"Jim Laumann" wrote in message
...
Hi All
This is my first post on this group.
I've never fished w/ a fly rod - I'm a baitcast/spinning type,
panfish, N Pike and Bass are my normal quarries.
Today I found a fly rod in my shed - a remnent from a
previous owner. Its a South Bend 8ft, 2 pc, med action,
7wt rod. The labeling on the blank says "graphite re-inforced" -
what ever that means. No reel. 
I've been a bit curious about
fishing w/ a fly rod, so I've read a few books I've picked up at
my local library.
I assume that this was made in Korea or China, and that
the blank is mostly glass.
Can some of you give me some ideas and direction on this rod
/ fly rods in general.
To much for a newbie? To little? To much rod for
panfish & trout? To little for bass and pike?
How about a reel?
As a newbie - should I even bother w/ this rod, or
pick this up later on after I've gone thru a more
entry level rod?
Any suggestions as to getting myself equipped from
this point (assuming this rod would be useful for my
needs)?
Thanks
Jim
Whatever "graphite re-inforced" might mean, it's nothing you need to worry
about. Bottom line is that South Bend never made anything that would be
considered top quality by anyone who takes this sort of ****
seriously........and you don't need to take it seriously. Find a retailer
you feel you can trust......a shop that specializes in fly fishing is your
best bet......but there are no guarantees.....and ask them for a moderately
priced reel suitable for a 7 weight rod, and line and backing to match.
Weight forward or double tapered floating line will do quite nicely. Get a
couple of leaders, some tippet, and a selection of flies. Once again, a
local fly shop is your best bet for these items. Tell the folks there
where, when, and for what species you intend to fish. They should be able
to tell you and sell you everything you need.
The best alternative is to sort through whatever advice you may get here.
This is not a BAD alternative but, as you will soon find out, it can get
rather time consuming.......and quite possibly more than a bit confusing.
Good luck, and enjoy.
Wolfgang
and, remember this one thing.......YES, the rod IS worth bothering with.
you're welcome.