Starting fly fishing

Williamjg

Hi all
I am quite interested in fly fishing and would like to start. I want to fish for trout on The corrib river and would like to know what equipment I will need to get me started including a rod and reel. My budget is around the €120 mark and was wondering if anyone could guide me in the right direction on what to buy and if ye have any advice on starting fly fishing

Doc Farrell

Equipment isn’t that important. Use a 5 weight rod. The line has to be 5 weight also. The reel doesn’t matter. The leader at the end of the line should be suitable for the fly so get one from a shop for about 3 euro. Use small flies, tell the shop where u are fishing and in what month and they will give u the right flies. Maybe use some floatant on the fly, costs about 5 euro.
Most fish are about 20 feet away from you so u don’t have to worry about long casts, try to get a lesson. Failing that watch quality videos on YouTube like tightlinesflyshop channel. If you find yourself using effort to cast u are trying too hard.
Be quiet and look for fish rising . Try not to spook them. If you can find someone experienced to teach you it’ll save you years of frustration. If you go it alone you will have to study hundreds of YouTube videos . Most importantly, be quiet, land the fly gently, don’t cast hard and be patient. It’s not easy at the beginning but it gets easier. 120 euro is more than enough, 50 for a rod, 40 for a good line, a dozen flies and a couple of leaders. Don’t worry about spending money on a reel, buy a cheap light one. But do try to get a lesson from a good caster.

https://youtu.be/X2egNshRU2A

SeaFields

For your budget OP you can't go wrong with the Shakespeare Agility range of fly rods. I have one as a spare and several lads here have had nothing but good things to say about them.

Williamjg

I went into Duffys fishing and shooting today and they showed me a Shakespeare omni with a reel and line for €90 It’s 9 foot and 6 weight
What ye think
I’d say that’s the one I’ll buy

SeaFields

Williamjg wrote: »

I went into Duffys fishing and shooting today and they showed me a Shakespeare omni with a reel and line for €90 It’s 9 foot and 6 weight
What ye think
I’d say that’s the one I’ll buy

https://www.mccullaghsports.ie/product/shakespeare-omni-x-fly-rod/

I wouldn't go with that one. Price sounds steep (example attached) and they would be at the lower end of that brands range. If you're ok buying online get an agility from an online store - even of amazon.

Doc Farrell

That’s cheap alright. Here’s a deal in Galway.
http://irelandairsoft.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_18_235&products_id=835

Corrib tackle. Airflow is a good make, line, reel, rod, leader , a couple of flies and a cool pair of shades!

Really if you can get someone to teach you how to cast that’s the most important thing. Offer someone you get on with 20 or 30 quid for an hours tuition. If he can explain to you about leaders you’ll be golden.

Williamjg

Doc Farrell wrote: »

That’s cheap alright. Here’s a deal in Galway.
http://irelandairsoft.com/product_info.php?cPath=6_18_235&products_id=835

Corrib tackle. Airflow is a good make, line, reel, rod, leader , a couple of flies and a cool pair of shades!

Really if you can get someone to teach you how to cast that’s the most important thing. Offer someone you get on with 20 or 30 quid for an hours tuition. If he can explain to you about leaders you’ll be golden.

I’ll try and get a lesson A good start is half the battle. I have watched lots of videos on YouTube so I have a fair idea on what to do but knowing and doing and very different things
I looked on sports direct and they have a Shakespeare Agility 2 9ft 6 weight. For €75 and I’ll probably get a reel and line and flys in Galway
I’ll ask in duffys if they know anyone who can teach me they seem to be very knowledgeable and very sound

SeaFields

The one Doc posted ain't bad at all. Airflo were always a decent brand. The one you mention in sport's direct too is a good option. Shakespeare do a decent reel range too - the sigma range.

Just don't buy the omni one!!

Williamjg

SeaFields wrote: »

The one Doc posted ain't bad at all. Airflo were always a decent brand. The one you mention in sport's direct too is a good option. Shakespeare do a decent reel range too - the sigma range.

Just don't buy the omni one!!

I won’t get the omni. I realised it wasn’t the way value for money

ardinn

OMNIS ARE €45

DO NOT BUY IT FOR €90

ardinn

Phew

Right get an airflo or sigma kit!

Im actually disgusted at someone charging €90 for an omni! Its actually terrible!

https://slaneyfishing.com/product/omni-fly-combo/

Williamjg

ardinn wrote: »

Phew

Right get an airflo or sigma kit!

