Newbie questions

http://www.associatedinternet.com/fl...01/default.htm



"pmbedard" wrote in message
m...
Hello group :+)
I have this passion about learning to fly-fish - I'm fifty-two, and
really need this for various reasons. I decided to begin slowly and
inexpensively, in case I find it impossible (and I'm poor), so I
bought the cheapest rod/reel outfit at Wal-Mart. Now ANY help is
greatly appreciated!
What is a "leader"? What type of line should I get? Any good books out
there? I have some flies I bought on Ebay, and a vest, but what else?
A net, waders?
How much should I spend on this stuff? I want to take my wife and two
daughters, but the girls are too young - four and nine years old...I
want them to remember this, and to experience it themselves...
I'll probably fish in North Georgia, as I live outside Atlanta...I've
checked out some good websites, and there is year-round fishing in
most of these counties...
I can't afford lessons, guides, trips to Montana, etc....
Please don't tell me to take up golf, or to go catfish/bass fishing...
any advice is really appreciated - THANKS!! Paul

http://www.associatedinternet.com/fl...01/default.htm



"pmbedard" wrote in message
m...
Hello group :+)
I have this passion about learning to fly-fish - I'm fifty-two, and
really need this for various reasons. I decided to begin slowly and
inexpensively, in case I find it impossible (and I'm poor), so I
bought the cheapest rod/reel outfit at Wal-Mart. Now ANY help is
greatly appreciated!
What is a "leader"? What type of line should I get? Any good books out
there? I have some flies I bought on Ebay, and a vest, but what else?
A net, waders?
How much should I spend on this stuff? I want to take my wife and two
daughters, but the girls are too young - four and nine years old...I
want them to remember this, and to experience it themselves...
I'll probably fish in North Georgia, as I live outside Atlanta...I've
checked out some good websites, and there is year-round fishing in
most of these counties...
I can't afford lessons, guides, trips to Montana, etc....
Please don't tell me to take up golf, or to go catfish/bass fishing...
any advice is really appreciated - THANKS!! Paul

This is the video that taught me...along with hours of practice in the yard
and on the water:

http://www.fishingandhuntingbooks.co...w_page_117.htm

Of all I've seen this is the most entertaining and effective. You have to
appreciate "dorky" humor.

I get nervous when reading "the cheapest Walmart rod." Wal Mart usually
sells the Scientific Angler package for around 80 bucks. That is the best
beginner rod I've found. I am a NY State guide and all the beginners prefer
it to my Sage DS2 (entry level) and the high performance rods. The SA
(Scientific Angler) rod in that package is great for learning and casts
heavier flies for bass and pike.

If "loading" your current rod and delivering "tight loops" proves difficult,
don't be discouraged. Spend a little more. I have high end Wintson and
Sage rods but STILL fish the SA with much enjoyment.
"Don Phillipson" wrote in message
...
"pmbedard" wrote in message
m...

I have this passion about learning to fly-fish - I'm fifty-two, and
really need this for various reasons. I decided to begin slowly and
inexpensively, in case I find it impossible (and I'm poor), so I
bought the cheapest rod/reel outfit at Wal-Mart. Now ANY help is

Newbe Paul expressed lots of HIS wants and got lots of good advice from
earlier posters. He also said

" I want to take my wife and two daughters, but the girls are too young -
four and nine years old. I want them to remember this, and to experience it
themselves..."

Um, as a fly fisherman 50+ years with one wife and two daughters now over
30, my advice is don't get your hopes up too high "want them to remember
this, and to experience it themselves". The probability of getting all
three women in the same family to enjoy fly fishing is pretty remote IMHO.
In time, you MAY get all three to experience it. If all three do, all three
will surely remember it for the rest of their lives. And furthermore one or
more will probably gleefully remind you of that experience the rest of your
life - LOL.

A more realistic expectation would be for one of your daughters to get to
like fly fishing, well maybe enough to marry a fly fisherman some day.
Maybe even you could hope that someday your wife would ride along in your
plush, air conditioned RV while you go fly fishing. LOL My bet is that
you'll be very lucky if someday you could get just one of them to clean your
fish! grin

But seriously, take the girls to a "pay" trout pond and get them started
"Catching" fish, then take the girls bait fishing for bream or bluegill to
keep their interest up. Gradually over the years move them up to just going
fishing with Dad and last if someone is interested, let them catch their
fish on your fly rod.

Paul, it's OK for you to take up fly fishing. Welcome aboard and good luck!

Keep posting those questions.
John