Re: Fly Fishing Startup Costs?
I won't get into brands too much because these days pretty much every line has some top notch stuff and some junk. In your situation probably the most bang for the buck will be a combo. Look for a dealer with a robust return policy, that way if it doesn't work out you can recover your hard earned money and try something else. If you do go the combo route look at the fine print. Some come with case, line, backing, leaders, etc. and some don't. I'm not advocating one over the other. Just be sure you factor in the additional cost, which can be significant, if you have to buy those things separately. In terms of what will work for your stated application, I think you'll be happiest with a 5 weight mid-flex rod. Go with a two piece model unless you'll be flying with it a lot or packing it in/out. A 5 weight will swing streamers just fine and will allow you to turn over smaller dries, nymphs and emergers as well, and it will make for a good multi-species rod. If the fly fishing bug infects you still deeper (and it will) you'll find yourself wanting different weight outfits for different applications, but the 5 weight is by far the most versatile, so start there. There are some good reels available for a c note or less. Look for one that doesn't have any plastic parts. You'd be amazed how many do. The line you'll want is weight forward floating with a rocket taper. If the fish are down deep there are ways to get the fly down to them without sink tip line. The inverse is not true. Do yourself a favor and spring for a chest pack. You'll thank me after your first outing. Essential tools are a line/leader straigtener, tippet dispenser, hemostat, nippers, and strike indicators. Other goodies will come in handy, but those are all you really need. Go ahead and pick up several different sizes of tippet since you won't really know which size will work on a given day until you start fishing. One spool of each ranging from size 1-7 should do it (don't worry, it's cheap). Don't skimp on the tippet selection. That's what the fish see, so size really matters. Often makes the difference between fishing and catching. You can buy pre-made leaders or build your own. I usually just tie a 6'-8' section of 6 lb. fluorocarbon to my line and tie my tippet to that. Purists would shudder at that method, but it works for me. Don't know whether it would for you. That's about it. If you want me to point you toward some decent combos I'll be happy to, but I figure you'll get plenty of that kind of input. I'd rather light a candle than curse your darkness.
Tight lines.
