Beginner's fishing setup

I've fished for a large number of years, mostly for panfish, using a
standard casting combination; however, fly fishing looks quite intriguing.
During my investigation of equipment, I've gotten quite confused with the
different specifications for line weights, reels, leaders, flys, etc. Can
anyone give me an idea of where to start.

I want to fish some of the smaller lakes and ponds, from shore, for panfish.
Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read, perhaps 5 weight or
6 weight would work for me, and I understand that weight-forward line is
better than single weight, or that double taper is the best ... whatever
that is. Also, what type of reel? Single, multiplier, etc? I don't want to
spend a lot of money. It will be just something to do on the weekend with
my son.

Also, if there are any recommended online stores from which to buy, that
would be good too.

Your input is greatly appreciated!!!

Paul


--


================================================== ===============
Photography + Vision = Photogravision
http://www.photogravision.com
Please stop by. Thanks

Don Phillipson wrote:
"Paul Lester" wrote in message
.. .

I want to fish some of the smaller lakes and ponds, from shore, for
panfish. Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read,
perhaps 5 weight or 6 weight would work for me, and I understand
that weight-forward line is better than single weight, or that
double taper is the best

Buy from a local FF specialist store, if there is one and
if you trust its advice. If not, choose a balanced outfit from
a reliable mail-order vendor for total cost over $100 and
under $250.

.. . . or Frank Church will send you a complete kit for free. ;-)
--
TL,
Tim
(who loves ya, Franky?)
http://css.sbcma.com/timj

http://www.ezflyfish.com/recrou.html


--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"Paul Lester" wrote in message
.. .

I've fished for a large number of years, mostly for panfish, using a
standard casting combination; however, fly fishing looks quite intriguing.
During my investigation of equipment, I've gotten quite confused with the
different specifications for line weights, reels, leaders, flys, etc. Can
anyone give me an idea of where to start.

I want to fish some of the smaller lakes and ponds, from shore, for
panfish. Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read, perhaps 5
weight or 6 weight would work for me, and I understand that weight-forward
line is better than single weight, or that double taper is the best ...
whatever that is. Also, what type of reel? Single, multiplier, etc? I
don't want to spend a lot of money. It will be just something to do on
the weekend with my son.

Also, if there are any recommended online stores from which to buy, that
would be good too.

Your input is greatly appreciated!!!

Paul


--


================================================== ===============
Photography + Vision = Photogravision
http://www.photogravision.com
Please stop by. Thanks

"Don Phillipson" wrote in news:s118d.2222
:

Line weight is governed by the size of fly you want to cast --
for panfish, probably #16 as the smallest dry fly to size #2 streamers.

I think you could successfully fish a long time for bluegill without ever
going above a size 10 popper. Personally, I'd go closer to a 3-wt than a 6
wt. Perhaps 4wt would be the best compromise. There are some situations
that might be unfishable with a 3-wt, but you'll have a nicer time the 80%
of the time you can fish with it.

Scott

"Don Phillipson" wrote in news:s118d.2222
:

Line weight is governed by the size of fly you want to cast --
for panfish, probably #16 as the smallest dry fly to size #2 streamers.

I think you could successfully fish a long time for bluegill without ever
going above a size 10 popper. Personally, I'd go closer to a 3-wt than a 6
wt. Perhaps 4wt would be the best compromise. There are some situations
that might be unfishable with a 3-wt, but you'll have a nicer time the 80%
of the time you can fish with it.

Scott

"Paul Lester" wrote in message
.. .
I've fished for a large number of years, mostly for panfish, using a
standard casting combination; however, fly fishing looks quite intriguing.
During my investigation of equipment, I've gotten quite confused with the
different specifications for line weights, reels, leaders, flys, etc. Can
anyone give me an idea of where to start.

I want to fish some of the smaller lakes and ponds, from shore, for
panfish.
Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read, perhaps 5 weight
or
6 weight would work for me, and I understand that weight-forward line is

SNIP



At Wally World (Wal Mart) Scientific Angler has a kit for about $100. Also
try the link here
http://www.iflyshop.com/scientific-outfits.asp

Jack in El Paso
----- ***** -----
SFC, USA (Ret, 1971-93)
Life member NRA (1967)
Life member TSRA (1990)
Member USPSA (1990)
NROI Range Officer (1991)
A. F. & A. M. TX Ldg 1393

"Paul Lester" wrote in message
.. .
I've fished for a large number of years, mostly for panfish, using a
standard casting combination; however, fly fishing looks quite intriguing.
During my investigation of equipment, I've gotten quite confused with the
different specifications for line weights, reels, leaders, flys, etc. Can
anyone give me an idea of where to start.

