(Part 2) Best products from r/flyfishing

1. Sorry, don't live in CO
   
   
2. Get Basic Fly Fishing; Stackpole Books Get the paperback version, since it's easier to see than the e version. It's a really decent intro to fly fishing. Then start looking for Youtube videos. There's tons of them. Orvis has some good ones.
   
   
3. Yes, but perhaps after reading some basics and watching some videos and practicing in the yard or park. You may be able to find a local fly club with folks that will happily help you learn basics for free, or you may find it worth paying a pro for a couple hours to work on some techniques and problem areas.
   
   
4. Fly fishing has a mix of people that believe in strict catch and release (C&R) and people that practice legal killing and grilling. There's always a cooler and a filet knife in my vehicle, and often a campstove or campfire implements. I use them selectively and sparingly depending on fishery, season, remoteness, legality and mood.
   
   The non-obvious specific gear to fly fishing would include:
   
   

• A good set of polarized sunglasses that double as safety glasses. (If you need them, they are available with built in reader bifocals for those of us that can't see to tie a knot without them.)
  
  
• A net - available small or large, long handle or short. A lot of folks favor one roughly 2ft long with a 15-16" tear drop shaped loop and a silicon or rubber "catch n release" style bag (as opposed to nylon)
  
  
• Waders, float tube or canoe or kayak - Despite the prevalence of wading in the trout fishing communities, a lot of us do just fine out of canoes, kayaks and tubes. It totally depends on local conditions, situations and species.

It could be a combination of all of the above, or none of the above. Depth is important, size is important, too. If you are still fishing winter conditions, the takes are very subtle and you may be getting bites that you don't even realize. I set on everything that has a remote chance of being a strike this time of year.

If you can take a class or go on a guided trip, it will help you out immensely, especially as you are learning new water.

I also got a lot of benefit from getting a net seine to see what bugs are actually in the water and then using that to match my flies. Another great resource that I've used is The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing

Keep at it, the best way to improve is to keep practicing!

Well, this works for me: Keep things focused and lightweight.

The silicone boxes are pretty heavy, IMO, so I avoid those.

I have one box with "extra" flies that I leave in the car. I then carry with me three fly boxes:

• Umpqua Day Tripper Box: nymphs, dries and streamers. It is small and light-weight. Details here.
  
  
• Magnetic box: for small flies #20 and smaller (I fish three tailwaters). The magnetized backing is great so that small flies don't get blown away in a sudden breeze. Pic here.
  
  
• C&F chest patch: This a great invention. Open side slits allow flies to dry. It has magnets in it. Has enough slots to hold a bunch of flies. Details here. This is the go-to box. I try and plan ahead about what I want to fish and load those into this box. As a result, I rarely go into the other two boxes. Very efficient too, as I don't have to open the chest pack. I just flip open the C&F, pick a fly, put the old one on a magnet to dry, and flip it shut.

Great idea for a thread!

Outside of some tying gear, I just put one of these on the list.

I have a few little gadgets that I really like but wouldn't necessarily buy straight out for myself, but made great Father's Day gifts, like the Smith Creek Net Holster and the Smith Creek Rod Holder.

Also can't go wrong upgrading someone's maybe older style net to a rubber based net pretty affordably.

Yes, capitalism always has the best solutions to extremely complex environmental issues. (See: Pebble Mine) The reason I don't agree with private waters is because waterways, and especially rivers are not a closed system. The practices of Boxwood Gulch and similar places impact everything around them as well. The invasive species of rainbow trout that are stocked in these waters outcompete the native fish and reduce their historic ranges. The Greenback Cutthroat trout is native to the South Platte, but has been reduced to 1% of it's historic range and placed on the endangered species list because of practices like that at Boxwood Gulch. Any restoration attempts cannot be successful because of how hardy the stocked rainbow trout are in comparison. They were bred with the sole intention of being resilient. I believe that as fisherman it is our responsibility to protect the ecosystems that provide us this opportunity and being informed about the biological impact of our activities is the first step in doing so. You should read: https://www.amazon.com/Entirely-Synthetic-Fish-Rainbow-Beguiled/dp/0300140886
if you would like to understand the historical impact of our stocking practices throughout the US. Or just keep paying people ridiculous amounts of money so you can hold your trophy trout like it's your first time for internet points.

