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Posts: 53
Location: Tomahawk, WI | I would love to get into flyfishing, I hope somebody here knows something about it. Start with largemouths and smallies and work my way up to the biggins', muskie and pike. What brands of rods and reels would you suggest and what weights? I want something that will last.
Cameron |
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Posts: 1286
Location: WI | I'd go with Sage or St Croix for a rod. Fly rods are insanely priced, I don't get it, but whatever..find one that fits your price range and go from there. A faster action will help you cast larger flies better.
The Scientific Anglers System2 reels are pretty decent. I use an older one and it suits me fine. Pretty much all fly reels do is hold line, until you get something big on, then you need one with a decent drag system. Ross Reels are also nice, and if you search Ebay long enough you can find deals on them.
I use a 9wt rod/line in pike/musky taper (weight forward, floating) for casting the heavy flies and streamers. They're still tough to cast, especially in the wind. For a leader I use Mason hardline 40lb test (I think?) and splice that (double surgeons knot) with some nylon coated wire and use a melt knot to attach my flies. I've only caught a couple pike so far this summer (both were 27 inches) and a 14 inch smallmouth, but they were a blast on the long rod!
If you can afford multiple set ups, maybe get a 6 or 7wt to start with for bass/panfish, and then a 9wt for pike/musky. You can go lighter or heavier, but these 2 seem to cover the bases pretty well for me.
Edited by JKahler 8/15/2006 2:36 PM
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | Take a look at TFO rods (Temple Fork Outfitters) They give you bang for the buck. I use my Professional #7 rod for everything I can cast to, trout, salmon (just prey that a 30lbser dont take the fly :)) pike, perch, i use it in saltwater for different species of fish.
But most importantly is that you find a rod that suits your style of casting.
I have no prefs on reels, I use a cheap Okuma graphite reel, which has lasted 3 seasons now.
Michael |
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| Call Wendy or Larry at Hayward Fly Fishing Company. They are devoted fly anglers that target smallmouth and muskies exclusively. 715-634-8149
Edited by FYGR8 8/18/2006 1:56 PM
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Posts: 53
Location: Tomahawk, WI | Thanks guys. The TFO rods are out of my price range. I'm looking at some St. Croix's on ebay. I think I'm going to start off with a 7 or 8wt.
FYGR8, do they have a website? What kind of business do they run?
Cameron |
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| Check them out at www.haywardflyfishingcompany.com
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Posts: 53
Location: Tomahawk, WI | Thanks |
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Posts: 1286
Location: WI | I wouldn't go under 8wt or it may be too difficult to cast bigger bass bugs/musky flies. |
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| I have been flyfishing muskies for about the last 8 years an have worked with a variety of line wights and rods. I use 10 wt rods and would recommend purchasing 2 rods if at all possible. The first rod should be rigged with a floating line and the second with a sink tip, I use a 400 grain. This will allow you to cover most situations and allow you to fish shallow or deep, throw streamers or topwaters. As far as a reel is concerned simply go with a large arbor that has a smooth drag. If you think rod prices are crazy the reel prices will really shock you. I use the st. croix legend reels and love them. They are extremely high quality for the price.
best of luck
Mark Meritt |
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flyrod and reel setup recommendations