you could ask,
she does catch fish, I witnessed several times. |
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West Coast, British Columbia
Canada
186 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2012 : 10:43 PM
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If you do a lot of backcountry hiking, you should definately get a four or five piece fly rod. I don't recommend 2 piece rods because they usually don't fit into trunks of cars and they're pretty much impossible to fit inside a backpack.
For a beginner, the best fish to target is trout in streams, small rivers or lakes and you should consider getting a 4 or 5 weight graphite fly weight rod. If you get a 4 weight rod, you should match it with a 4 weight fly line and if you get a 5 weight rod, you should match it with a 5 weight fly line. The reel is the least important of the equipment for fly fishing. It's designed to hold your line. You can just get a reel big enough to hold your line.
I recommend Michael and Young Fly Shop on 1245 West Broadway in Vancouver. Their staff are very knowledgeable and their service is among the very best for a small business. Also, they offer fly casting courses.
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Victoria, BC
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 10:54 AM
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+1 on the four or five piece rods. Make sure you get a case for it too. Amundson makes an affordable five piece that comes with a case that will fit a reel and a few flies.
Depending on where you fish, a #5-6 weight rod should cover most lake/river situations. Double tapered lines are god to learn on. I find the cheaper lines work just fine. |
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Poco, BC
Canada
405 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 10:57 AM
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i recommend riverside fly and tackle in port coquitlam. the guys there are awesome.
i have bought all my gear from those guys and they know their stuff and the customer service is excellent.
if you want a great supplier of fly's, ebay seller kootenaylifestyles has by far the best fly's and the best prices. |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
77 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 11:09 AM
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I second Michael & Young - I had some dryline and backing redone by them.. as part of their service which is excellent. Selection is decent
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Qualicum Beach, BC
Canada
1305 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 5:55 PM
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| Years ago, I had a collapsible rod... one that with a twist, would shorten like a collapsible ski pole, but with more sections. The butt section could be reversed to change it from a spin caster, to a fly rod. When fully extended it was probably about 8 feet long and packed down, it was probably 2 feet long. I had both spin and fly reels that were small and light. I'm such a crappy fresh water fisherman and was more focused on peaks, that I hardly ever had time for it. If you're more laid back on your destinations and have the time, fishing could fit in well for you. Just don't expect to rely on catching fish for a reliable food source... You might just come back from a trip with a few more holes punched in your pants belt! |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
43 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 6:50 PM
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Thanks for all the advice, guys! Yeah, I used to live right in near the Michael and Young store on Broadway. I always wanted to go in but really found no excuse to, so now I will check them out. I'll definitely go with a 4 piece rod. That should fit easily into my backpack, or at least be in a tube strapped to the side of my bag without being too long or catching on anything. Any recommendations on rod cases that wouldn't be too heavy but still somewhat durable? I saw something online about making one out of a PVC pipe that seemed like fun.
As for peaks, yeah, I admit, I am quite focused on getting to the top, but I recently watched my friend fishing with his little boys and it brought back memories of me and my father when I was young. With a child of my own on the way, it's something I really want to put effort into since I did enjoy fishing as a child. I'll just have to make time to fish and enjoy where I am instead of rushing to the top. If I catch something, that's cool, but it's really just an added bonus. I figure I'd start with something relatively inexpensive, then if I really take to it, I can always upgrade the rod later on. |
Edited by - pud333 on 09/15/2012 6:54 PM |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 7:17 PM
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| I used a pvc pipe with caps for many years, one white so I knew the top from the bottom. Worked great and cost very little. I could even get both a fly rod and a small spin rod in there. |
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Qualicum Beach, BC
Canada
1305 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2012 : 8:04 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by pud333
Thanks for all the advice, guys! Yeah, I used to live right in near the Michael and Young store on Broadway. I always wanted to go in but really found no excuse to, so now I will check them out. I'll definitely go with a 4 piece rod. That should fit easily into my backpack, or at least be in a tube strapped to the side of my bag without being too long or catching on anything. Any recommendations on rod cases that wouldn't be too heavy but still somewhat durable? I saw something online about making one out of a PVC pipe that seemed like fun.
As for peaks, yeah, I admit, I am quite focused on getting to the top, but I recently watched my friend fishing with his little boys and it brought back memories of me and my father when I was young. With a child of my own on the way, it's something I really want to put effort into since I did enjoy fishing as a child. I'll just have to make time to fish and enjoy where I am instead of rushing to the top. If I catch something, that's cool, but it's really just an added bonus. I figure I'd start with something relatively inexpensive, then if I really take to it, I can always upgrade the rod later on.
