Hello,
Last cast a fly 24 years ago. Football now a distant memory and happy to be back and trying to remember how to fish? Have obtained a fly starter kit and some essentials off ebay. Got the rod licence and embarking on what could be a few decades of good sport. Considered a beginer again but hopefully not for long! A few daft questions though if I may?

Whats best lenghth leader for 9ft #7 wt rods? I'm on 9ft?
Braided loop or tie on line?
Can you fish in cloudy water? Can the fish see the fly?

Told you daft but please advise?

Good to be back

Hi DT;

Welcome back to an all consuming passion! I'll give you some simple answers which probably won't help much.

1. Yes, 8 to 9 feet is fine but if the fish are wary you'll have to go longer. On the other hand don't go nuts and try putting on a 20 foot leader at the start as you don't catch fish while trying to untangle a leader. Go with what you can cast comfortably and accurately. As you gain more experience you'll be able to increase your leader length. I fished with lhomme recently and he was using an 18 foot leader on a windy day. I stuck to about 10 feet since if I had 18 on I'ld have spent 3/4's of my time untangling or retying my leader.

2. Personal taste. I prefer braided loop but a lot of people will say either a nail or needle knot.

3a. Yes you can and often will although if you're fishing nymphs you will some type of indicator can be a big help.

3b. You bet they can!

Take care

Terry

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"He either fears his fate too much,
Or his desserts are small,
Who dares not put it to the touch,
To win or lose it all!"

Welcome to the forum, It may be beneficial to let us know what area your in as there could well be a forum member in your area who will be glad to give there experience and help. They may even slip you a fly or two
Mike

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I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,9 bean rows will I have there and a hive for the honey bee.

So what part of this wide world do you come from?

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

Welcome to the forum. Lots of information and debate on here, enjoy

__________________
Eddie
"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation."
Voltaire

Thanks lads, No fear of a 20 ft leader just yet as I am managing to srew up my 9ft one regularly. I do feel as if my casting is getting better though.
I am from North Northumberland and will update my profile soon to help. Yes the nail knot! Is this the most frustating and fiddly knot to tie or am I just doing it all wrong? Whatever knot I am using seems to work! Maybe I should give it a name? The Arghh!! knot?

Nice to meet you all