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Dear Illhunter:
I have a rebellious attitude about fishing practices and ideas, please refer to my post 03-05-05 "May as well start some trouble".
I hope my response is of some use to you. The stuff that I've found on sale works pretty well for me. It has to, because I'm not paying the insane costs for most fishing stuff, so all I own is the "cheap stuff". Things that I've picked up at yard sales were cutting edge at one time, and while technology is improved, and worth it, if you are willing to spend for it, I don't think the fish have changed much, and it's still a hook at the end of a line. Come to think of it, I do own 3 Shakespeare rods, and I like them.
Fly fishing has its limits as a fishing tool, not too deep, not too far, not too long a drift. ( if the water's moving) Within those limits, ain't nothin better for a delicate presentation. It's also nice not to have to reel in to recast, just flip it back out. ( helps a lot in cold weather)
The lures that come with a set are expendable, like any other. And tying your own flies absolutely, positively, does not have to be complicated or expensive. (or I wouldn't be doing it) Bait or hard lures have been used for a long time and remember, you don't have to reel in all the way. I do carry one fly reel spooled with all mono, for an unconventional approach.
Probably the most important thing for me is the leader. Three or four lengths of spliced mono, so it tapers, is all it takes, and makes things easier to work with.
If the fish in your part of the world eat bugs or smaller fish that's a good place to try a fly rod. If you can find a place with Bluegills, you might be in serious trouble. And if a Bass gets involved, Oh well !!!
Woodbutcher
