Hi, this is my first day on the forum so apologies if this is the wrong area to post this.
I have had a long desire to take up fly fishing and it starts with my first lesson which I am taking next month.
The main aim of the lesson is to learn about the tackle, the flies, the casting, reading the waters etc etc so not too concerned if all I catch that day is a cold.
I am looking for advice on what type of rod / reel I should be looking for as a good starter. I have looked at loads on various websites and it feels a bit of a minefield. Lots of contradictions as to what is best.
I am keen to fish rivers in my area (Shropshire) and like the thought of catching trout, grayling etc.
My initial research is pushing me towards buying a rod of about 9ft but I am not even sure why that is...any help or advice at this stage from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome along, you have an exciting time ahead in learning about fly-fishing.

You have taken the right first steps in arranging a lesson from an instructor. Rather than splashing your cash on tackle before the lesson, do try and wait a little longer and be advised by him/her on what rod, reel and line will best suit your style and the waters you're going to fish. That sort of sound advice is what you're paying for rather than long-distance advice on here from forum members who don't know your size, stature or circumstances. You say it's a minefield and you are right in that, it is indeed.

Once you're up and running, you'll find this place very helpful with tips and tactics, but for getting the basics, nothing will be more valuable than your first few lessons

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Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once - Lee Wulff

Hi nightbyfly
Welcome to the forum and good wishes for many years of flyfishing, retail therapy and overdrafts

There'll be plenty of people around to advise you more specifically about what gear you might need for the rivers of Shropshire, which rivers etc etc.

I assume that you are having a lesson from a qualified instructor or a very experienced friend. They will be able to give you lots of advice on buying tackle suited to your needs.

You're right in that there is a lot of choice out there and it can be very confusing to a beginner, let alone an experienced fisherman - hence long debates on this forum. So don't rush in to buy gear.
The good news is that amongst the recognised brands, there are not too many totally rubbish rods and you don't have to spend a fortune to get one that will get you under way and do all that you need it to.

Up to a point, the length of the rod is not the important factor except under certain conditions - e.g. a longer rod can give you more control from a boat than a shorter rod, a short rod is more useful on a small, overgrown stream.

Rods are rated according to the weight of line that they are designed to work with. The lower the rating, the lighter the line. So a 9ft 3wt rod might be what is needed on a small river, but a 9ft 6wt would be more useful on a stillwater.

Anyway, your lesson will make it all a lot clearer.

There are lots of friendly people on here and lots of good advice, so ask away

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"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Thanks for all your feedback on my thread.. The lessons I am having is with a pro so I will wait to see what he recommends.

Welcome to the madhouse. We,re all Mad on here-mad on fly fishing!

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The scenery in the Grand Coulee area of eastern Washington was worth the air fare on its own!

you were right first time we are all mad

best of luck in your fly fishing adventure it will be emotional.

welcome to the forum.


terry

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"It is only the inexperienced and thoughtless who find pleasure in killing fish for the mere sake of killing them. No sportsman does this." - W.C. Prime, 1888

Welcome to the forum and good luck mate, I was where you are a couple of months ago and I have to warn you it's very addictive!

As for rods have a look on the Garry Evans website, I got the old model of X-Flite in a 9' #4 half price and they're doing a deal with reels as well if you buy them together. I bought this one for the rivers in France near where my in laws have a place.

I have to say I've found everyone on the forum really friendly and helpful and I've got some great tips and made some valuable contacts even in my short time on here! However daft it may seem don't be afraid to ask as you'll always find the right advice on here?

Anyway I wish you all the best you won't regret it!!

Thanks Guys.
Blackmax, where is your in laws place in France, we have a place in the northern Dordogne and once I am 'up and running' I intend to fish the waters over there. Any suggestions...