Guest akaspecials Report post Posted April 23, 2015 My gf has a 10 and 14 year old that easily catch limits of trout using spinning gear. We've been thinking about moving to fly gear. Any tips on buying fly gear? Is it necessary to spend the money the money on a "good" rod and reel or will a cheapie suffice? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesPursuit Report post Posted April 23, 2015 For 10 and 14 year olds, cheap isn't a bad thing, let them find out if they like it enough to pursue expensive setups. When it comes time to you or them actually getting into it, the rod and fly line are what makes the cast. The reel isn't nearly as important. Although, this is probably dependent on what type of fly fishing you'll be doing as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted April 23, 2015 You can get a fairly good set up thru Cabelas for less than $75 for a full set up. That's what I bought my kids. Mine started fly fishing at 8 years old. They can catch blue gill all day long. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antmo23 Report post Posted April 23, 2015 I'd go cheapie and make dang sure they actually like fly fishing before you spend any real money. I was into fly fishing at about that same age, was getting good at it too, but then I broke my rod tip on the Little Colorado river. Luckily I had my spinning rod with me. I fished behind my Dad and whooped him like 10-1. I've maybe picked up a fly rod 5 times since. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Str8Shot Report post Posted April 23, 2015 Get them some starter sets .. Amazon has a lot to choose from ... if you have some old reels spooled up use them for teaching mechanics... take them out to a park with lots of grass and space , throw hula hoops at various distances and make it fun having them compete trying to land on target. No need to drop a lot on teaching the fundamentals and in most of AZ a good spinning rod floating a leader and fly behind a bubble can produce just as well with less headache than dealing with a fly rod, unless of course you are looking at setting them up in waders and float tubes too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesPursuit Report post Posted April 23, 2015 take them out to a park with lots of grass and space , throw hula hoops at various distances and make it fun having them compete trying to land on target. ^This, I like it. I bought a Shakespeare fly kit when I was 9, it came with a VHS, this is exactly the first thing it recommended and there I went. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
backcountry_brad Report post Posted April 23, 2015 You don't have to go with expensive gear. Redington makes great, affordable rods. Lamson reels are also really good that have cheap models. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Havasuhunter Report post Posted April 23, 2015 Cabelas has excellent cheap fly combos. I have a 7.5' 3 WT 3 forks combo and it's great. I have higher end rods, but the 3 wt rides in my truck and is great for small streams and pond sessions. I think the whole combo was $70-80 and they often have them on sale in their spring ad. I'd recommend a 4-5 wt for a trout stater setup though. I have a 9' 5 WT in a higher end setup for most of my trout fishing, but don't mind that cheapie at all. Brian 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest akaspecials Report post Posted April 23, 2015 Thanks for the advice guys. I really like the hula hoop suggestion. That'll make for some fun during the week! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stanley Report post Posted April 23, 2015 Good suggestions by all above! Another thing to consider would be a beginning fly tying kit. Could be a great way for them to get into that side of the hobby! I know that when I got into tying, it really hooked me (no pun) on fly fishing BIG TIME! Good luck! S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted April 23, 2015 Good suggestions by all above! Another thing to consider would be a beginning fly tying kit. Could be a great way for them to get into that side of the hobby! I know that when I got into tying, it really hooked me (no pun) on fly fishing BIG TIME! Good luck! S. x1000 Tying flies can be very relaxing and can save you a lot of money. It's a lot easier than it looks. It can also be a great side buisness. I tied flies for a couple of shops during my college days. Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Havasuhunter Report post Posted April 23, 2015 Excellent suggestion on the fly tying kit, I got started young and still am not good at it, but it's a great outdoor skill to have that anyone can enjoy. My buddies and I tie striper flys up to 7" so it's not just about tying tiny little trout stuff. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big Browns Report post Posted April 23, 2015 check out a local fly fishing web site called azflyandtie.com It's a great site to get info on Az fishing. You might be able to find them a good outfit in the classifieds. Adam Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted April 24, 2015 Lon Ellington still around tying fly's? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