Im actually disgusted at someone charging €90 for an omni! Its actually terrible!

https://slaneyfishing.com/product/omni-fly-combo/

Now they are not usually like that they are very sound and have decent prices and their shop has been there since the beginning of time

Williamjg

What’s better the Shakespeare sigma or Agility 2

ardinn

Williamjg wrote: »

Now they are not usually like that they are very sound and have decent prices and their shop has been there since the beginning of time

They arent??

I wont go there but I'll be hard convinced.

The agility range would be next up the ladder from the sigma range - but your starting to move away from kits and individual elements -So the kit that has rod reel line tippet etc for €(85 now becomes a rod for €60-80 a reel for €20 - 50 a line for €20 - 50 - backing, tippet, leaders etc

If you are starting out go with the sigmas I mailed you. They have a beginner price but are an excellent outfit and will last you years. Even when you want to upgrade you will find it hard to get as good without going to the €200 mark for a rod only!!

Williamjg

I went onto fishingtackle2u and I can get a Shakespeare Agility 2 for €50 and a reel for €15 and line for 30
I think this is a good deal
What do ye think

Doc Farrell

This guy knows his stuff, he runs a shop.
https://youtu.be/r6hcH54cHpU

Not to flog a dead horse but if you get geared up but haven’t been shown how to cast a fly to land gently, your enthusiasm will probably take a nose dive. The three or four channels I’ve linked to will set you in the right direction. All the best, great day for a little evening fishing hopefully.

ardinn

Williamjg wrote: »

I went onto fishingtackle2u and I can get a Shakespeare Agility 2 for €50 and a reel for €15 and line for 30
I think this is a good deal
What do ye think

Did you get my mail?

Does that come with backing, tippet, leaders, flies??

You still need more than what you listed above!

The best buy are the kits when your starting out! The agility is a great rod but is middle to tip or tip action - you wont be able to cast it, or you wont be able to cast as well as the sigmas - which come with everything you need!!!

Williamjg

ardinn wrote: »

Did you get my mail?

Does that come with backing, tippet, leaders, flies??

You still need more than what you listed above!

The best buy are the kits when your starting out! The agility is a great rod but is middle to tip or tip action - you wont be able to cast it, or you wont be able to cast as well as the sigmas - which come with everything you need!!!

It has the backing and leaders and the tippet and a hard case

Williamjg

Doc Farrell wrote: »

This guy knows his stuff, he runs a shop.
https://youtu.be/r6hcH54cHpU

Not to flog a dead horse but if you get geared up but haven’t been shown how to cast a fly to land gently, your enthusiasm will probably take a nose dive. The three or four channels I’ve linked to will set you in the right direction. All the best, great day for a little evening fishing hopefully.

Thanks doc. I’ll give them a want and hopefully I will buy a set up on Saturday (but still unsure on what set up ) I’m also wondering what pound leader would you recommend

SeaFields

Williamjg wrote: »

I’m also wondering what pound leader would you recommend

You will need several different breaking strains. In the short term if it's just small brownies you're after then maybe 4-5 lb breaking strain. Personally I use Drennan Sub Surface. As you progress you'll end up with several different ones. They are relatively cheap so you can build up a collection over time. They last ages too.

Williamjg

I think I’ll buy the stuff today so this is what I think is on the plate
1. Shakespeare Agility 2 9ft 6 wt. €55
2. Shakespeare omni 6/7 wt reel €15
3. Orvis Dracon backing 20lb. 100yards €8
4. airflo velocity fly line 6wt rear taper. €20
5. Hardy 9ft tapered leaders 5lb €5
I will buy the flys locally because they probably know what works on the local trout
I’m buying all this from fishingtackle2u.co.uk and just want your opinions and if I’m buying the right stuff

ardinn

Your spending €103 on the following

A rod thats above your ability
The ****test reel imaginable
a load of different style and manufacturers gear that although will work - doesnt match.

When you could buy a completely fitted outfit that better suits your ability for around €20 less.

Look your obviously set on the above - its good gear - all that matters is your happy! Just would be what I would do, or recommend!

Best of luck with it - tight lines!

Bogwoppit

ardinn wrote: »

Your spending €103 on the following

A rod thats above your ability
The ****test reel imaginable
a load of different style and manufacturers gear that although will work - doesnt match.

When you could buy a completely fitted outfit that better suits your ability for around €20 less.

Look your obviously set on the above - its good gear - all that matters is your happy! Just would be what I would do, or recommend!

Best of luck with it - tight lines!

Don’t worry, the rod is not above your ability, load of crap there Ardinn. You’re better off having something that you’re not going to outgrow after 2 lessons.

The reel is sh1te but it’s not going to matter, you won’t be trying to subdue double figure salmon for at least a couple of months!

Don’t worry in the slightest about the gear being different brands, doesn’t make a blind but if difference unless you suffer from OCD.

