I have been using the same fishing gear for years now, a 6ft. Berkley rod, Abu-Garcia spinning reel, and 6lb. Stren Monofilament (clear blue). I usually use Eagle Claw snelled hooks and Canadian Nightcrawlers for trout, and any number of lures/artificial bait for bass. After fishing the same waters the same ways for years, I need a new challenge.
I generally fish for trout during the summer months as I find them quite tasty, and the waters they live in unique and pleasant. However, I am growing tired of scaling river banks and worming hooks. This summer, I have decided to learn how to fly fish. To open myself up to this noble pastime and maybe someday, land a trout on a fly that I tied myself.
I have general knowledge of trout fishing, and I understand the important factors of fly rods. At least what I think is important. However, I would like a little direction in deciding on my first rod.
I will largely be fishing small streams and rivers, no more than 40-50 feet wide. Also, throughout the summer I will be hiking into some small ponds for overnight camping/fishing outings, and would like to be able to fish any number of small Adirondack ponds for native brookies during these excursions.
I have an old rod, and a fly reel spooled with backing and what I think is 5wt., floating line. I acquired this set-up from a relative who passed away, and by the time I got my hands on it, the rod had undoubtedly been stepped on and was split right above the handle. I am almost embarrassed to say that I wrapped the rod, in extreme cob-job fashion, so that I could practice my casting in the yard. The resistance caused by the water will surely cause the rod to buckle, and I can’t imagine trying to set a hook with it, but it has offered me something to practice with for the time being.
I’ve been looking around a bit, and I am leaning towards this rod by L.L. Bean – 5wt., four pieces, and includes a rod tube. I like the fact that the rod is four pieces and comes with a tube, as I will be hiking, and my gear should be compact and protected. The only thing I am concerned with is the length. I didn’t notice on the website what the length is, but I think it should be around 7 or 8 feet?
What length/weight rods do you use when fishing small streams and rivers for trout? I have heard of fishermen spooling 5wt. line on a 4wt. rod for small streams to make up for the lack of line that will be cast, is this something to consider?
7-8.5 ft is good for small streams, but a little harder to cast than the usual9.5. I am a beginner as well and went with an orvis Clearwater II 8.6 that also came with a reel and rod tube for 300$, garanteed 25 yrs, and I could not be happier. Do a search for the Ausable river (close to lake placid, NY), there are a bunch of fly shops with good info in that area (e.g. 2-fly shop). not too sure about the wt, so i’ll leave that to someone else. have fun!!
Just discovered your blog, can’t wait for the next ones!
Scott,
I live in Bolton Landing, have been teaching fly tying and
fly casting for years. Worked for Orvis the summer they
opened up on rte. 149 at the malls in GF.
Give a yell if you are looking for instruction.
Cobber
I’ve always enjoyed trout fishing, especially trudging to back woods adk ponds, lakes, and streams! I recently decided I wanted in on the fly fishing world as well. After much research I decided on a 9′ 5wt rod and reel package from L.L. Bean. As much as I loved to Orvis rods I knew that starting off I should go with something a bit more reasonably priced. The Double L. from L.L. Bean has done me well so far this summer. I think I’ve caught more native brookies than ever! Its a blast! Definitely go with a 4 piece. if you plan on small stream fishing I’d suggest 3 or 4 wt. If you are going to do a good combination of river and stream fishing an 8.5′ or 9.5 5wt will be a good choice! let us know what you decide on! Maybe I’ll see ya on the water…if you can find all my secret spots…
Thanks for the posts! I purchased a rod yesterday from L.L.Bean, can’t wait to get on the water! I ended up going with the Quest II Two-Piece 7’6″, 4wt. I decided on this rod for a few reasons. One, the price. At $69 and with an included rod tube, you can’t beat that for a beginner. Two, I feel that 9′, 5wt. is probably one of the more common size fly rods, and if I am heading to a river or lake I can probably borrow one of those from a friend, but I think I’ll stick to small streams for now. I was originally leaning towards a four-piece so it would be compact and easy to hike with, however they were running in the $150-200 range and that’s too much for me to spend on my first rod. I am going to put an old reel spooled with 5wt. line on my new rod and hit the stream early next week. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!
“…and let the trolling begin”
Fish 307 has a 4 piece 5 wt cortland with line / reel for $99.. in case you need another set up ..
🙂
Thanks a lot for the article post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.