Hello all,

After many years of course fishing I have found myself rather tired of it and would like to change to new areas of the sport. i.e. Fly fishing.

Long have I been an admirer of the art but not having any friends that participate in it I have yet to take the plunge...

Now that I am older and willing to fish on my own I have decided to get myself some tackle and most importantly some knowledge and thought I would start here!!!

I have just moved to Essex and fancy starting my 'career' at Hanningfield having seen it on a John Wilson programe...

I have no gear and don't want to buy a load of stuff that I might not need so wonder what basic kit you guys would recommend to get me started?

Also what type of flies are good at certain times of year...? I don't blame you for not sharing your secrets here!!! ;0)

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

the best thing you can do is book some casting lessons first before you buy anything that way you can find out if you like it,most stillwaters have (or know ) instructors they are roughly £20 hour and is money very well spent...
i started out buying "at the time" new shakespeare TPD 7/8 rod and one of the crest 7/8 reels lovely rod to start with middle to tip action and light
i would buy as a reel now a greys GTX or GRX lovelt reels with cheap spools if iwas going to spend a bit more on a reel i would go for a VOSSELER dc4 ( i own both a gtx and a vosseler dc4 ) the spools are more expensive but fantastic quality as is the reel . have a look at harris angling web site 1/2 price on some of the greys rods very nice rods indeed e mail me if i can help in any way

Jeff, you'll find that there are no secrets in flyfishing. That's one of the nice things about it and one of the first things you'll learn.

It's a refreshing change to be able to go up to someone and ask them what they're catching on. And then at the very least they'll show you, and often give you a sample of the fly they're using.

It makes a change from seeing the usual flurry of bait box lids being slammed on or someone disappearing into a bivvy!

Chexk out some of the Greys GRX kits being done very good value for money. Take the plunge once the gear is bought you can be of fishing in minutes no baits to sort or buy.

I agree with Tim(chef) about the casting lessons,That way the instructor can advise you what type rod action would be suitable to your casting style.If you are serious about starting buy the best you can afford as many new starters to this side of fishing buy cheap kits & then upgrade very quickly.
Since you are on about starting at Hanningfield i beleive they have a tackle shop there so try a few rods out before you buy.

Jeff,

I would certainly agree with the advice from Chef as that's how I started out. I only took up fly fishing this year, courtesy of a an FM Fly Fishing get together. I haven't looked back since and have sold the majority of my coarse fishing tackle to fund good fly fishing equipment.

I'd also agree whole heartedly with the advice from Ross too about buying the best you can afford. If your tackle shop will let you have a few casts with the rods you're interested in then that's even better. Mine does and it's the best thing ever as one man's Sage is another man's Loop, and all that..... !!!

The basis set up I started with was a 9.5ft rod with a 6 weight rating, a Weight Forward 6 weight floating line, dead basic reel, some mono leader and a range of flies.

The main thing though is to get some tuition from a qualified instructor as this will save you picking up bad habits from the outset.

Let us know how you get on if you've got anymore questions, feel free to ask them.

Tight lines,

Adrian

Hi,
My advice would be to ignore all the stuff about tackle (Greys gear etc.. although I use them myself, sorry forum!). Phone the resevoir and ask about beginners courses etc.. on 01268 710101.
They may, as Anglian water do, run some great courses to begin flyfishing. You can have a chuck with their gear and get some good advice on casting, fishing, flies... and what tackle to buy before committing yourself.
Also try some other southern waters such as Bewl, Bristol (Chew & Blagdon)..
Buy a copy of trout fisherman to some numbers, contacts and advice.. they list waters by county which helps.
With trout fishing, you do keep most of what you catch, so there are plenty of stocked fish regularly being introduced so don't worry too much about fly pattern yet..

But when you hook your first trout on your own ties fly, it just hooks you (pardon the pun).

Hello guys,

A belated but very big thank you for all your tips and advice!!!

I have been pondering a whole lot more about starting fly fishing and really am getting into the whole idea. The wife asked a rather nice question over the weekend… “what do you want for Christmas” now let me think… ;0)

I will follow the advice of getting some tuition before I buy as I know from my course fishing experience that there are horses for courses (rods to suit you etc…)

Lastly though, do you guys think that Hanningfield is a good place to start? Only that it’s close to home which is a big plus for me…

Thanks again,

Jeff

Oh and one more question :0)

Sorry, but I am still a little un-clear...

I wonder what the basic kit is for a fly fisherman? Is it simply Rod, reel, line and leader, a selection of flies and a landing net? Or is there other bits I might need...?

Cheers,
Jeff

Get yourself booked on a beginners course at Grafham water. Give the lodge a call on 01480 810531 and ask when the next one is being held. You are starting at a time when most fisheries are winding down. If the courses are a way off the wardens are all qualified instructors. There is a tackle sale on at the lodge at present so you could probably negotiate a deal with lessons and some tackle.

You will need a rod, reel and some lines on spare spools and of course plenty of flies.
Your coarse landing net will probably suffice. Waders, chest seem to be favourite these days. Neoprene for spring fishing, breathables for summer. Good waterproofs as Trout anglers don't generally use bivvies brollies etc. we stand out in all weathers as we are much harder than the nancy carp and coarse anglers.
Start off with a floating line and an intermediate line. You can cover most situations with these lines from the bank. You want to get a fast sinker later.
Leaders or tippetts can range from 5-10lbs all depending on what flies you are fishing with and the size of fish you are hoping to encounter.
I hope this helps,

Colin

Cheers Colin,

Harder than those Carp and course anglers in their bivvies! Oh, OK ;0)

I have course and Carp fished for many years but must say I avoid all that bivvy and bed chair stuff. Your there to catch fish not camp hey mate... :0)

Any way, moving on before I get collard by someone! Grantham water, I'll look it up on the net and give them a shout...

Cheers

Jeff

The bit's:

Rod, reel, line, leader, flies, net.

I find that the fly fishing get up, is as you may agree being a tired coarse fisherman
rather simple. Just make sure the rod and line are balanced as this will make a big difference in the casting. A little tuition on casting is a good idea, read up on the rest. You'll find out what they are in due course. As with all types of fishing the angler has his own little tip's and skill's that he develop's without him even realising it. That's good satisfaction. Joy.

Best thing to do at first is buy a medium priced rod of about 9 1/2 foot that will throw a 6 or 7 weight line and get some casting lessons from a pro.

The rod will do you for most types of fishing and the pro will advise you on flies and other equipment.

The most valuable item you could purchase is a copy (or get it from the library) is a copy of Matching the Hatch by Pat O'Reilly. Then you will not need lots of different flies.
Cheers

Malcolm

Hi Jeff i'd just like to echo whats been said here already. We've all been in your position so well done for having the courage to try something new. You will never regret your decision as this will open your eyes and make you an all round better fisherman. I wouldn't spend one single penny on tackle until you've booked a beginners day with either the fishery or an instructor. I know you're itching to get your hands on some gear but just be patient and only buy once you know what you're after. For instance if you will be fishing hanningfield from a boat then you'd be better off with a 10 footer to start with but until you try you won't know. Once again good luck and keep us posted on your progress. cheers
Al.