Don't buy it. Look at the aestos fenwick 9ft5wt on Amazon
I have both the orvis clear water and then researched and bought this one for the kids and it is far superior.
Read this. It's a good review of several rods. https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2017-5-weight-shootout-fly-rod-review-best-5-weight-rod-best-fishing-pole-best-fly-rod-g-loomis-nrx-lp-scott-radian-g-loomis-asquith-t-t-avantt-thomas-and-thomas-avant-edge-by-gary-loomis-orvis-h2-covert-winston-air-sage-x

It also is cheaper! Ie buy the piscifun reel and line and backing it suggests and you will save 50$ and get a much better rod. The 9ft5wt orvis Clearwater was the first rod I got and it really feels like a 6wt and is very stiff compared to the aetos

Fenwick AETOS 5 Wt Fly Fishing Rod, 9 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VS0JZWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MyAGzb9GD383E

Utah here too - welcome to our great state!

Agree with many of the other posters, you're best bet is probably to hit a fly shop first. There are a lot of variables involved, including which styles (dry, nymph, streamer) you're most interested in learning. The guys at Western Rivers are amazing, Fishtec also has excellent staff - local little places, of course. If you do go with the chain, Sportsmans is my favorite by far. Their HQ is here in SLC too.

That being said, I wouldn't go too gung-ho on gear until you figure out what where and how you'll be using it. Waders, packs, many tools... are just not necessary at first.

I'd say, if you're going to invest in anything - make sure it's a decent line. You can all the best gear, but a cheap line will kill any setup.

My favorite all-around entry level rod is this one. I fished it for 4 years when I first started, and would have definitely kept it around as back-up if it hadn't broken! https://www.amazon.com/Redington-Crosswater-590-4-Fly-Outfit/dp/B00ISD2AY0

Edit: my old Redington broke because a drunken dumbass friend stepped on it. Not a quality thing.

I️ have one of these:

Allen Cottonwood Fishing Rod & Gear Bag, Olive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MK16O3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8fLbAb8SXG37N

I️ keep it in my house unless I’m on a trip, but it could easily be kept in my trunk. I️ like it because it’s not huge, so it forces me to keep my rods, reels, spools, leaders, tippet, fly boxes, tools, etc. organized between outings. I really love it.

So, I travel to NW Arkansas for work quite a bit and just got into fly fishing recently. There's a great fly shop in Fayetteville called McLellan's and they pointed me to the Beaver Lake tail waters. I also bought this book off them and I would definitely recommend it. Hope this helps!

I think the best instructional books for a beginner are either the Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide or the LL Bean Ultimate Book of Fly-Fishing. For fun reads, you can't go wrong with any of John Gierach's books. Trout Bum would be a good starting point.

It's all a process, and we cant answer everything for you.

Try a free class on the basics. Bring your rod and reel to the class, ask them questions about it. They'll help you out.
http://www.orvis.com/flyfishing101

Try watching some videos to shed some light on how best to approach things. http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons

Try asking a flyshop near that river what to throw. They'll know whats working so you can stop asking yourself if the flies are correct. They'll be able to answer a lot of things.

Try a book or two about everything else.

Easy reading: https://amzn.com/0936608064

Detailed reading: https://amzn.com/0385308167

You don't need $300 to get into fly fishing.

• Rod $26
  
  
• Reel $19
  
  
• Backing $9
  
  
• Fly line $8
  
  
• Leader $9
  
  
• Tippet $5
  
  
• Handful of flies: $10
  
  That's $86 USD, and you have everything you need to start.
  
  YouTube videos are free, but the Orvis Fly Fishing Video Lessons are even better, and cover everything from first day on the water, up to advanced fly fishing techniques.

Most C&R trout situations are improved with landing nexts. It’s hard to get a fish in hand with a long rod and long leader/tippet. Even with barbless, you may have to handle the fish to get the hook out. With a net, it’s easier to keep them in the water and reduces the amount they fight. Plus it’s easy to snap a quick pic in the net if you want to. Here’s a cheap rubber one (key to protecting the fish) I use. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRLL3PA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HIi7Ab7SSAYJH

What kind of budget?

Edit: Echo Base Fly Rod (7'6" 3wt) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4SY5L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_soc3Db8WA5KZ1


Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body 3/4 Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191J5BYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hpc3DbX1VYQW2

I’ve been very happy with this pairing. Not very expensive but works great so far.

At the risk of sounding like a cheapskate, this is my 3 wt: https://www.amazon.com/Maxcatch-Medium-fast-Premier-Performance-V-Premier/dp/B01N0MK19V/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496808473&sr=8-3&keywords=maxcatch%2Bfly%2Brod&th=1&psc=1.

