want to start fly fishing

any advice

Grab hold of a couple of fly fishing mags like Trout & Salmon or Trout Fisherman and then locate a casting/fly fishing instructor near to where you live. Invest in some casting lessons.

Your instructor will advise you on the sort of tackle you will require to suit the waters you want to fish.

You also might also wish to take up fly tying.

Read a few books on the subject too.

Fly fishing is a bit like golf or learning to drive a car. You need professional instruction, otherwise it can be very frustrating to start out.

other than what ron says,get some polarised specs and a hat, both essentials, 1 to keep your eyes intact and the other to keep your ears unpierced.

Many thanks,but what sort of rod and reel do i need some of the prices i have seen quoted i could buy a small house with

Buy the best rod you can afford, as a good rod will help your casting.

Buy the cheapest reel you can get, as they do little more than carry the line.

Once you get into fly fishing you can then start making more considered choices. But there is no point spending a lot of money until you know if you're going to take it up on a regular basis.

Remember the fly line. Get a "cheap" standard line from one of the serious manufacturers of fly lines - brands like Rio and Scientific Anglers make quality.

Buying the cheapest lines on the market is a gamble, and some lines are absolutely useless.

What sort of fly fishing appeals to you?
River,Stream,Lake or Reservoir. The reason I ask is that it will affect the choice of gear and Techniques you use. If you have an idea tell us and we can give you a little more detail.

Mark, Setting your self up with rods, lines, reels etc., can very expensive. Before you start splashing out, have a good look at your local waters, the price of day tickets and things like that,find out if you have a local fly tying group in the area, if you have, then contact them, you will find that the lads there will only to pleased to help, it might be a bit mind boggling for the start but once you learn some of the lingo you'll be cracked it.
In the meantime use the public library, they always hold plenty of books on trout fishing and its all free. I don't know where you live Mark but if your close to me I will certainly help with your casting.
Fly fishing is not the easiest branch of angling , but it's certainly a very rewarding one.

Mark
P.S. the 2006 catalogues are out now, have good look to see the prices that would suit the pocket.

many thanks for all the replys
Have bought magazines and read from cover to cover found some lessons. would like to fish small lakes and rivers, found a couple of small lakes in essex.
Does anyone know any nice lakes in essex?
Kieth thank you for the offer of help,but i am not sure i like the look of you ( from your photo)but at least your not a
titinham supporter like fishing gimp
Many thanks again for all advice

Actually Mark I'm very handsome, the photo is of the wife

Just shortsighted Keith .

And beware Mark.

The first time that trout grabs your fly you will be experiencing one of the most exciting moments in all angling.

Once you are hooked ur hooked all the advice you have been given s ne hundred percent ,if there are any fishermen you know ask ask &ASK ITS THE ONLY WAY AT THE START I STILL ASK TIGHT LINES

I started last season Mark, and honestly, it's the best thing since sliced bread. I started off on a playing field practicing my casting, then onto the resevoir. From there I've gone onto river fishing, and it's brill too. Just enjoy yourself, that's all that matters.

Shakespeare do very good budget rods, I have had a few of various models and got on very well with them.

Lads, Just think on this, Trout will always come in close to feed, so dont wade out, stick to the bank, the further you paddle out. the further the fish will go out.