The Fly Fishing - And Now All Types of Fishing Thread!

[Bonefish Blues]

8-6 5 weight and 9-0 7 weight get my vote if, and only if you'll be fishing waters that need the 7 weight i.e. somewhere where you'll need to put a decent line out, or fish in exposed places. If not, a 9-0 6 would be better.

What say colleagues?

[pequod]

The 'standard' beginner set up seems to be 9' 5# which would cover most lake and river scenarios to start with. If a two rod outfit then 9'6'' 6/7# for lake/res/big river and an 8' 4# for small river/stream would be my suggestion although you could argue for a 7' 3# if you're mainly wading in small locations.
All depends where Andy is intending to fish so difficult to be sure what setup would be best.

[dickymint]

One Amp Andy said:

nigelpugh7 said:

Your welcome bud!

I’ve got up early, walked the dog, made breakfast, had several brews, made my packed lunch, and trying to decide if I would like to take my jetboil with me to have a brew by the river!

So it’s time to fish again.

Oh and I can’t answer the Sportfish or Greys?

I just really like my Greys gear.

Excellent, do it. Which weights do you reckon then for two outfits? I've lost track!

Edited by One Amp Andy on Sunday 28th June 10:36

Then you have to decide what 'taper' you need, what leaders and tippets ...............

I see that some people have mentioned/linked to chest waders! Personally don't go there they're dangerous especially if you don't know the river. Also some waters will not allow them anyway. My stretch has a ban on them unless you're one of the 'Magnificent Seven' that own the Salmon rights. I have an exemption and allowed to wear my waist waders (trousers) and boots which is nice.

[One Amp Andy]

I'll probably be fishing around Kielder and the River Eden. Down to the Lune Valley. Then up around Dumfries and Borders is not that far. I really like mooching along the maze of tributaries too.There are some huge lakes and reservoirs round here.

[One Amp Andy]

dickymint said:

Then you have to decide what 'taper' you need, what leaders and tippets ...............

I see that some people have mentioned/linked to chest waders! Personally don't go there they're dangerous especially if you don't know the river. Also some waters will not allow them anyway. My stretch has a ban on them unless you're one of the 'Magnificent Seven' that own the Salmon rights. I have an exemption and allowed to wear my waist waders (trousers) and boots which is nice.

I know I was just mulling this point over, and all I could think was 'Oh ffs, just stick with coarse and sea fishing'.

[Bonefish Blues]

One Amp Andy said:

I'll probably be fishing around Kielder and the River Eden. Down to the Lune Valley. Then up around Dumfries and Borders is not that far. I really like mooching along the maze of tributaries too.There are some huge lakes and reservoirs round here.

Then add a 7ft ish 3-weight to the two I suggested and at some point in the future and you're covered for pretty much anything. Not typically available as a combo, but I may be wrong there.

[pequod]

Bonefish Blues said:

One Amp Andy said:

I'll probably be fishing around Kielder and the River Eden. Down to the Lune Valley. Then up around Dumfries and Borders is not that far. I really like mooching along the maze of tributaries too.There are some huge lakes and reservoirs round here.

Then add a 7ft ish 3-weight to the two I suggested and at some point in the future and you're covered for pretty much anything. Not typically available as a combo, but I may be wrong there.

Given the waters, I would be very tempted to start with that Orvis Encounter outfit 9'6'' 6# which seems good value at £149 then add heavier/longer if you are mainly fishing reservoirs from the bank and certainly for estuaries particularly targetting sea trout/salmon where you might want to consider a spey rod.

Completely different waters to the chalk streams where I fish!

Edited by pequod on Sunday 28th June 13:00

[nigelpugh7]

I’m on the other stretch of the Alne right now.

Knowing it’s a mixed stretch I’ve come with my 7ft for the tight spaces and my 9ft #5, which I’m looking at using here right now.

[One Amp Andy]

OK....In my various shopping carts, I have as follows:

Orvis shopping cart - Encounter 8'6 5 weight. combo.

Garry Evans cart - Greys GRC 9'6 7 weight power combo.
Greys GR60 7' 3 weight.

