What weight and length fly rod ,for panfish, would you all recommend ?I know zero about fly fishing.Are there any online tutorials to get me started in the right direction?Is it difficult to learn to cast?I want something to fish small lakes from a boat. Thanks

Hi Bruce,
Don't know a lot about fly rods but for casting the Lefty Kreh DVD's will get you headed in the right direction and there are probably a number of other good ones.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

I would look at a 3 or 4-weight rod. For more fight out of the fish, go longer. 9-footer would be a lot of fun.

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I totally agree with Tom, an 8'6" or 9' 3or4 wt would be just the ticket for this. As far as difficulty to cast, for some they take to it fairly easy, others more difficult. Practice is probably going to get the best results, or if one of your local shops has a casting clinic it would be a great help. The biggest thing is do not get frustrated after the first outing and give up, you will improve with time and practice. lots of good videos on YouTube that will probably help also.

Ron Weber

Like most of the other guys have said an 8'-6" or 9' would be perfect. I would recommend going for the 4wt over the 3wt. The 4wt will cast surface poppers with much more ease than a 3wt, especially for someone learning to cast. I would also recommend that you over line the 4wt with a 5wt line while you are learning to cast. You won't be able to cast as far but it will help you to learn the timing of when to start and stop your casting stroke. As you get more comfortable and proficient at casting try a 4wt and you'll see an increase in how much line you can carry in the air and the distance that you are able to cast.
You mention that you'll be doing your fishing from a boat, if you going to be sitting down, like in a row boat or canoe go for the 9' rod. The extra length will help keep the back cast off the water. If your going to be standing either length will do.
Get yourself some small surface poppers and a few nymphs and go have a blast. There are plenty of DVDs out that will teach you the basics of casting. Both Orvis and LL Bean have a good book geared towards beginners, both books center more on the trout fishermen but they will have all the basics that apply to all kinds of fly fishing.

Casting from a boat can be a little more difficult than casting on land. Because of that a longer rod makes the 'pickup' off the water a little easier. I would go with an 8'6 or 9'. A 4 wt lets you nicely throw smaller flys but has just enough backbone to throw beadheads, small poppers and hair bugs. 95% of my mid western fishing is done from boats with my 8'6 5wt and 9' 3 wt( with a 4 wt line on it). When I go out West for trout, I use the same rods plus a little 3 wt 7'6 rod for small stream fishing.

Thanks everyone.Looks like a 9ft 4 wt is what Ill be looking for.It sure is nice to be able to draw on experience as needed.

Hi Bruce,
I'm not an expert builder like many here, but I have been flyfishing since I was 5. Take the advice above, Kreh will get you started. But when you get "that" cast that feels great you will know, the only trouble will be duplicating it, which will lead to your unique casting technique and a life long addiction. Lawn practice is the key; hard to concentrate when there are hungry fish rising as twilight approaches. Best wishes (don't let frustration win)!