| Choosing your first fly rod and reel is very | | | | flies but is much too heavy for casting small trout |
| important. You need to have a balanced fly-fishing | | | | flies. A #5 weight balanced outfit will work nicely |
| outfit that will match the type and size of your | | | | for a #14 trout fly but will not cast a 3/0 tarpon |
| fish. For example, the fly rod and line need to be | | | | fly. Purchase a good quality brand name fly reel to |
| the same weight, a #5 weight fly rod and a #5 | | | | match your fly rod and line so everything is |
| weight fly line. The weight and length of the fly | | | | balanced. I would also suggest opting for a good |
| rod will be printed on the rod just above the | | | | quality weight forward (WF) dry fly line, it will last |
| handle, it might read: 9'-5 weight or 108-5 (108 | | | | you for years. Also have the sales clerk put the |
| inches for a 5 weight). The weight of the line will | | | | fly line and approximately 50 yards of 20 lb. fly |
| be on the fly line box, a 5-weight could be shown | | | | line backing on the fly reel for you. |
| as: WF-5-F, which would be a (Weight Forward), | | | | Some sporting goods stores or fly shops may |
| (#5 weight), (Floating fly line). The weight numbers | | | | offer a fly-fishing starter package; rod, reel and |
| of the fly rod and fly line will go up or down | | | | fly line. This may be a way to go but first, shop |
| depending on the type and size of flies, fish, and | | | | around. |
| types of waters that the angler is fishing. | | | | The next question, what should I pay for my |
| (A Fly Fishing Tip) You can "code" mark one end | | | | starter outfit? Good question, but remember you |
| of the fly line with black waterproof marking pen. | | | | get what you pay for, and you owe it to yourself |
| For example, if you have a 5-weight line just | | | | to have the best you can afford. In fly-fishing, |
| make 5 short marks around the fly line _ _ _ _ | | | | quality equipment will reward you in the years |
| _ . If you have a weight 7 make one long line and | | | | ahead. Ask the sales clerks for information about |
| two shorts ____ _ _ and so on. On Weight | | | | the fly rods they carry, also ask to cast the |
| Forward lines mark the "reel end" if the fly line so | | | | different brands and sizes of rods. Get other |
| you don't get confused which end of the line goes | | | | people's opinions be sure to look at all the popular |
| on the fly line backing. | | | | brands, and make your decision on what feels |
| The common weight range is #3 thru #12. A | | | | good to you. Finally, flyfishing is a never-ending |
| 10-weight fly rod and line will cast large salt-water | | | | learning experience, so enjoy. |