Sounds like you have your head screwed on right. Enjoy your life with your new born. They will likely carry the experience, with you, forever in their own lifetime. There's no better legacy to leave behind than that. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1542 Posts |
Posted - 09/16/2012 : 12:48 AM
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Have a look at the Redl Sports five piece Dragonfly Kamloops rods. http://www.redlsports.com/single-hand.html
I own an 8 weight for salmon and a 5 weight for trout. They're a local company and the rods are sold in many local stores. They have an excellent warantee and repair policy too. I broke the upper portion of one of their spinning rods and they replaced it for $20 even though it was from a $120 rod and I explained it was my fault.
They'll easily attach to the side of a pack. They're in the $200 range, which is in the low-mid range for fly rods. For decent quality novice stuff you still need to plan on spending >$400 for rod reel and line if you buy new. Cheap stuff can really wreck the experience.
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Edited by - magnetite on 09/16/2012 12:51 AM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
43 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 11:32 AM
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Thanks guys for all your input! I ended up picking up a four piece Dragonfly rod from M&Y. Nice people there! I figure its a good beginner piece and really, if I love it, which I have a sinking suspicion I might, I'll upgrade down the line. Also went to Home Depot and got a PVC pipe an caps and made my own case. I had looked at a buch of cases but they all felt like a rip off. $10 in materials did the trick!
My buddy is going to teach me, but in the meantime, I've been watching YouTube videos and practicing. Man, you could learn just about anything on YouTube! |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1542 Posts |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
43 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 3:26 PM
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| Haha. Yeah, that's how it works sometimes. It's all good. I'm happy to give M&Y my business. For someone who knew nothing about the sport, they helped me out a great deal without trying to sell me anything unnecessary. |
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Richmond, BC
Canada
2440 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 4:40 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by magnetite
Have a look at the Redl Sports five piece Dragonfly Kamloops rods. http://www.redlsports.com/single-hand.html
I own an 8 weight for salmon and a 5 weight for trout. They're a local company and the rods are sold in many local stores. They have an excellent warantee and repair policy too. I broke the upper portion of one of their spinning rods and they replaced it for $20 even though it was from a $120 rod and I explained it was my fault.
They'll easily attach to the side of a pack. They're in the $200 range, which is in the low-mid range for fly rods. For decent quality novice stuff you still need to plan on spending >$400 for rod reel and line if you buy new. Cheap stuff can really wreck the experience.
Have to agree on that one for Rods and was pretty successful on the Chilliwack last Wednesday. Also check out Fred's Tackle in Sardis and Berry's Bait and Tackle on Westminster Hwy in Richmond.
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Richmond, BC
Canada
2440 Posts |
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Richmond, BC
Canada
2440 Posts |
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Abbotsford, BC
Canada
721 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 7:40 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by pmicheals
Now there is one book that is well worth investing in.
The Gilly
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/The-Gilly-A-flyfishers-guide-by-Alfred-Davy_17246609
I can't believe the $50 price for this book. I know it's a classic; but I have a copy in like new condition and would be willing to let it (and another dozen or so books on fly fishing/fly tying) go for a lot less. Also have rods (two-piece), cases, reels, lines, flies, fly-tying stuff, neoprene chest waders (size small), wading boots, etc. Need to get rid of this gear (all in good condition) as I'm no longer into fishing - hiking is my sole passion now. E-mail me if interested. |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
92 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 8:19 PM
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You did well. The 4-piece #6 Dragonfly was my first fly rod. I used it for a long time and still have it, even though I lost a few inches from the tip after snapping it and a repair.
Tight lines and good luck! |
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Richmond, BC
Canada
2440 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2012 : 03:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by greyowl
quote:
Originally posted by pmicheals
Now there is one book that is well worth investing in.
The Gilly
http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/The-Gilly-A-flyfishers-guide-by-Alfred-Davy_17246609
I can't believe the $50 price for this book. I know it's a classic; but I have a copy in like new condition and would be willing to let it (and another dozen or so books on fly fishing/fly tying) go for a lot less. Also have rods (two-piece), cases, reels, lines, flies, fly-tying stuff, neoprene chest waders (size small), wading boots, etc. Need to get rid of this gear (all in good condition) as I'm no longer into fishing - hiking is my sole passion now. E-mail me if interested.
Absolutely, I picked mine up a few years back for a song at a used book store albeit it's a paperback edition. Great info on patterns. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1542 Posts |
Posted - 09/23/2012 : 11:39 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by more_cowbell
You did well. The 4-piece #6 Dragonfly was my first fly rod. I used it for a long time and still have it, even though I lost a few inches from the tip after snapping it and a repair.
Tight lines and good luck!
If you break a dragonfly rod Redl will replace the broken portion for $20. considering that action is everything for a fly rod, repairing them usually results in significantly decreased casting function. |
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Topic |
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Fly fishing.
