Fly Fishing

[EastCoaster]

Guys,

Where should I start looking for a beginner fly setup. There are no fly shops near me and the big box stores don’t carry anything. I am mainly looking for a panfish setup.

 

[Buzby]

I’ve learned a bunch from watching Mad River Outfitters on youtube. They sell the gear too. I’m sure they’d set you up if you called them.

 

[docmay]

Whatever you do get the best rod you possibly can. If you get a crappy rod you will struggle. For panfish the real wont matter much. Spend the money on a good line. If you don’t have to worry about being delicate you can stick one size heavier line on the rod and it will cast easier. I would look at used rods on eBay. You will get kore bang for your buck. Look at TFO if you want modest price and a decent rod. I got my first flu rod my senior year of high school. I was in San Antonio with no fly shops. I read orvis beginning fly fishing and taught myself. I would consider a lesson or two upfront. Will save you from breaking bad habits later. Whatever you decide, enjoy the ride!!!!!

 

[BowTrout]

I would second the temple fork fly rod and maybe look into Redington outfits.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’d probably get some sort of 9 foot 5wt rod. St, croix, TFO, Redington, sage and many others make some affordable rods. Good reels are nice, no need for a great reel.

 

[CLB38]

I agree on the Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO). They make great rods for the $.

And I second the 9 foot 4 or 5 weight. That’s just the classic do anything and everything setup.

 

[CLB38]

And this is a GREAT brick and mortar shop with excellent online customer service. I’d you have questions, give them a call. Fantastic to work with and they’ll do their best to set you up with quality gear within your budget.

google bearsden fly shop in MA

(I have no connection other than as a satisfied customer)

 

[EastCoaster]

Thanks guys

 

[Okhotnik]

I think I have about a dozen rods. I think this is the best decent rod for the money and a Lamson reel

Temple Fork Outfitters BVK Fly Rod | Stillwater Fly Shop

Temple Fork Outfitters BVK Fly Rod on Closeout utilizes new materials that dramatically reduce weight while creating an aggressive blend of power and strength.

www.stillwaterflyshop.com

As suggested probably 9 ft 5 wt

 

[nettereo16]

TFO 9ft 5wts would be a great set up as others mentioned!
You can probably score on FB marketplace/ebay if you look around...

 

[HuntingJudge]

TFO for me as well, great rods, great price

 

[Dos Perros]

For panfish, assuming you're going to be casting poppers to some degree, I think a 6wt would work better. Also considering you might target other warm water species like bass in the same waters.

 

[Meshnasty]

For panfish, assuming you're going to be casting poppers to some degree, I think a 6wt would work better. Also considering you might target other warm water species like bass in the same waters.

I'll second this. Panfish aren't very technical where I'm from so a heavier line won't bother them. It might help to start with a slower/softer rod as well. The first time a bass blows up a popper you'll be hooked.

You may not enjoy learning to cast on a broomstick.

Don't be afraid of a glass rod. You'd be able to feel it load/unload easier, it might cut down the learning curve for casting, and it's a lot harder to break.

I got a Cabela's 8wt CGR on sale a few years back and it has turned into my go to rod for carp. I fish it over my Winston and Sage rods..

 

[Okhotnik]

Oh, spend the money and take a few casting lesson or join local FFF or TU chapter

 

[Q child]

I recommend the Echo Fly Rods kits. There are two the Traverse Kit for $270 or the Lift Kit for $180. Both come with a nice case. Both come in 4wt, 5wt, 6wt, and 8wt - all 9 ft.
In general, I would say a 5wt is the best starter rod size because it is so versatile. I don't know much about panfish though, so probably listen to someone else on the question of rod size.

 

[JATails]

Fly fishing is a lot of fun and you'll eventually find yourself wanting to tie your own flies as well. Its pretty satisfying when you catch fish on something you tied or your personal pattern you invented.

For additional information on fly-fishing watch and read anything featuring Lefty Kreh. He was a huge influencer/inventor of the sport and his material provides great education for all level of casters.

The rod is important, don't get a stiff rod or a cheap rod especially for learning and fishing for panfish. Look at Scott, TFO, Orvis, Sage, Redington all have entry level and price friendly rods. If you start with a bad rod it'll be hard to understand how the rod is suppose to load when casting any kind of distance. With freshwater panfish the reel will most likely just hold your line and the drag won't be much of a concern. If you want a good all around reel and don't mind paying a little more money than I'd suggest Waterworks-Lamson. The fly line is important once you start casting distance, I've always used RIO and the are very helpful when picking out a line.

 

[Garshark]

Get a Cabela's CGR great rod for the money I love my glass rod

 

[sndmn11]

If you are slinging streamers or poppers, especially blind casting non-stop, 6 or 7 weight 10' if you don't have trees and need some distance, 8'6" if you need to focus on accuracy and don't care about bomber casts. I think TFO rods are a lot like Hi Point firearms, in that after spending your money at least you can say you have a gun/rod.
Your rod's line weight has little to nothing to do with the species being targeted, and 100% to do with what fly is at the end of the tippet, the tippet size, and the conditions most likely to be seen.

 

[cmankingsley]

For just dicking around with panfish I like a cheap glass 3 weight. IMO 5 weight or heavier would be no fun for bluegills or crappies. Get a nice line makes casting a lot easier.


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[brsnow]

I have caught baby tarpon on a 6wt, how big are your panfish? Get a 3 wt and have a blast. Fly fishing can get expensive, so pace yourself.