Yup,

No matter what you're going to use a 8 1/2 five weight, of a not too
expensive variety - if only as a back up.

john
KQC889

"Wayne Knight" wrote in message
...

"DonE" wrote in message
ups.com...
I am retired and recently became interested in fly fishing. Have been
reading and studying on the subject and am about to purchase my first
rod and reel. What is the best rod for learning - a 9 foot or a
smaller one, perhaps 7 ft? Would appreciate any info and tips.


Don:

Welcome to the dark side.

You could ask 10 different *experienced* fly fishers what is the best rod,
best reel, best way to begin, etc and get 10 different answers. What I
might
consider the *best* rod might not work for you.

What kind of fishing are you wanting to do? Trout-east of the mississippi
or
west?, warm water bass and bream, or warm water bass and pike? Sal****er?

I would suggest you start by seeking fly shops or clubs in your area and
show up and start asking questions. If possible buy your first outfits
from
the local dealer, they should at least offer to show you the basic casting
stroke. And then practice. Regardless the local shop will have the better
repository of knowledge for the fishing in your area, will probably know
of
places you want to visit, and can outfit you accordingly.

It is also the fly fishing show season and if there is one near where you
are, I would suggest starting your search there because you will have
access
to many shops and rod makers in one place. I would also pick up a couple
of
books, The LL Bean or Orvis Guides to Fly Fishing or a book by a guy named
Lefty Kreh, The Complete Guide to Fly Fishing (or something like that).

The more versatile and conventional starting outfit would be a 8 1/2' to
9'
5 or 6 weight. Prices range from under $100 for a temple fork/cabelas/bass
pro up to beyond $700 tho i would not suggest a beginner start there
unless
they just wanted to and money was not an issue.

And in the off chance you live somewhere near Indianapolis IN to Kalamazoo
MI, drop me an email and we can get together and try a few different types
of rods and help with some basic casting functions.