keep reading the forum entries and asking Q's. Local library for flyfishing books, the bookshops for magazines, cruise to a local flyshop and chat with proprietors and guides. Check online with reputable dealers of gear. I'm only a couple of years into this passion and feel quite the newbie still myself. Casting lessons would be a good thing or a how-to DVD or video. I keep a 5 pound dumbell at work next to my computer and use it in either hand as I'm learning to cast left-handed for when my right gets fatigued. Hit the local waters and strike up a conversation with a fly-rodder-when he or she is not overly occupied with the business at hand. Money wise....boy! you can spend the paycheck and only get a reel or the rod or go easy on the budget and get the best you can afford and wear it out and save up for better as you progress. Lots of different ways to flick a fly......HTH and best of luck!
Well I plan on fishing for trout and other like fish on small streams and lakes here in the Northeast Of PA. As far as money goes....well I would like to get a decent combo for 200 or so. I really dont like to buy crap and then find out I need better stuff down the road.....maybe 200 won't even get me crap? LOL! Thanks for the help guys (and gals)
The best advice that I can give to someone in your situation (complete beginner) is to get a book or two on the subject and immerse yourself at your own pace. The books can supplement the other fine suggestions above.
If you can find a copy, The Curtis Creek Manifesto is one of the best possible books for a beginner. You may get some other suggestions, and I hope that you do. But IMHO the manifesto is spot on for entry level folks.
You can get a solid outfit for $200. I highly recommend St Croix rods, but the most important thing you can do is go to a local shop, cast a few rods, and find one you like. For a reel, buy the cheapest thing you can find. For fishing small streams, all it does is hold your line. Spend your money on a high quality rod and line.
Although I live in Washington State, I grew up in the Hazleton, PA area leaving there in 1978 at age 25 and my father still lives there and a brother lives in Kutztown. I mentioned this to let you know how I know the streams and rivers in the area.
Unless you are planning on fishing the Lehigh or the Upper Delaware near Hancock, NY, or the very small, brush lined creeks like Pohopoco above Beltsville Dam, you will be very well served by a rod of 8' in length for a 5 wt line. A 9' 5 or 6 wt would be better for the Lehigh or Upper Delaware and a 7'4 wt would be better for the really small, brushed lined streams; but for streams like the Little Lehigh, Pohopoco Creek, Lizzard Creek, etc. the 8' 5 wt is ideal.
There are many good casting rod, line, reel combinations available in this length and line wt. Ct. Crox, Redington, Echo, TFO, Loomis, and Lamiglas all come readily to mind as rod manufacturers producing such rods.
I know there are fly shops in your area that carry them, including the new Cabella's over in Hamburg. I'd recommend you go to one of the local fly shops rather than Cabella's though because the small, owner operated shops will want your repeat business and as such will be more than happy to get you started on the right foot.
I would also recommend finding a chapter of Trout Unliimited and attending their meetings. There is a world of info in groups like that and most of the members are only too willing to help a neophyte get started.
Rent a Beginner Fly Fishing video from a fly shop. You can pause the video and practice in your yard. Then find someone you know that likes to flyfish, and go with them. Beware however, that many fly fisherman have developed bad habits with their rod handling......this is why the video should prove to send you in the right direction right off the bat.
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