I've just been given the opportunity to start river fly fishing (a long standing ambition) on the Itchen and Meon. My gear is all set up for stillwater (WF7 rod, reel and line etc). I've been advised to get a 8'6" med fast rod and a reel suitable for DT4 line. I'm considered going for a Sonik outfit - Sk 3 rod and reel and the like (don't want to spend a fortune just yet). Any thoughts? Anyone able to recommend Sonik or suggest an alternative. Thanks.

I would favour a 8' #4 rod as a max, Greys Grxi has the action your after. I would strongly recommend that you try before you buy, save time and money.

Speak to Grommit I understand he can do deals for forum members, the Pitsford Pirate comes highly recommended for his lines.

What part of the Itchen and Meon are you hoping to fish?

Thats a hell of an opportunity you have there! That size/action/outfit is a good one, as for makes etc, cheap will do as it's not performance casting and you want it to load quickly, a cheap greys/sonik/airflo outfit will do, spend the money on a good line with good flies.

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Thanks Darren. Appreciate the advice.

I know this sounds a bit off the wall, but use the outfit you've got: you may be better off choosing a different one when you can make your own judgement.

On top of that, a long rod is very handy for clearing all the stuff on the bank and mending line. Way easier than the short stuff.

As Darren said, you need to load it though, and with only a rod length or two of line, so just get a cheap 9 or 10 weight depending on the rod you've got.

First trip you'll have fun and do as much as anyone, second trip maybe you can finesse it with new kit.

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I've got the rod you are talking about for my river fishing, teamed with an Okuma SLV reel and Snowbee xs floating line. I'm very pleased with it. I used it on Monday to fish the Lower Itchen Fishery for grayling. I thought it handled that size of river perfectly.

I thought the LIF closed flor grayling fly fishing on 23 December?

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Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans
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At this time of year, you may only access the lower beats and (if allowed) the coarse syndicate section. I don't believe that bait fishing is mandatory.

Thanks for clarifying Steve

__________________
Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans
John Lennon

http://walksandfishes.blogspot.com/

What's frustrating is that if you want to fish the coarse syndicate section, you end up parking in the middle of the forbidden bit and have to walk past some lovely looking water to get to the bit you are allowed on!