Honestly, I love it. Use it all the time and have no issues with it. Performs just as well as my more expensive other rods (in higher weights, this is my smallest rod).

I think I saw your last post in the comments you where talking about a clear water also and that is a rod combo I was looking into my self. After reading the comments I started shopping around for a TFO rod and a Lamson reel. I was extremely impressed with the reviews on both of them and completely changed my mind away from the clear water. I found some good deals on Amazon for both and this is basically going to be my next setup.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007NLQM5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410331488&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40#
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A4KNDH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410331645&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Under $300 as long as you don't get a rod longer than 9'. But hell I'm just one guy.

If you're in the St. Louis area, the Meramec river is where it's at. A great book that you might look into is the Flyfisher's Guide to Missouri and Arkansas it has a lot of great detail broken into zones within Missouri.

maybe it's the current I fish in, but I don't see balancing my rod like that as any easier or less of a risk (of dropping it) than just grabbing it under my armpit or popping it into this gadget or the loop in my vest.

In the US. The grip doesnt fit well in my hand and I do want to make a little more commitment.

My current rod: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0031HECBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498715280&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=eagle+claw+featherlight+fly+rod&dpPl=1&dpID=21Zik7S5zYL&ref=plSrch

The upgrade: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VS0JZWK/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1_1_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

It's alright. I kinda bought it because I thought it looked really nice against the clearwater rod and Battenkill reel. It was cheaper:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FM9V16A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This was on the Loyalhannah creek in South Western PA. There was some changing starting to happen, mornings have been getting chilly around here.

I don't have that case but I have an Allen one I bought from Amazon that I like which is half the cost.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MK16O3O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used to hold my rod under my arm. I recently purchased a Smith rod holder to clip to my bag and love it.

Smith Creek Rod Clip, Wearable Fishing Rod Holder, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GM6I9BS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.pnHzbER1D2XP

Id get something SUPER cheap. Literally no reason for a reel on a 3wt other than a line holder. Check out this one or this one

You could check out a super cheap four piece rod on amazon. While not the absolute best quality, it would function just the same.

Here’s an 8’ 4’’ 3 wt rod
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0MK19V/ref=zg_bs_13362836011_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=SH69DJEQ3RA2NAGZ0QP2&th=1&psc=1

Ok I'll look into it. I have this one but I don't really like the shape of the actual rubber netting.

Edit: Do you know which phantom model it is? It looks like there are several different versions of it.

I hear that haha, I have a few right now. 2 I've made myself, and one was this one - https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Stripping-Ergonomic-Minimize-Distance/dp/B072BM799R/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541023585&sr=8-3&keywords=stripping+basket&dpID=41E62qKX5uL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

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This one is the one I made(without the holes, don't drill holes) https://www.instructables.com/id/Fly-Fishing-Stripping-Basket-made-from-Repurposed-/

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You can get a Lamson Guru on amazon right now for $144. I have the guru 2 which is the same reel with a few upgrades and absolutely live it, caught 7 Harriman Ranch rainbows(these fish are very strong and have lots of room to run) ranging from 16"-22" last week and it performed flawlessly.

Waterworks: Guru 2 Open Reel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GEE2D0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_veDExb3DTSTS1


I just replaced my Temple Fork Outfitters 4wt recently, but for $150, they are very servicable rods.

Temple Fork: Professional Series Fly Rod, TF 05 90-4P 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NLQM5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7fDExbHWJHF0D

Finally, you would also be well served by spending $100 or so for some casting leasons. Nothing beats learning from someone who knows. I never did, until I took a week vacation and has a guide for 5 days and learned more in those 5 days than I learned in my first 5 years.

Edit: the link for the guru is for the guru series 1, size 2...looks confusing

This book helped me out a lot when I first started. Covers a broad range of topics, a good primer.

https://www.amazon.com/L-L-Bean-Ultimate-Book-Fishing/dp/159228891X

Ive got the "little red book of fly fishing" if you're interested in swapping for the whitlock book.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061QUQM4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

One of these. I started buying them because I can fit multiple in my waist pack and I can just toss flies in without sliding them into individual slits. They don't work well for larger flies, or bushy dry flies, though.

I have this. I like it alot. It holds 4, 4 piece 9ft or shorter rods, 7 reels or spools, and has tons of pockets for everything else.


Allen Cottonwood Fishing Rod & Gear Bag, Olive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MK16O3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oQIbAb8Z2YYQN