Hi fellas, I am sure this has been discussed before but I am just wanting a bit of advice with starting up fly fishing.

I have been course fishing for the last 2 years and although originally enjoyed it, I find it a bit boring just sat waiting for bites. I have always enjoyed watching fly fishermen in my local river as proactively moving the bait seems more interesting to me.

My dilemma is whether to go all out and spend some good cash straight away in the hope I will get hooked (sorry for the pun) or do I but a basic starter set with the option to upgrade if I enjoy it?

My worry is that a basic started pack will limit or make it more difficult to learn.

I have looked at a few options, the first being a Shakespeare Oddessy XT with a Greys GX500 reel which I can pick up for around £80

The second option is a Greys X-Flight rod with a Greys X-Flight reel which comes in just under £200

My third option is a Sportfish Purecast rod which comes in a kit complete with a Orvis battenkill reel and this is £235

The fourth option is a Hardy Uniqua rod with a Hardy Demon reel which I can get for £520

I am looking at spending £200-£300 on lines, waders, flies and other bits I will need and have also looked at booking a local instructor for a days lesson at Bolton Abbey but ideally would like to have my own kit to learn with so I can keep getting used to using it.

Would I be correct in assuming I need 3 types of line (floating, intermediate and sinking) and both dry and wet flies for trout fishing. I am wanting to fish both rivers (mainly) and lakes/reservoirs where possible.

Any suggestions would be great. Many Thanks

I would suggest you buy a Shakespeare rod and reel to begin with. dont go mad with the cash till youve spent at least one season....then go mad. Ha.
I still use my cheap shakespeare reel and rod now and again.

careful Now!

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"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/

sonik sk3 reel and rod... wont break the bank and nice set up

Ha Ha I did worry about going too much too soon. For course fishing my first rod was a £60 MAP combo and after a year I upgraded to a £345 Tri-Cast. However I still prefer the MAP over the Tri-Cast but worry it is because I learnt with that so now find a more professional rod too unfamiliar.

I did look at a few budget rods as I can't believe a £30 rod would be any good. I looked at the Shakespear Odessey XT (£30) , the Shakespear Trion (£50), a Wychwood Truefly SLA (£70) and also a Greys GS at £80 are you familiar with any of these? And can a £30 rod be any good???? It seems mad.

Finally (Sorry) I keep seeing some really good deals on Reddington Red Fly rods with over £60 off, are these a good brand?

nothing wrong with a cheap shakespeare rod to learn on....the fish dont know how much the rod cost.

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"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
http://geordietrout.blogspot.com/

I started fly fishing again after about a 30 year break, this was prompted largely because the shops I work for started to sell fishing tackle. I fished the first two years mainly with a Fladen Vantage 10' 6 weight, this retails comfortably below £30. It is heavier in the hand than some of the other rods I have but easily casts a full line.

I bought a sonik SK8 this year, it cost over £150 and whilst it copes better with a strong head wind than the fladen it isn't as versitile (they are both good with lures, but the stiffness of the Sonik makes close or delecate work difficult - for me)

The best advice in buying a rod is to find somewhere that will let you try before you buy - everyones casting style is different and will suit different rods

My first rod was a Wychwood Truefly but I didn't like it so I got rid of it and bought a £19 Shakespeare Oddysey, since then I have bought 2 more in different weights and lengths - no doubt I'll want a nice expensive rod eventually but for now they're absolutely fine! I bought them on the back of a few people on the forum saying they were spot on for the money, coupled with a Leeda Profil reel which got a best budget reel award in one of the mags it's not a bad setup for £45!



Rob.

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Started: 19/09/2010 | First fish: 11/12/2010 | Biggest fish: 8lb Brownie

Find your local instructor first. Your instructor will have all the gear needed to let you start the learning process. Discuss what you want to do with your instructor. Then start spending money on tackle. Don't buy anything until you have had a couple of lessons and a good chat with your instructor.

richard

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Who resides on the right bank of the Derbyshire Wye and is lulled to sleep each night by the mutterings of a weir, dreaming that "When the rivers and their inhabitants come first, we ALL win..."

Check out the classified adds on here. A lot of good bargains to be had. Nothing wrong with the cheaper end of the market kits, ideal when your starting out. Grommit does good deals, he wont sell you a pig in a poke & he will give you all the help & advice he can. Sunkist bob for reels, pirate for lines. Now your sorted all you need is some fish, but that i'm afraid is down to yourself. Tight lines

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All that glitters, will catch anglers.

"Finally (Sorry) I keep seeing some really good deals on Reddington Red Fly rods with over £60 off, are these a good brand?"

Yes they are; Reddington is Sage's "second label." Same people who design the $800.00 rods design these. Just not made with the most 'current/state of the art' materials.

Fred

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"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a
living are now outnumbered by those who vote for a living." -- Anonymous