Fly rod fishing, any advise?

[TexHunter]

I have a couple of old fly fishing reels I got from my Dad that belonged to his uncle. I am rigging up a rod and need to condition the line. I also bought some new line eyes? to replace the current one since I will put a new end on the line. I'm going to use poppers. I used one when I was a teenager and did ok with it but that's been many moons ago. Any advise anyone can offer would be appreciated. I'll be using it in my pond.

[TexHunter]

Alright folks, you know us Texas rednecks are used to fishin' with Zebco 202s. Help out a redneck. :D I know some of you boys from the North and West have wet a fly in a stream. :D

[Tejas Raz]

Ain't NO fisherbud at all mind you, but if I were to dip a line, it would be with a fly rod. I tried one out up in Anchorage my last time out with the Corps. Cold streams up there I'm here to tell you! Moose a couple of hundred yards off. Fly rods just go right up there. It were fun too... even getting all tangled up a couple of times.

Advise? Not me! :D

[bowriter]

I am sure there are many out there more experienced with flyrods than I. But I do have a couple and use them some for bluegill, trout and bass.

Instead of treating the line, if it is old (as you indicated) I would buy new line. I would go to a shop where there is someone with experience in flyrods and tell him/her what you are planning on fishing for and with which flies. They will then know the proper weight line and leader for you.

If you want to just treat the line, there are many commercial products out there just for that. Just ask for fly line treatment or conditioner.

[Harley Rider]

I agree with bowriter. Get new line. The size (weight) of the poles should be listed on them. Get line to match. I would go with floating line especially if you plan on tossing out poppers. Poppers are not the easiest Fly’s to start with. I would just tie a piece of yarn to the end and practice casting with that first. Then work your way up to heavier fly’s. Basic cast and roll cast would be the first to practice with. Then you can go into double hauling to get great distance once you’ve master the basics.

I am a tail water fishing guy. Under most major dams there is the best trout fishing. AZ at Lee’s Ferry and the San Juan River in NM are my 2 favorites as of now. I am going to start planning my next trip to AK red and white rivers.

Good luck and don’t give up.

Jay

[TexHunter]

Thanks for the advise guys. I will replace the line once I get a chance. I found that the line that is on the reel is pretty much gone but to be honest with you I got real busy after my first attempts and haven't been able to play with it anymore. I have the rod and reel close though and will get back on it as soon as I can.