Entry level outfit

[BYRD]

All right guys here's the deal. I grew up freshwater fishing. When I turned 12 my dad bought me a fly rod with a automatic reel. You just pulled the lever and it wound up the line. I fished it for about 4 years catching bass and bream. Then we moved to VA. Live about a mile from the bay. Gave up the fresh for the salt. Haven't casted a fly rod for quite some time. I did cast one in December but managed to catch it on the only post in the area. I'll let fishsalmon elaborate if he would like. It was his rod.

Question 1: What size rod would you get if you wanted a good entry level starter rig? It would be mostly used for specks and stripers. Fish probably in the 15-23 inch range.

Question 2: Sinking or floating line. Most of the fishing will be done in water less than 6 feet?

Question 3: Why do some rods break down to 8 or 9 pieces and other rods only break into two or three pieces?

Question 4: What type of reel? With a drag, without a drag? Metal or plastic?

Any input will be appreciated.

Byrd

[paul708]

when we make fly rods, (blanks) its easier to just cut and make 2-3pcs rods out of them..its faster..for us, we may cut 50-100 blanks up ..not really sure what weight you wil need. usually a 8 is common..but it may depend on the lure/fly you are throwing..i have a tibor reel (i think) 10wt.. i used the maniform grip on my fly rods i like them..i am not to much help withthe fly stuff..but can make a good rod though

[jemche]

question 1: 8/9 would be good

question 2:floting, or intermediate line.. i think

[Dave Sikorski]

Question 1: What size rod would you get if you wanted a good entry level starter rig? It would be mostly used for specks and stripers. Fish probably in the 15-23 inch range.

anything from a 7-9wt. When you get hooked you'll have at least one of each. I have a 7wt and 9wt and they're both with me on every trip in the bay. Generally with different lines and flies. I use a full sink on the 7wt. and maybe a deceiver. I'll also have the 9wt riggedup with a different sinking line and fly, or a floating line and a popper.

Question 2: Sinking or floating line. Most of the fishing will be done in water less than 6 feet?



one of each and a sinking line. You'll end up fishing deeper than you think, and in more places. You'll want something in the 250-350 grain range, I like Teeny sinking lines. I have a 250 on my 7wt. and a 350 on my 9 wt. I also have a intermediate that I rarely use, and a floater that gets a little more action.

With various types of lines you can really maximize your ability to make varying presentations to the fish with different flies.




Question 3: Why do some rods break down to 8 or 9 pieces and other rods only break into two or three pieces?

b/c they can. I stick with 4 piece. Nice and portable, but not too many pieces

Question 4: What type of reel? With a drag, without a drag? Metal or plastic?

Stick with some sort of metal. Most reels rated for 7-9wts should be metal and have some sort of drag. I have Teton Tiogas on my bay rods and have been happy. Haven't tested them on many big fish, but with a little bit of maintence they've held up over three seasons. Good price point too.

Good luck!!

-D

[BYRD]

Thanks for the responses guys, keep them coming!!

[fishsalmon]

Byrd,
Stop over to the house and i will show you what i have. 7wt and 9wt. 7 is a two piece, 9 is a four piece. I have floating, inter, and sinking lines. I also have 5wt if you want to borrow to just practice casting - i use it for fresh water. Any could handle most fish where we wade though it would be cutting it close with the 5wt. Sorry i gave you the bug for this last fall. But then again what is one more rod when you have what 30 something already?
Blake

[BYRD]

48 - and am looking at at least six more when the boat gets done!

[jemche]

do you have 40 fly rods or are you talking about coventinal or spinners?

[BYRD]

Conventional and spinners. Do not presently own a fly rod. From ultralights to 80lb tuna sticks.

[jemche]

wow! thats a lots of rods!