You have a decent package there I’d say but add in a spool of good monofilament, 5lb drennan or maxima will do you depending on where you plan to fish.

Williamjg

Bogwoppit wrote: »

Don’t worry, the rod is not above your ability, load of crap there Ardinn. You’re better off having something that you’re not going to outgrow after 2 lessons.

The reel is sh1te but it’s not going to matter, you won’t be trying to subdue double figure salmon for at least a couple of months!

Don’t worry in the slightest about the gear being different brands, doesn’t make a blind but if difference unless you suffer from OCD.

You have a decent package there I’d say but add in a spool of good monofilament, 5lb drennan or maxima will do you depending on where you plan to fish.

Thanks man for giving me faith in what I’m about to buy. It’s in my budget to spend more on a reel and I need to spend like 7 Euro more for free shipping anyway so I could trough another €10 or so at the reel and add the monofilament as well
Thanks for the help

Williamjg

What about a Shakespeare sigma 5/6 wt reel for

Williamjg

€28

SeaFields

Not sure how a rod for someone starting out could be considered 'above their ability' - it's the standard length and weight that we probably all started with.

ardinn

Bogwoppit wrote: »

load of crap there Ardinn. You’re better off having something that you’re not going to outgrow after 2 lessons.

No not a load of crap - But a good point about outgrowing the rod, although the kits are quite good and will hold their own for more than 2 lessons thats for sure

SeaFields wrote: »

Not sure how a rod for someone starting out could be considered 'above their ability' - it's the standard length and weight that we probably all started with.

Yes sorry I worded that wrong.

My point is - the agility, is more tip action than the sigma - when starting - you need as moderate and forgiving a rod as you can get. The sigma, meets this requirement moreso than the agility.

That was my only point - No need to get all in a fluff!! He came in here asking whats best for him. Imo thats the sigma, more than the agility!!!

Doc Farrell

ardinn wrote: »

No not a load of crap - But a good point about outgrowing the rod, although the kits are quite good and will hold their own for more than 2 lessons thats for sure



Yes sorry I worded that wrong.

My point is - the agility, is more tip action than the sigma - when starting - you need as moderate and forgiving a rod as you can get. The sigma, meets this requirement moreso than the agility.

That was my only point - No need to get all in a fluff!! He came in here asking whats best for him. Imo thats the sigma, more than the agility!!!

You are damn right, the more forgiving the better. Certainly not a load of crap. Keep things as simple as possible coz they get technical pretty quick, especially if one has an o.c.d tendency to be a gear junky! 🀯 I’m watching Tom RosenBauer of Orvis fishing dry flies and Emergers. He makes it look so simple.
OP make sure the line matches the rod, the leader is the right type and the fly matches the hatch, or at least the guy catching the fish! I’ll paste the YouTube video here in a sec, it’s a beauty.
https://youtu.be/m37uzf7cVYA

Check out 16.10 theres 3 beauties at his feet!

Evac101

Not disagreeing with whats been said already but once you have a year or two of experience you'll tailor your experience to your preferences. A 5/6 weight rod is a great start but I haven't used one on anything but a lake in several years, even there preferring lighter kit when I'm allowed fish it. For smaller rivers especially, you'll find that a 5/6 rod is the fly fishing equivalent of using a lump hammer to drive nails - it will absolutely do the job but there are more appropriate tools. That said, a very good friend uses an Agility2 #6 for all his river fishing and is uncomfortable using anything lighter so, horses for courses.

Williamjg

I have bought all the gear online and awaiting delivery and while that’s enroute I just have a few questions
Would my 6wt rod be able for salmon if I was to try and get a license next year
Should I use wet or dry flies when fishing for trout in the River Corrib and would I need a net to land the trout
And if there are any usuals to the River Corrib would you be able to recommend any spots that are good for trout fishing

ardinn

Williamjg wrote: »

Would my 6wt rod be able for salmon if I was to try and get a license next year.

Generally no - I am not sure of the size of the Salmon in the corrib river but I wouldnt chance. 7# minimum usually - but if you do hook a 25lb salmon on a 6# at least it'l be a bit of craic!!!

Should I use wet or dry flies when fishing for trout in the River Corrib and would I need a net to land the trout

Use a net yes - Unless they are very small. You can fish wets, dries, nymphs, dry droppers, whatever you want. Each method has a time of day, a purpose, and some advantage over the other. While learning to fish you will radiate to one particular method you like and will spend most time at that.


And if there are any usuals to the River Corrib would you be able to recommend any spots that are good for trout fishing

I havnt a clue!!

Join a club and ask someone who knows what they are doing to show you!

