Hi all and apologies up front for this very basic question.

I am a complete beginner and have been told/read that to start I have to have a balanced rod/reel.

I think I will start with lakes and Rainbow/Brown Trout (maybe rivers later)

If I start with a 9ft rod #7 what is the ideal reel/line ?

Many thanks and any other tips.......

any reel mate it only holds the line depends on budget some cheap ones in classifieds at moment.
the line you would normally go 1 more than rod to make loading it easier while you learning thats what i was told worked for me.so #8 line see pirate on forum he will sort you out.
most important though get a couple of lessons you will pick up loads of usefull info and pointers.
dont spend a fortune until you have learned what you need to know ie casting so dont go mad with money you will need it later on
when tt in you will appear in a few months lol.

terry

I have never matched a rod and reel to get a balance, all seems a bit technical to me.

Heres a link for you if you realy want to balance your rod.
Match a Fly Rod and Fly Reel - A Question of Balance

Fly fishing is a great sport, enjoy learning, and learn from others.

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Hi some other helpful advice if you let us know where you are it may be that someone on here may live close enough to help with all the good advice from bigtel. Noel

I am of the opinion that "balance" refers more to having the correct line weight for the rod, than finding the centre of gravity. Centre of gravity with rod and reel, is more of a comfort thing, and really doesn't make a huge amount of difference in most contexts. If you are planning to fish ulra light etups, it might have a little more impetus, but I don't suggest you go there yet.

Hi - thank you all for the answers to my basic question.

I live in Rugby, West midlands.

If anyone out there has a second hand outfit - suitable for an absolute beginner - maybe 9ft #7 - I would be very interested

Trout Fishing Outfits - look here, there are many good complete outfits for little money.

Cheers
Alex

Another V basic question (apologies up front).

I am right handed (well I write with my right) - do I need a right or left hand

wind ?

Up to you,some swop over hands to play a fish or reel in.Most right handers like myself have the reel set up left hand wind

Neil