I want to fish some of the smaller lakes and ponds, from shore, for
panfish.
Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read, perhaps 5 weight
or
6 weight would work for me, and I understand that weight-forward line is

SNIP



At Wally World (Wal Mart) Scientific Angler has a kit for about $100. Also
try the link here
http://www.iflyshop.com/scientific-outfits.asp

Jack in El Paso
----- ***** -----
SFC, USA (Ret, 1971-93)
Life member NRA (1967)
Life member TSRA (1990)
Member USPSA (1990)
NROI Range Officer (1991)
A. F. & A. M. TX Ldg 1393

Don Phillipson wrote:


Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read, perhaps 5 weight

or

6 weight would work for me, and I understand that weight-forward line is
better than single weight, or that double taper is the best


Buy from a local FF specialist store, if there is one and
if you trust its advice. If not, choose a balanced outfit from
a reliable mail-order vendor for total cost over $100 and
under $250.

Line weight is governed by the size of fly you want to cast --
for panfish, probably #16 as the smallest dry fly to size #2 streamers.
These figures suggest line weight 6 or 7. You do not need a heavier
outfit or a more delicate one (cf. midge fishing for trout.) Leaders
should be 9 ft. or longer, of the right tippet size for the fly size
(see books.)

Start with a floating line because it is easier to pick up off the
water. Double-taper offers more delicacy under 40 ft, weight-forward
offers more distance (over 60 ft.) so you can choose according to
your usual fishing distance, wading or from a boat etc. Wading
needs a rod 8 feet or longer (except in thick bush).

The reel is irrelevant until your first fish big enough to take out
all 100 ft. of fly line and get into the backing. Then you want
one with a reliably smooth drag. Several $10 reels are 90 pct
as good as $100+ reels.


The guy said he's going after Bluegill and Crappie in smaller lakes and
ponds. A 6 or 7 weight would be overkill, IMO. A 5, 4 or even a 3
would be much more fun.

Willi

Don Phillipson wrote:


Primarily bluegill, crappie, etc. From what I've read, perhaps 5 weight

or

6 weight would work for me, and I understand that weight-forward line is
better than single weight, or that double taper is the best


Buy from a local FF specialist store, if there is one and
if you trust its advice. If not, choose a balanced outfit from
a reliable mail-order vendor for total cost over $100 and
under $250.

Line weight is governed by the size of fly you want to cast --
for panfish, probably #16 as the smallest dry fly to size #2 streamers.
These figures suggest line weight 6 or 7. You do not need a heavier
outfit or a more delicate one (cf. midge fishing for trout.) Leaders
should be 9 ft. or longer, of the right tippet size for the fly size
(see books.)

Start with a floating line because it is easier to pick up off the
water. Double-taper offers more delicacy under 40 ft, weight-forward
offers more distance (over 60 ft.) so you can choose according to
your usual fishing distance, wading or from a boat etc. Wading
needs a rod 8 feet or longer (except in thick bush).

The reel is irrelevant until your first fish big enough to take out
all 100 ft. of fly line and get into the backing. Then you want
one with a reliably smooth drag. Several $10 reels are 90 pct
as good as $100+ reels.


The guy said he's going after Bluegill and Crappie in smaller lakes and
ponds. A 6 or 7 weight would be overkill, IMO. A 5, 4 or even a 3
would be much more fun.

Willi

On 4 Oct 2004 12:13:26 GMT, Scott Seidman wrote:

"Don Phillipson" wrote in news:s118d.2222
:

Line weight is governed by the size of fly you want to cast --
for panfish, probably #16 as the smallest dry fly to size #2 streamers.

I think you could successfully fish a long time for bluegill without ever
going above a size 10 popper. Personally, I'd go closer to a 3-wt than a 6
wt. Perhaps 4wt would be the best compromise. There are some situations
that might be unfishable with a 3-wt, but you'll have a nicer time the 80%
of the time you can fish with it.

I totally agree on the 3 weight. Not only would it make the panfishing a lot
more fun, it'd leave room for a 5 weight when the gear-whoredom sets in ;-)

/daytripper (buying adviser to the stars ;-)