Hi all.

I've been interested in flyfishing for a while now - never gotten my hands on the gear to give it a crack. I ran into a fella at a club dam a while back, who pulled out a fly outfit. I asked him what it was worth - it was peanuts. His thoughts were a reel is used to hold line, so doesn't matter. The rod was also pretty cheap.

I'm in the US at the mo, and cruising around Los Angeles today I went passed a fishing shop. A whole stack of flies on sale, as well as a few outfits. They also had a cheapo, going for $50US. Comes with line and all the rest. She's a 4/5 weight - and I'm tempted to head back tomorrow and pick it up.

I'd be using it for throwing things at small reddies and maybe the odd trout. But I reckon I'd only use it VERY seldom - and pull it out for something different every now and again. So not real keen to spend money on an outfit - but am real keen to give it a crack.

Question is - is there any point in buying such a cheap (and probably nasty) outfit?

How much could I do a similar thing for in Oz ? Looking on ebay it seems I could be saving myself a bit of cash.

I have no clue about fly fishing - but always found it an interesting thing on fishing shows and the net. Real keen to learn. This could be a thing to wet my appetite and start a new obsession, besides lures. Might mean the end of travelling if that happens

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Cheers
Scottie

scottie.. Softy... and a on a lesser amount.. Me.. are both keen on learning/trying..

the art of the style.. the hunt... is part of the thrill..


i will watch this thread with interest...

MarsOne wrote:


Hi Scottie. I have no real idea about costs of fly-fishing gear, but why not put this query into the freshwater section too ?

might just go do that AFF, going in that area again tomorrow - and in LA it takes a LONG time to get anywhere, so would pick it up tomorrow.

Del - maybe its something to suggest at a meeting - that anyone interested, like ourselves, can give it a crack with some of the seasoned pros in the club?

Hi Scottie- hope your having a blast in the USA mate. As for fly fishing it sounds like you are exactly like me, wouldnt mind getting out the fly gear every now and then for trout and reddy's but are not going to fly fish all the time.I dont know the quality or brand of the one you are looking at over there but my train of thought is you can pick up a pretty nice rod and reel here second hand/maybe new and in good condition through SAFWAA (talk to Joe)or other places. I picked up a Fenwick 5/6 weight rod from Fishermans Paradise for $80 brand new a couple of years ago and a cheap Gilles reel from another tackle shop, since then i also got another shakespere reel at the SAFWAA meetings for $10, I think that the most expensive part of my whole outfit was the line i put on the reel.Also every so often the club has an auction night (will have one pretty soon) and there is always stacks of bargains on the night including fly gear. I guess what im trying to say in the end is be sure and confident in what you are buying because you dont want crap that will fall apart the 1st or 2nd time you use it.

Cath you at a meeting whenever you get back

Cheers, Jono C.

when i first joined.. Joe did make mention of joining his "class" to learn... but have not heard anything more of that...

wonder how many of the members have fly gear.. ill chuck it up on the SAFWAA board and the Group.. you ARE a member of the group... arnt you...

SAFWAA also have "learn to fly fish days"- usually held at LBB's place

I will have a chat to the committee and see if we can organise one- the club also has fly outfits you can borrow on the day if u dont have one- & most members in the club have one.

Jono - sure am having a mad time. Freezing Cleveland for the basketball on the way to NYC, now here in LA. Spent the last year of so working and travelling - all comes to an end next week

That's a top idea for picking up stuff.. Food for thought.

I just don't know if I could justify spending 100 + on an outfit for the amount I would use it, and what I'd use it for. I'm thinking bub reddies, maybe trout in the local creeks down the track. But would probably clock up an hour or twos use a month.

put me and softy down for one...


and jono.. we must catch up soon...

Del - I sure am, and will keep an eye out for anything.

A learn for fly fish day sounds great - I know a few other members who never come to meetings, but would be super keen to get out I reckon.

No worries guys... have a good one & Del, will catch up soon but im just wondering if u only love me for my PORT???

jono.. and your bedroom cupboards lol


the put me and softy down for one comment was in line with the fly fishing days and borrowing of peoples gear...

lol.. not for marsone to buy us a kit from teh US

You mean the fishing cupboards in my shed and dolphin (trudie can help u out there if u like.and whenever i see u next u are more than welcome to have a go with my fly gear if u like

well i wasnt gonna disclose the exact locations! but yes!@ lol

we still gotta hit up LBBs

would be a good chance..