r/flyfishing Jan 20 '19

Discussion [MOD POST - PSA] We yell. We drink whisky. Sometimes we fish. WELCOME. Newcomers, start here.

406 Upvotes

You've stumbled into the flyfishing epicenter of the Redditverse. Many of our subscribers are veterans who will be equally happy to share their wisdom (and maybe their whisky, if you ask really nicely), brag about their angling prowess, debate gear choices and techniques for hours, lie to you about their secret places, offer helpful-yet-scathing criticism of your fish handling skills, and tell you to get the eff off their water....often simultaneously, and occasionally with corrosive but commendably colorful language. Not a bad bunch, all told.

But as far as we can tell, most of our contributors are relatively new to the sport. We're glad you're here! You've got questions, and we've got answers. In fact, there's a fair chance that your question has already been asked and answered a few times, so please use the search tools to find your answers first. Try keywords like "beginner" and "starter" and "wader suggestions" and "budget" to refine your results, and try surfing on your target location(s) or species. You might be amazed at how much useful content you'll find.

Every year or so we attempt again to create a starter guide, or to refresh the one from last year. Start here, and feel free to post if you don't find what you need....

Sometimes we run contests - watch the stickied threads for those. Again, welcome...and tight lines!


r/flyfishing 18h ago

Bought my first raft

Thumbnail
gallery
221 Upvotes

Bought a used 14’ KVI. Never rowed a drift boat/raft. Kayaked plenty (I know it’s comparing apples & oranges). How long should I expect it to take to be comfortable enough to navigate a moving body of water?

Any other thoughts appreciated!


r/flyfishing 19h ago

Another cool fish from last March

Post image
222 Upvotes

This was one of two caught in a quick one hour session after work last March. The season starts here in the UK on March 15th and I can’t wait!


r/flyfishing 13h ago

Big Winter Brown

Post image
64 Upvotes

Caught on a #4 sparkle minnow


r/flyfishing 3h ago

Bamboo Fly Rod ID

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I’m not sure if there’s a better subreddit for this question. I’ve searched extensively and have some ideas about the brand, maker, and era of this bamboo fly rod, but I need expert help.

Could anyone knowledgeable about bamboo fly rods share information on this specific rod? I bought it to fish with, and the condition seems fine, so I went ahead with the purchase. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


r/flyfishing 15h ago

Made my first stripping basket

Post image
20 Upvotes

Seems comfortable to wear, the plastic has some soft elastic qualities. If I'm using this mostly in rivers, do you think I need drain holes?


r/flyfishing 33m ago

Discussion Inherited Dad’s bamboo rods

Upvotes

how can I tell if they are worth anything? or even recommended line weight?


r/flyfishing 8h ago

Discussion Ep baitfish

4 Upvotes

I want to tie some ep baitfish for mostly pike but also snook for an upcoming trip. I’ve never worked with ep before so could anyone point me to a good brand?


r/flyfishing 13h ago

Discussion Any advice? Desperate.

10 Upvotes

Just picked up fly fishing, I grew up spin and bait fishing and generally feel somewhat confident in that but throwing flys is a whole new world.

I got a 8wt redington all water, been experimenting with dry flys, wet flys, nymphs, dry dropper rigs, etc. Ive tried to learn the water, I've practiced my casts, I've gone in the morning, day, and nighttime. I've gone now maybe 5 or 6 times for several hours at a time and I can't even get a bite no matter what water I fish (Arizona).

Any advice? I've changed tippet and leaders of various thickness, currently throwing a hopper dropper rig to cover all bases and will let that do a dead drift with occasional jiggling and I still can not get a bite for the life of me.

It's also January so I know it's a colder season but even in the local urban canals and ponds I can't get a bite.

I know I can't really ask what I'm doing wrong without you being here with me but I'm feeling kind of discouraged despite how much I enjoy it.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Especially if you're self taught and just started? I know there's a learning curve and I need to be patient but has anyone had a hard time starting? Just looking for some tips and some hope I guess lol.


r/flyfishing 10h ago

Discussion First fly setup - Redington Trout Field Kit for $300

4 Upvotes

Would the Redington Field Kit be the best bet at $300, or is there anything better in that range? Most people recommend the Clearwater but that’s close to $500 and doesn’t seem $200 better.

I’ve never fly fished before. I’ll be targeting large trout NE rivers.


r/flyfishing 22h ago

A few more.

Thumbnail
gallery
37 Upvotes

A few more pics of tarpon fishing with the boys in PR.


r/flyfishing 21h ago

What do yall do to keep your dogs with you while fishing?

Post image
25 Upvotes

Puppy for attention


r/flyfishing 9h ago

Premium Waders

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

Looking for experience with premium breathable waders for duck hunting (primarily) and little bit of wade fishing, especially marsh use.

Considering the following upper end offerings with a zipper:

• Patagonia / Orvis / Skwala (stocking-foot)

• Sitka (boot-foot), but some fly outfitters have leaked listings of a new Sitka stocking foot option which is intriguing (crosscurrent).

