i have been coarse fishing for 30 years now but want to start fly fishing straight away on my local river then progress further, i dont mean to insult anyone cause im new but after advice on what licences etc i need and what is the best type of rod for river fishing i did consult my local store that was not helpfull and they wanted to sell me gear in excess of £700 if anyone can help it would be much apprecaited cheers

I'm beginning again myself but I can help out with a few of yoru questions.

For trout fishing you just need the same rod licence you use as a coarse angler, if you read it it says "non migratory trout and coarse fish". If you want to go after Salmon and/or Sea trout you'll need the Salmon and Sea Trout version. As for licences for local waters you'll need to check locally. Most reservoirs and stillwaters have day tickets, rivers will depend on who owns the fishing rights, although the situation in Scotland is slightly different I think, just in case you're there.

You DEFINITELY don't need £700 worth of gear to get started, although I can't advise you on what to get, others will be along shortly with that information.

cheers i do appreciate it, there seems to be a stigma where i live that no one wants to help with info so all info i can get the better, i have got some books but not read them all yet, at the moment i will concentrate on river fly fishing so i just need advice on what type of rod etc, all help is gratefull cheers

get yourself a 9ft 6" scierra sweep rod £70 , set of geys grxi reel and 4 spools £55 , and see pitsford pirate on here for lines about £15 each . All in £170 or so .

cheers

__________________
Paul

cheers paul am so gratefull will look out for hime thanks again

Whereabouts are you? Someone might well be able to recommend a more sympathetic local retailer who won't try and con you into thinking you need to spend £700 before you can set foot on a river bank.

i live outside leeds, maybe its because im a beginner to fly fishing lol that i am easy prey lol, pleased i found this site

£700.00 seriously? Never give that shop your custom again!!!!

What fishing are you planning to do river stalking, or boat styling/bank fishing small stillwaters?

I'll help out with Rods and hopefully other members will advise about reels/leaders/flies/accessories...

RODS

Bank fishing and boat styling can be covered effectively with a 6 or 7wt 10ft rod as a starter. I'd go for a 7wt myself. Many/most never buy another rod for these purposes although some eventually opt for really long rod for boat styling of 11ft and a 9ft 6" casting tool for bankfishing.

Rivers a 9ft 4 or 5wt rod will cover a lot of bases although you may eventually want a 10ft 4wt for Czech nymphing later and maybe a 7ft stream rod for little trout.

(I get by fine with a 10ft 7wt and a 9ft 5wt and a 9ft 9wt for pike and salt and don't plan on buying any more rods for a good while).

Any rod from £80-120 is likely to be a great tool, will probably have a lifetime guarantee, and will last you years cared for properly. Greys, Snowbee, Sharpes, Guideline all do excellent rods in this price range. Some entry level rods are brilliant tools - the Shakespeare Trion is raved about at it's price point of £30ish - no guarantee though. Unfortunately some entry level rods are complete mince.

I know you are after a river rod but if you fancy ever doing some boat and bank fishing stillwaters (most do since rivers are harder to fish and cast) - I like the Snowbee Diamond at this price point and if there are any 10ft 3 piece 6/7wt rods still available in their warehouse clearance Warehouse Clearance Sale at £64 I'd snap one up. That's a load of rod for the money wish there'd been that deal when I bought mine.

So your boat/bank starter is 1 x rod at £64.00... let's see if we can recommend a 2 great outfits for less than £200.

That's all for now.

thanks for that will check it out cheers

Get yourself a casting lesson you won't regret it.

Alan