Fly fishing...first timer questions

This will be my first time fly fishing and I've been practicing in my yard but I can't seem to get much distance out of my fly...maybe 25 yards, what's the technique here?

Also as far as equipment what will I need? I have the whole rod and your standard fishing equipment and a pair of waders...what all is recommended?

Thanks for any advise!

 

First let me say that I am no expert fly fisherman..

Do you know the weight the rod is rated for (line weight, should be marked near the brand of the rod) as well as the reel, and what line weight is on the reel? That could be an issue. If a rod is rated for #6 WF line and you're using say #3 WF line it could be the rod is too stiff for the lighter weight. As apposed to bait cast type of fishing, fly fishing relies on the weight of the line to cast the fly, where as in bait cast, the weight of the lure pulls the line long in the cast.

As for technique, try not to flex your wrist while making the casting motion. Choose a position of comfort for you in the grip .. like thumb along the top in line with the rod, and pointer finger curled under.. keeping your wrist from flexing will help the rod flex as its intended to do in the cast. If your rod is a slow or moderate action rod your casting motion will need to be at a slower pace. If it's a fast action, then a faster pace. More often, todays graphite rods are in the faster category. Usually a slow action is a traditional bamboo rod. But, some companies make moderate speed rods too, but they are usually a pricier rod.

You can do a little research on the net to see what reel you have and what line it's rated for. Post on here and if I'm familiar with the reel I may know.. but often you can find the info. As for the line, unless you put it on yourself, you probably wont be able to tell what it is.

 

If you ever make it over to the fort bragg area, I'll help you out.

In terms of gear, what are you intending to fish for and on what type of waters?

Also what are you expecting to cast...? 25 yards, or 75 feet is pretty substantial. Once the line starts lengthening, make sure you are patient. That combined with a firm/strong back and forward cast will pay dividends. Also, if you are short on space, check out the "double-haul" casting method. Basically you yank the line in as you are on the back cast and then again as you are going to shoot the line out. It will cause extra spring force in the rod which will shoot your line further.

 

As a first timer don't worry about distance yet. Worry about accuracy. You'll catch most fish within 30 ft of where you're standing.

 

Because Tankara!

 

Are you using tapered line?

 

Do not worry about how far you can cast. It is "fly fishing", not "fly casting" - go out there and fish. 25 yards is more than enough to fish. Enjoy it, the rest will come with time and experience.

 

For me when I first started out. switching out my line made the biggest difference. Then It was the Rod

 

Welcome to fly fishing. Be careful as it is very addictive. As it has been said don't worry about casting for distance, good careful wading will get you in position for most of the fresh water fish you go after.

As for gear, get a good waterproof jacket, always have good forceps to pinch down your barbs and a good set of nippers to cut you line. You can spend almost as much getting into fly fishing as you can decking out your Tacoma. As you spend more time on the water and see what your buddies are using you will figure out what else you want/need.

Have fun and good luck.

 

Best advice would be to find a local fly shop and establish a nice relationship with them.

And take casting lessons. As stated above, accuracy & presentation are WAY more important than distance.

 

Go to youtube and search fly fishing for beginners. there are lots of very good videos.
Good luck. Accuracy is more important than distance. In most situations for freshwater fish one casts less than 30 feet.

 

Guessed you missed this post, jimbo.

 

True

 

Hire a guide or take some classes. For a good overall book on how to fly fish, especially nymphing, pick up the book The Flyfishers Playbook by Duane Redford. The book covers everything you need to know to get into fish.

 

Lots of practice.

 

Your question is too broad to adequately answer here. Books have been written answering your questions. You need to get some basic fly fishing knowledge and understanding first. I suggest you start by getting a basic introductory fly fishing book and read it thoroughly. Then contact some local fly shops and see if they offer beginner fly fishing classes. You can learn a lot from these classes. Then go out with a fly fishing guide. You can learn even more spending a day with a good guide than you can in a year teaching yourself. After all this you will have an understanding of equipment, flys and techniques.

 

25 yard or 25 feet? If you're casting 25 yards you're doing fine. Best way to improve is take a class then practice what you've learned. Better than trying to break bad habits later on.

 

Did you post this in the wrong thread? That's not a fly-fishing box.

 

oops yes I did! I thought I was in the fishing bs...my bad

 

JK bud!