Williamjg

ardinn wrote: »

Join a club and ask someone who knows what they are doing to show you!

Thanks for the help much appreciated

Williamjg

I have another question
When I’m fishing and I have my fly tied to the end of my leader and I want to change fly do I have to untie or cut the knot to get the fly off the leader and then tie on the the new fly or is there an easier less time consuming option because if I have to be cutting the leader I will be making a mess of the taper I know swivels are not the option because there too big (I think) but is there a piece of gear like a swivel that I could use maybe

UrbanFret

you're over complicating the thing. I often had to use pike line as a leader. opened and retied it over and over. If you are fishing drys which is the most rewarding method in my opinion. You want to parachute the fly into the water. get out into the back garden stick a dinner plate in the garden and practice landing the fly in it. If the fish are rising land the fly upstream and draw it across the fish and strike. If you can come across an old gentleman who has done it all his life, spend a few evenings with him and he'll share his knowledge and fill you with lies as well, but it will be well worth it. I wouldn't worry much about hooking a salmon, you're unlikely too for a while.

ardinn

UrbanFret wrote: »

. If you can come across an old gentleman who has done it all his life, spend a few evenings with him and he'll share his knowledge and fill you with lies as well, but it will be well worth it. .

:D:D

Williamjg

The stuff came today and I have it all set up and ready to go
Planning on going on Saturday for my first trip

Williamjg

Just wondering
If I’m fishing a river is it generally ok for me to walk along the bank of the river in someone’s field while fishing

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Williamjg wrote: »

Just wondering
If I’m fishing a river is it generally ok for me to walk along the bank of the river in someone’s field while fishing

Generally clubs have permission to access the river bank for their stretches of water. Of course, it goes without saying that we respect property while there.

Williamjg

Probably going to fish the river Clare for trout
Anyone know a good spot where I might catch a few

Doc Farrell

Best to join one of the clubs and they’ll give you all the info u will need. If you fish on club water without membership they will be very unhappy.
Go to the local shop and get the 5 favorite local flies and 5 nymphs in size 12 to 16. Get a pair of snips and some floatant. U really only need to cast 20-30 feet so just take it easy. Try to be as quiet as possible. Taking the advice of a local angler will save you years of frustration. Look up roll casting in YouTube . That’s all u need to begin.

Doc Farrell

https://youtu.be/8mdILXk8byk

Rows Grower

Williamjg wrote: »

Probably going to fish the river Clare for trout
Anyone know a good spot where I might catch a few

I wouldn't be over familiar with the river Clare but I can tell you anytime I fished it years ago the farmers were sound out once you ask permission first. You'll need a salmon licence too even if you are only fishing for trout but you can get one of them for small money handy enough.

You probably will get a couple of decent sized trout, make sure you go back to the farmer and offer him his choice.

Courtesy like that goes a long way.

Fish upstream and use a worm.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Rows Grower wrote: »

I wouldn't be over familiar with the river Clare but I can tell you anytime I fished it years ago the farmers were sound out once you ask permission first. You'll need a salmon licence too even if you are only fishing for trout but you can get one of them for small money handy enough.

You probably will get a couple of decent sized trout, make sure you go back to the farmer and offer him his choice.

Courtesy like that goes a long way.

Fish upstream and use a worm.

Most of the Clare is controlled by clubs who have long standing agreements or permissions in place with landowners. It is the club that the OP needs to sort out first. He shouldn't need to go looking for permission from individual landowners who may not even live within miles of the stretch of water. In 65 years fishing rivers I've never heard of giving or offering any catch to the landowner.

OP really needs to contact a club before going near a River. Club membership or permits have to sorted before wetting a line. He also needs to find out the rules regarding what size of fish he may keep and how many and what stretches of river he may fish. Of course he may follow a catch and release philosophy.
A landowner cannot grant permission for a non-member to fish club waters.

Rows Grower

Liliana Odd Armchair wrote: »

Most of the Clare is controlled by clubs who have long standing agreements or permissions in place with landowners. It is the club that the OP needs to sort out first. He shouldn't need to go looking for permission from individual landowners who may not even live within miles of the stretch of water. In 65 years fishing rivers I've never heard of giving or offering any catch to the landowner.

OP really needs to contact a club before going near a River. Club membership or permits have to sorted before wetting a line. He also needs to find out the rules regarding what size of fish he may keep and how many and what stretches of river he may fish. Of course he may follow a catch and release philosophy.
A landowner cannot grant permission for a non-member to fish club waters.

A landowner can grant permission to a non club member to fish club waters.

It all depends on the long standing agreements and permissions that are agreed.

