Fly Fishing

[Wazukie]

Any fishermen give some advice on a good set up for a beginner?  I do have some custom fly rods that were my father in laws, but no reels or gear.  Im looking for a decent budget minded rod/reel combo or just a reel.  Any advice appreciated.

[Flyfisher9]

Where and what are you fishing for? What kind of rods do you have ? 

[crazywednesday]

Here is my *censored*ty advice. I taught myself from a book how to fly fish 25+ years ago. I started with the cheapest of rods. Since then I have had custom rods built from the very best blanks. The funny thing is they all catch fish. I probably have caught as many fish on that first rod as I have in the last 24 years. Its all about how often you go. I would start with something inexpensive, but not cheap. Fly fishing is a rabbit hole that eats money and I have loved every minute of it.

[Wazukie]

So first off, I'll be targeting trout out of a boat or float tube in a lake.  The rods that I have are mostly custom from probably the 70's to 80's pic's below

#1 Marked "Fisher Graphite"
#2 Orvis given to my F-i-L for his work in TU and NW Salmon & Steelhead Counsel
#3 A Fenwick made for TU given again to my F-I-L
#4 & 5  Customs made by Walt Flint out of Browns Point, WA (Tacoma)

The last one is the reel that is on the Fisher Graphite

Thanks for for any advice

[Yelper Guy]

That Pflueger Medalist reel will work just fine.
Looks like you're good to go.

[2MANY]

May you get into the backing frequently.

[simondude]

The cabelas Lsi is a decent cheap rod and reel combo.

[JL]

If you're fishing ponds/lakes to start out, you'll be better off with a more modern graphite/faster action rod. Everything you shared will fish but I'm telling you, do yourself a favor and get a slightly more modern graphite rod to start out with. 9' 5wt is the general standard for trout/bass. If you stick w/ it you'll come to appreciate the rods you've shared, their actions, etc... There are sooooo many adequate and barely used 9' 5 weights out there to be had on the cheap. Feel free to pm.

[jackelope]

If you're going to be fishing trout, you're going to want to use the 2nd rod.  The 8-9wt rod is a salmon/bigger fish type rod.

The Pfleuger will work. Get some new line and backing. A decent middle of the road weight forward floating 6 weight(per the labeling on the rod) line will cover lots of fishing in this state.

If you want to buy new, I like Redington stuff to keep the budget in mind.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/REDINGTON-TOPO-II-OUTFIT/2660901.uts?slotId=3

There are others based on your budget, but that looks like a decent one. I like the medium-fast action rod for a newbie.

If you're going to buy a rod, I'd buy a 9' rod for use in the float tube. That Fenwick would probably work, but you'll do better with a longer rod sitting low in the water in a tube.

[Wazukie]

Ya, I kinda figured most of his gear was Salmon/Steelhead because that is what he fished.  He was President of the NW salmon steelhead counsel for a few years back in the 80's.

[3nails]

 Hop into the backyard and start practicing. I wouldn't recommend going straight to the lake. Slap a cheap fly onto a 9' tippet with that 6 wt and learn how to lay it out gently in the lawn. Once you get good enough at that while standing learn how to do that while sitting on a folding chair. You'll be surprised how much harder that is. Watch some YouTube videos on casting rhythm too.

[Brushcrawler]

If you get frustrated learning to cast, just drag a woolly bugger around the lake. You will catch fish.

[2MANY]

Ya, I kinda figured most of his gear was Salmon/Steelhead because that is what he fished.  He was President of the NW salmon steelhead counsel for a few years back in the 80's.

Wow congrats to him.
He lived during a great time to fish steelhead.
Curious if I knew him.
RIP

[Pinetar]

If you're going to be fishing trout, you're going to want to use the 2nd rod.  The 8-9wt rod is a salmon/bigger fish type rod.

The Pfleuger will work. Get some new line and backing. A decent middle of the road weight forward floating 6 weight(per the labeling on the rod) line will cover lots of fishing in this state.

If you want to buy new, I like Redington stuff to keep the budget in mind.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/REDINGTON-TOPO-II-OUTFIT/2660901.uts?slotId=3

There are others based on your budget, but that looks like a decent one. I like the medium-fast action rod for a newbie.

If you're going to buy a rod, I'd buy a 9' rod for use in the float tube. That Fenwick would probably work, but you'll do better with a longer rod sitting low in the water in a tube.

  I've been in the business for close to forty years, great advise from Jackelope

[Shoofly09]

Doesn't get mentioned enough, but wear eye protection.....

[huntnphool]

 Where are you located?

[Wazukie]

Where are you located?

  I am located in South Central Wa

[stlusn30-06]

Agree that you can make what you have work.

Since you asked for suggestions.

1.) Reddington stuff (already mentioned) is great entry level gear.
2.) The "generalist" do all trout rod is the 9" 5wt. Most people that start trout fishing, whether still water, or rivers start with this length/weight set up
3.) If you want to try new, the Orvis Clearwater combo is a pretty good deal. I used it for years before upgrading. Can get the rod/reel for ~$300.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

After enjoying Tying my own Flies for years I now leave the Fly Tying to someone with better Eyesight and Dexterity. 
Doug
Humpy Yellow Hairwing Dry Fly
 Sizes: 8 - 20
.57 cents each

Elk Hair Caddis
Sizes 8 - 20
.57 cents each

[Uncle Rondo]

The costco in Wenatchee had a plueger/fenwick 5/6 9' combo last week for (if I remember right) $89.  Four piece rod with a case.  Don't know much about them myself though.