The Beginner Package For The Fly Fisherman on a Budget

I know when you mention fly fishing to the average individual they either think expense or intimidating. I have had numbers of individuals tell me they would like to fly fish but they just don’t think they can afford the sport or it is too complicated to learn. One does not have to spend a pile of money to get into fly fishing. In fact you can purchase a fairly good combo at most outlet stores. Way before purchasing the equipment there has to be the desire to learn the sport and next learning how to cast. Some individuals may take fly casting lessons which can cost anywhere from 50.00 to 100.00.  To save money you can always get someone you may know to let you cast their fly rod for free. A suggestion here, don’t waste money on a fly rod and reel until you have had a chance to use one. I taught one of my buddies how to use one of my fly rods in last than hour last year on Smith Lake. In fact he landed his first small bass on that outing. Today he fly fishes with me all the time and absolutely loves the sport. After you have learned how to cast, you need a fly rod and reel. As stated earlier you can purchase a combo at an outlet store and the best for your bucks is Wal Mart. If you purchase the Crystal River combo, you get the 8 ft. 4/5 wt fly rod, reel with fly line, tapered leader, two sided fly box and the case to carry it all in for an unbelievable price online for 30.00. Now that you got your fly rod combo, you need to go out and land some fish. I would go to a local pond or small lake where you can get into some bass or bluegills. Landing warm water species with poppers will help you learn how to connect with your fly and learn how to play the fish.  You don’t have to spend loads of money on accessories to warm water fish. Again Wal Mart carries a variety of Betts Poppers, line stretchers, scissors, forceps, line dressing, floatant, tapered leaders, and tippets. All these accessories are the Fairplay Brand with leaders as low as 2.00, tippets 2.00, and the rest of the accessories under 5.00. Keep in mind you don’t have to buy all these items at one time; buy as the need arises. The Betts poppers are priced below 2.00 and will last numbers of trips. Wal-Mart carries a small fanny pack which is excellent to store all your accessories including your fly box. In fact I use a fanny pack to carry all my warm water accessories all the time, I just strap it around my waist and everything I need is right at my fingertips. Wal-mart not only carries all the Betts Poppers but a wide variety of flies for warm and cold water fishing. Everything I have mentioned will get you out on the water casting poppers and nymphs such as Wooly Buggers for less than 50.00. That’s not bad for the beginner fly fisherman who is looking to get into the sport and not go in debt to get started. Ricky over at Shotguns and Fishing Poles ask me to do a post on what it would take for a beginner to get into fly fishing. So this is my version, some of you guys might be able to do a better job and if I have left anything out please feel to add your comment.