Thread: Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing - - - - Rods - Reels - Lines -
What do you fella's use and why ?
I like Abu Garcia Goldmax IM6 Graphite Rods matched with Abu Garcia Flymax Reels .
They are good quality for the dollars and have a nice action out on the water .
Also have a G Loomis which is nice - but twice the price of the Abu Garcia equivalent .
I have two 5 weights - three 7 weights - One 9 weight - One 10 weight - for various fishing conditions .
For Fly Lines I prefer Cortland 444's and 555's in Doublle Tapered or Weight Forward both floating and sinking variations .
Cheers .

'Over Weighting'
One 'tip' for the fly fisho is to 'overweight' your rod with an upgraded fly line
For example - Try loading a 7 weight line on a 6 weight rod or an 8 weight line on a 7 weight rod .
Your casting distance and casting control should improve with an upgrade of line weight
Try it before you knock it - - - It works well

Basic Fly Fishing - your grip and casts
Gripping a fly rod is very similar to the grip on a golf club but with one hand only .
Your hand should fully enclose the rod handle with your thumb pointing sraight towards the rod tip in one plane .
To aid in coordination when flycasting it helps to think of your casting as a combination of direct sight and direct line to the target on the water .
Eye - Hand - Rod - Line - Target - (EHRLT)
Getting the basic grip right is important

Basic Fly Casting includes good coordination and timing betwen the forward and back casts .
In Fly fishing you are trying to present the artificial insect or lure to the fish on the water with stealth and good natural presentation .
If you get the basic technique of flow and looping your fly line in casting then thats most of the basic job done
For basic fly casting I teach the 10 am to 2 pm back and forward casting methods .
Getting a good 'Loop' in your regular casting is most important for control and good presentation on the water

Hi Kev,
I bought a combo from a mate years ago, and since then, its just sat in the corner collecting dust, I keep saying I'm going to learn and give it a go, but so far, alas, its not happened. I guess its one of those things where it would be nice to have a mate with you when you first try these things, but suddenly they all split when theres a change in the air,,
This year, its GOING TO HAPPEN..
I've got no idea of what line it has on it, the reels an Olympic 440, (which had a part broken inside, now fixed) and the rods an Intrepid Graphite.
My question at the moment is, should i be changing the line in case its "gone off" or is it ok to carry on with and learn, then maybe replace it when I feel right with it.

Chops

G'day Chops
A lot of people buy 'the gear' and then it gathers dust because they don't have mates that share the same interest .
If you don't have fisho mates that want to learn then go out and find someone who is willing to teach you how to use your gear .
Pro Instructors are normally expensive but you normally get good tuition .
Fly Fishing Clubs are often a better option and you get tips on all types of casting techniques and gear options .
Your Olympic 440 is a good old reel and worth keeping - The Intrepid Graphite is an ok rod depending on your casting needs .
The Line will not 'go off' as you mentioned unless it's a bad quality line to begin with or it's a good line thats been flogged to death .
It's hard to comment on your gear until I see it in reality .
Whatever you do - seek local help from local fly fisho enthusiasts - and don't give up on it !
Once you've mastered the basics - you will be hooked for life on fly fishing

Thanks Kev,

Well, I'm wanting to make sure I do do it this year.

I was given what I think was fairly good advice from a new shop down here in Mordiallic, (they dont do Fly too much), but he did say to use a piece of wool as a fly to start practicing on. This is to save money for when I "flick" the fly right off when I dont get it right,,

I will try and see what I can do to find a club around here, its a bit awkward because I work arvo shift, so times are a problem

Tomorrow theres a "meet and greet" with a heap of Vic members down this way, maybe I might get lucky and meet someone who's got some ideas on it and willing to help out too,,

Thanks again Kev,

Chops

Mate, up the road, Emerald Lake. It's stocked with trout, plenty of room and grass and we see heaps of guys practising...............occasionally with a win!!
Make sure you're licensed. Ranger is local.