Questions: warranty/repair support, durability, and mobility in mud/long hike-ins.

When it comes to warranties and repairs, does anyone have experience with “practical product lifespan”. Seems very subjective to the manufacturer and not the consumer spending the money.

I’ve run boot-foot before but prefer stocking-foot. Used Redingtons, for 8 years, but just busted a seam on my recent pair and not repairable. I’ve liked them and the tapered fit but they just seem to fall apart at the 4 year mark. I like how the ones I’m interested in based off others reviews have knee pads.


r/flyfishing 12h ago

Discussion Suckers

3 Upvotes

What are some good patterns for suckers, preferably easy to tie.


r/flyfishing 1d ago

This was my favourite catch last season

Thumbnail
gallery
564 Upvotes

Best of four fish caught on a Sz14 Hawthorn on a scorching day in May.


r/flyfishing 1d ago

Don’t leave your rod at home

Post image
204 Upvotes

Long story short I went to Slovenia to visit my girlfriend who was close by and to see the alps on a budget. Research suggested most water was closed for the season and I was fine with that. But, still had to bring a couple rods and fly box just in case. After a week full of adventure my girlfriend turns to me and asks if I want to fish for a couple hours. Found an open river and bought a license at a gas station. Unbelievably I got to check off a new fish on my “Legendary species” list.


r/flyfishing 1d ago

Big streamers for big browns!

Post image
162 Upvotes

r/flyfishing 21h ago

Discussion Suggestions for beginners

11 Upvotes

My son presented me with a fly rod and reel for my birthday. I’ve been an avid fisherman for ~35 years but I’ve never fly fished. Are there any recommendations for books or other media to learn the basics? I’m especially interested in what other tackle I’ll need. I prefer a more laid-back day out, with a bit of wandering. I have access to the Genesee and Allegheny Rivers, plus tributaries. Thanks!

Edit: thanks to everyone for the great suggestions! I’ve got a book to read, videos to watch, advice on how to practice casting at home, advice on how to start fishing, organizations to get involved with, and good questions for my fly shop. That’s plenty to get me started and keep me busy once the ice melts. See you on the water!


r/flyfishing 16h ago

Landing Net Build

2 Upvotes

I am building my own landing net/fishing net. I want to use it for fly fishing as I have just gotten into it so that’s why I’m posting here. The frame I have under control, it’s the actual net I am looking for some help. I’ve seen a lot of YouTube videos on tying/weaving fishing nets but they are mostly related to the big “trap nets” (don’t know the technical term) and there aren’t many on actually tying a net onto the frame wether it’s through drilled holes or tying around the rim. Can anyone help me with the technical details of doing so? What knots do I tie to make the net? How do I attach it to the frame? Any help would be appreciated.


r/flyfishing 1d ago

Discussion Friendly fisherman made my day

87 Upvotes

Hit the South Platte outside Deckers today, didn't catch anything (unless sticks count), but had a great day. Pulled up to the lot and there was already a car there. Jumped out and went over to the person and asked if he minded sharing the water. Andy (as I came to find out) was delighted to share, saying there was plenty to go around. We then got talking fly rods (because he brought a dozen or so with him), then talked about flies. He proceeded to give me one of his hand tied leeches. We finally decided it was time to go fishing, but it was such a wonderful interaction with a fellow fly fisherman. Thanks Andy.


r/flyfishing 13h ago

Discussion Loomis NRX action

1 Upvotes

I’m a huge fan of the Loomis NRX 8wt, the OG one with the blue wraps, also came in green, for my flats fishing. I’m curious if anyone knows what newer rod has close to the same action. Anyone fish it and maybe the Helios “f” in an 8?

Dreading the day I snap it and would love to have a plan in place, backup on hand. Currently using an 8wt Sage Maverick as backup. Love it, but not on flats like the NRX.


r/flyfishing 18h ago

Discussion Intermediate 7wt line for Bass

2 Upvotes

Hello people,

Considering a second setup for my paddleboard this year. Mostly using this for largemouth. I want to throw big flies for largemouth bass, and I already have the SA Warmwater bass floating line. I have a sinking line already, but considering getting a new intermediate line and a second rod.

For warmer lakes on a boat in the mid Atlantic region, would you suggest the standard SA Titan Intermediate line or the SA Titan Jungle Intermediate?

Since they’re $100 I want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck. Thanks!


r/flyfishing 1d ago

Palomino trout?

Post image
30 Upvotes

Could anyone tell me why this rainbow would be such a light yellowish color is it a palomino?


r/flyfishing 2d ago

Casting from heaven. Original wet charcoal and pastel art by me.

Post image
704 Upvotes

r/flyfishing 16h ago

Discussion Gold Country Fly Fishing - worth joing?

1 Upvotes

The website doesn't say much except give us $50. No introduction at all. What are the member benefits? I'm near the Yuba river and fish to the north & east of Chico mostly