A lot of landowners (who own the fishing rights) have stipulations in place that they, their immediate family or guests do not need to join the club or have the permission of the club to fish the waters.

This is how I was able to fish the river Clare when I did, there were no contact details for a club on display so I sought out the farmer, asked for and was granted permission. I asked would he eat a trout if I got one and he said he would.

When I returned a few hours later he was surprised and said in all the years he had given anglers permission to fish I was the only one to ever return and give him a trout. He told me there and then that I had his full permission to fish his stretch of the river anytime I wanted.

He gave me his name and told me where his land started and finished.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Rows Grower wrote: »

A landowner can grant permission to a non club member to fish club waters.

It all depends on the long standing agreements and permissions that are agreed.

A lot of landowners (who own the fishing rights) have stipulations in place that they, their immediate family or guests do not need to join the club or have the permission of the club to fish the waters.

This is how I was able to fish the river Clare when I did, there were no contact details for a club on display so I sought out the farmer, asked for and was granted permission. I asked would he eat a trout if I got one and he said he would.

When I returned a few hours later he was surprised and said in all the years he had given anglers permission to fish I was the only one to ever return and give him a trout. He told me there and then that I had his full permission to fish his stretch of the river anytime I wanted.

He gave me his name and told me where his land started and finished.

I'm sorry but I beg to differ. The landowner may have given permission but it may not have been his to give. Many clubs have bought or leased the fishing rights to waters & access, and it is only they who may legitimately grant permission. The OP needs to check with the clubs to see which stretches they control. It's no big deal, easy to do and freely available.


In Ireland the law is such that one person can own the bed and soil of a river and another the fishing rights, be that a club or another individual. Fishing rights are not automatically the property of the owner of the adjoining lands.

Rows Grower

Liliana Odd Armchair wrote: »

I'm sorry but I beg to differ. The landowner may have given permission but it may not have been his to give. Many clubs have bought or leased the fishing rights to waters & access, and it is only they who may legitimately grant permission. The OP needs to check with the clubs to see which stretches they control. It's no big deal, easy to do and freely available.


In Ireland the law is such that one person can own the bed and soil of a river and another the fishing rights, be that a club or another individual. Fishing rights are not automatically the property of the owner of the adjoining lands.

I have no problem with opinions that differ to mine.

The landowner, who also owned the fishing rights did have authority to allow me to fish.

He told me that he allowed local anglers who formed a club to fish there and erect signs that it was water controlled by the club, but he had reserved the right to fish it or allow his family or guests of his fish it.

This is by no means a unique situation, I'm in number of clubs myself and part of a syndicate that control some of the best game fishing in Munster.

When the owner of the fishing rights allows a guest to fish they are shown the same if not more courtesy than a full paid up member.

They are not expected to pay or contribute man hours to the upkeep or protection of the river like the rest of us.

Also I am a welcome guest on other rivers around Munster which are controlled by clubs of which I am not a member, again this is opportunity is afforded me by the owners of the fishing rights.

I've never once had a problem.

Most of fishing leases are done on an annual basis and all clubs should hold an AGM. It would be foolhardy in the extreme for any club or syndicate to try and dictate to the owner of the fishing rights who he/she will allow to fish for the following season.

I have also experienced issues on a river where a local club was formed and self appointed themselves as owners of the fishing rights. They had no standing in law.

They erected signs saying the river was strictly for members only and was strictly fly fishing only.

This was an ongoing issue for years, there were angry words exchanged on the river banks and quite frankly there was some despicable attempts at intimidation of anglers from outside the area by local anglers.

After much discussion and numerous meetings among concerned anglers the legal advice received was that particular river was always free fishing to the public.

The club eventually accepted this and changed their signs to request anglers who fished to acknowledge there is a local club and contribute through them to a conservation fund for the river, which is very fair. The key point of this is that it is a request, as they acknowledged they do not own or have control of the fishing rights.

Laws around permission for fishing in Ireland can sometimes be a bit more complex than a sign proclaiming the rights are reserved.

Like I said at the start, I have no problem that we may have different opinions, it may simply be because we've had different experiences.

I hope your 66th year angling is your best one ever.

Tight lines,
Rows Grower.

Williamjg

Went out for my first time today to the river Clare
Was there for a hour or so and the my rod broke 😞. Was very disappointed

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Williamjg wrote: »

Went out for my first time today to the river Clare
Was there for a hour or so and the my rod broke ��. Was very disappointed

How did it break?

Williamjg

The part where the poles connect hit off a fence

Rows Grower

Williamjg wrote: »

Went out for my first time today to the river Clare
Was there for a hour or so and the my rod broke ��. Was very disappointed

Catch any trout?