[dazdidge]

Hi everyone, first of all my name is darren, or daz for short. I only started fly  fishing around 5 months ago, I had tried it a lot of years ago and thought it was a waste of time :  and never pursued it. I have done a bit of pike and trout fishing using lures and trolling but discovered a small loch 5minutes from my house that I was given permission to fish but fly only, it is stocked with browns and rainbows and so I decided to give it a go. Although I like the trolling etc it is not as involving/interesting as fly and have discovered that I now prefer it. My friend has lent me a 9ft #5-7 carbon fibre rod to which I have added a Greys GRXi 5/6 reel with 4 spares spools as well as a good selection of wet and dries, and some lures as well as an intermediate and fast sink line and some 6lb leader. The lines and leaders were recommended by a local shop for fishing at this time of year (fish down lower?) and they did recommend I also buy a slow and a floating line to make up the kit. I have already caught my first (but only) brown trout at the end of last season and it has me totally hooked!

 My first questions are: are what are the most common/best methods of joining a fly onto the line, at the moment I am using a braided loop onto fly line and then a knotless tippet to which I connect the leader and then the fly. Are there any websites that show different combinations? I have tried looking but can't seem to find anything
Will the kit I now have be sufficient for me starting out? I do realise I will most likely want to add to my kit as time goes on, but I have now spent quite a few quid just to get where I am

Most importantly, can anyone recommend a good book for absolute novices to the fly fishing world and where I can buy it?

thanks in advance for any advice
daz

[Jim Eddie]

Daz

Welcome to te forum , you gear is more than adequate to start with. If you want anothr way of attaching the leader to the fly line see the needle knot.
http://www.graysofkilsyth.com/fishing-knots.htm

The Pursuit of Stillwater Trout by Brian Clarke is a good book or Lesley Crawfords - The Trout Fishers Handbook.

 

Jim

[Irvine Ross]

Daz

Hello and welcome to the forum. Your rod and reel will be just fine to get you started. The only addition I would suggest is a floating line. You will certainly need it as the weather warms up. I do most of my fishing with a floater and only occasionaly use an intermediate. Most of the small trout lochs around here are not very deep so I don't find much use for a fast sinker.

A lot of people dislike braided loops so a common method is to nail knot a length of heavy nylon onto the end of the fly line and then attach a tapered leader to that. For instructions on the nail knot and every other knot you will ever need see

http://www.fishandfly.com/articles/20060906_2

 I can't recommend a book as I have never found one myself but I will bet that someone on the forum will give you some ideas.

Good Luck

Irvine

[Sandy Nelson]

Hi Daz

Welcome to the forum, i agree with what the guys are saying, get your self a floating line. And needle knot the leader to the tip.
other than that, just have fun, visit places and talk the people you meet, you'll learn loads, decide for yourself what you wish to digest.

A decent line is the best investment (shameless plug) the Barrio Mallards are the best value in floaters, if you are looking for one.  :

Enjoy

Sandy

[dazdidge]

thanks for the replies guys, and yes I do need a floating line and I will have a look later on