Seem ok? Or do the choices need tweaking a bit? Just looking for a reel to match the 7'.

[Bonefish Blues]

Looks just fine to me

V-a-v a reel for a 3, it's almost irrelevant tbh, so I'd be looking at one of the Chinese CNC ones like this and many others:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-Machined-Smooth-Fly...

It's irrelevant because it's just a line holder, really, btw

[pequod]

Looks ok to me too and agree with BB don't waste money on a fancy reel for the 7' as you won't be casting loads of line, unless you forget the other two when you visit the reservoir, and if you hook into a decent fish in the streams you intend using it on, the reel will be the last consideration!! Happy days, I remember it well!
Now, onto which flies in your box(es) ... you have ordered at least 5 boxes haven't you, as the collected experience on here, and elsewhere, will fill those in no time!!?

[One Amp Andy]

Feel like I'm getting somewhere now! I'll just get a Shakespeare Sigma or something along those lines, only £35.

[dickymint]

Bonefish Blues said:

Looks just fine to me

V-a-v a reel for a 3, it's almost irrelevant tbh, so I'd be looking at one of the Chinese CNC ones like this and many others:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-Machined-Smooth-Fly...

It's irrelevant because it's just a line holder, really, btw

Exactly. There will come a day that you may want to play a fish on the reel but I wouldn't be worrying about that just yet

I will say though I had years of fun using a clockwork (i kid you not) Garcia that apart from the weight was great fun!

Edit: A large spool does help keeping your line in better order - remember when the "Loop" reel came on the market many years ago?

Edited by dickymint on Sunday 28th June 16:57

[dickymint]

One Amp Andy said:

Feel like I'm getting somewhere now! I'll just get a Shakespeare Sigma or something along those lines, only £35.

Personally Andy i'd just get a single rod, reel and line and go to a pond armed with a box of lures and nymphs and learn to cast. Forget about river fishing and buying kit until later next season.

Oh and don't get drawn into double hauling distance casting as you'll just spook fish that are literally within a few yards of your feet!

Edited by dickymint on Sunday 28th June 17:05

[dickymint]

Here you go ............

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9m_XdjTie8

I'm off to ebay to find one now.

[One Amp Andy]

Thanks guys. Dicky, too late! They have been bought . I get what you're saying though. Onwards to boxes upon boxes of flies.... Gentlemen, over to you....

Edited to add, I bought a Greys GX1000 for the 7' , feel slightly daft now but it looked nice.... I know, I know.....

[pequod]

One Amp Andy said:

Thanks guys. Dicky, too late! They have been bought . I get what you're saying though. Onwards to boxes upon boxes of flies.... Gentlemen, over to you....

Edited to add, I bought a Greys GX1000 for the 7' , feel slightly daft now but it looked nice.... I know, I know.....

Nothing daft about buying a nice rod, and as you have noticed, if you keep the kit in good order, there will always be someone who wants it.

Fly fishing, to me, is more about getting on the river with a bit of light tackle, enjoying the whole experience of a mile of water to yourself, watching wildlife and, occasionally, catching a wild BT.

Now about the fly selection ...

[dickymint]

One Amp Andy said:

Thanks guys. Dicky, too late! They have been bought . I get what you're saying though. Onwards to boxes upon boxes of flies.... Gentlemen, over to you....

Edited to add, I bought a Greys GX1000 for the 7' , feel slightly daft now but it looked nice.... I know, I know.....

You'll enjoy it does look stunning

I've just bought this minter that's a simple fix for old times sake............

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Garcia-Mitchell-710-Aut...

From memory I think I still have the case for my old one in the attic - don't need a case though as my rods are always set up ready to go in the garage.

[dickymint]

............just found the instruction manual and parts list too...........

https://mitchellreels.ourboard.org/forum/viewtopic...

[One Amp Andy]

Walked down to the River Irthing and tracked it for a mile or two with the dog earlier. Absolutely chucking it down, and there were some huge browns hoovering up the downed flies/nymphs in the margins. Sat awhile just watching, I love just sitting quietly surrounded by nature even without a rod and reel.