I haven't picked up a fly rod since mid 1960's, now since i am retired i thought i would try to a little fly fishing. Just looking for suggestions on what length, line weight and rod action would be a good starter. Used mostly for pan fish and trout streams. I have built bass rods and light saltwater rods, but thought i would try my hand at a fly rod. Also suggestion on reel seats and guides.
Thanks,
Roger
Greensboro, NC

3wt, 6 to 7foot medium action.

Don

You'll get a ton of different opinions on this question. If it were me, I'd lean towards a rod in the 4 wt range, 8-9'. LIght enough for panfish but enough rod to throw a reasonable number of different flies for trout. If you are in brushy, small stream environment, shorter is better as Don suggested above.

Also pick a moderate action rod. They are easier to learn on and you can feel the rod load. And, for the most part, they are less expensive anyway. The Forecast F864 is a good example. 8 1/2' 4 wt, moderate action.

Lot's of reel seat choices as well. solid choices in either black or chrome color for around $10.

Terry

A 6' to 7' 3wt would be considered a specialty rod, particularly for small streams. I agree with Terry, and 8' to 9' in a 4wt or 5wt would be a more all around rod. I would opt for a medium-fast action rod like a Batson RX-7. They are usually more sensitive and easier to feel loading. Check around for some discounted Batson blanks, they are discontinuing a lot of models and you may be able to pick one up cheap. Get Bit Outdoors has some at about 50% off.

If you are looking for a kit with decent reel seat and hardware, I would take a look at the Hook & Hackle Xi kits. Some of them are on sale at about $100 right now. It would be hard to put together a comparable set of components anywhere near that price.

As you can see, I am an avid deal seeker. But check around some of the suppliers at the left. Once you have an idea of what you might want, call them. They are usually very helpful and can get you set up with just what you need.

Hi Roger.... I'm no expert by any means but I personally consider any 3wt to be at the top end of Ultralight and while I like the 7' - 7'6" rods I don't think that would fit your list and think something in the 8' - 9' and a 4wt.

Baston has some great prices on some of their blanks that are being discontinued and Get Bit Outdoors (don't know about any other of the sponsors) has some attractive prices. [www.getbitoutdoors.com]


IF804 Batson 8'0" Was: $69.75 1.20 oz. OG Forecast RX7 4.5 Med-Fast 0.335 4 2 $34.88

IF864 Batson 8'6" Was: $75.71 1.33 oz. OG Forecast RX7 4.5 Med-Fast 0.375 4 2 $37.86

Guides I'm a big fan of Minima4 F guides ...

Well if you use a 10wt you can back cast those pans rite into the fryer no trouble. Ok try a 4-5wt. Since you have not built a lite rod just be careful with the tip area.

The Batson IF804 is great for panfish and trout, you can't beat it especially at the closeout price.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I believe i will go with a 7.5ft and a 8 or 8.5ft blank. Again thanks.

Roger