Hey folks

I've done a fair bit of sea fishing in my time but now its time to learn the artistic side of angling.

I've been keen on learning to Fly Fish for some time having tried it out disastrously a few years back (i take my hat off to the experienced fly fisher; pure skill) and failed miserably. Now with a few grey hairs and plenty more patience ( and sense may i add ) I.ll give it a proper shot.

Could anyone who reads this give me ideas of which rod & reel i should look at buying. Also does anyone have any good recommendations for rivers in the Midlands, so Staffs, Derbyshire, Notts etc..

I hope to hear from you soon..

Marcus

Hi Marcus

Welcome to the forum and back to fly fishing.

"Artistic side of angling"? Wait 'till you've tried chucking some huge piece of overdressed fluff into a howling gale on a reservoir

Before anybody can give you some advice on tackle, they will need to know.
What you are fishing for.
Your budget
What sort of fishing you are planning on doing. You mention rivers. Are you just interested in rivers or are you planning on fishing stillwaters and reservoirs?

So what went wrong last time you tried it?

One piece of advice you will probably get is to set some of your budget aside for casting lessons - preferably from a qualified pro. It's money well spent IMO.

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

Welcome to the forum Marcus

If your keen to learn fly fishing it's best you start of on the right foot so to speak and take Bill's advice and book some lessons with someone who's qualified to teach.Here's a handy site for you The Game Angling Instructors' Association.

Neil

Hi Bill and Chelsea

Thanks so much for coming back to me so quickly.

Bill; budget is around £1,000 all in. Will be looking to fish in stocked reservoirs and rivers when i can. and haha yes good point re throwing fluff in a wind!!

Luckily my cousin is one of the most dedicated anlgers i know. Im due to spend a weekend in 2 weeks in Staffordshire with him so will get a good feel for it then.. I wanted to get the tackle,etc now so we dont waste time on the weekend itself.

Chelsea thanks for the tip on the Game Angler's Instruction Association. Ill get into this now..


Thanks Kindly, Marcus

WelcomeMarcus.I'm not sure if they run them in the winter months,but Rutland water offers beginners days.which are supposed to be very helpfull.

Jim

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£1,000 is more than enough. In fact you can pick up a good setup for a third of that, no problem.
Try and find a local tackle shop that will let you try some rods. You'll pay more than you would with a purely online retailer but the advice you would get and the ability to try before you buy as a beginner is invaluable.

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Casting At Shadows - Christmas Island Fly Fishing DVD

Think the last ones are November and they start again when the ressies open again in spring. They run them at Rutland, Grafham and Pitsford. They are very good courses and good value (£65 for the day), I did one 3 years ago at Pitsford and am sending my dad and brother on one next year for Christmas.

Have a look at this site http://www.midlands-flyfishing.co.uk/, Steve the instructor gives lessons at Loynton fishery - recommended.

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Henry VI, William Shakespeare

On the subject of equipment, and especially with your budget, I'd avoid any kind of starter kit, the quality is generally poor and you will end up replacing much of the stuff within a season.

As mentioned by others you could get an excellent set up for £300. None of the rods I use cost me more than £100, mostly bought second hand or models that were being replaced by new ones bought on sale and they are more than up to the job.

There are several trade members on here who could help you out with that.

Hi Marcus

Good advice. Spend about £100 on a rod, buy a mid range reel and a good quality lines in Floater, Inter and Di5.
Best advice (from experience) get decent waterproofs and clothing that will keep you dry, don't forget mitts or gloves, especially early and late season.
There's nothing worse than a good day spoilt by being wet and miserable.

Get a casting lesson or two.

The rest of your cash can be spent on fishing.

If you are near Derbyshire I can offer to take you out at the beginning of next season and give you a few pointers.

Drop me a pm if you are up for it.

Iain