The Urban Fly Fisher

Hey Trout Weasel - yup I enjoy fishing the Allander - combat fly fishing at its best - full of small trout that fight well on the fly rod (there can be a few suprises though) I have never met another person fishing it

oworm, nice one!! I am currently cutting my flyfishing teeth on it, trying not to hook too many dogs, trees, nettles and Tesco shopping trollies!! catch one or two each time, but mostly tiddlers, but it is strangely satisfying. I have an exteremy cheap rod, and really wonder if it does my casting any good, but on a river the size of the Allander you dont need much distance.

Alistair (or anyone), one question I have is that what is the difference in the rod weighting? I mean what is the difference between a 4 weight and a 7 weight? My take is the a 7 has less whip, therefore more suited to heavier line and fish. Any recomendations for a cheapish fly rod that would do for brown trout and maybe a small sea trout? The rod I use cost less than a tenner.

Also any fly recomendations for small river? I have been using wee teal coloured things, still not sure of all the names, but they seem to be doing well. Usually lose 1 or two a trip and it has been know to have to tie on another without the first getting close to the water.

Might try some worming and spinning at the meetings this week…

TW

Hiya, 

A typical river rod should be about 8 feet long rated for a 4/5 weight Line….that might seem confusing and it is kind of. Essentially a lighter line is for smaller fish and smaller flies and a high number is for big flies and big fish. 4/5 is nice and in the middle although I use a true 8 foot 4 weight - an orvis superfine troutbum. 

When you talk about “whip” you must mean the action of the rod - if the rod is more whippy then we say that has a slow action - if it is stiff we say that has a fast action. Generally speaking slow action rods cover casting faults (which is why I like them) as well as feeling absolutley lovely in the hand when fishing small streams. 

If you want to take your fly fishing seriously (and if you do you will never look at a smelly worm again) you will have to spend a little money on some good gear other wise you will wander along wondering why you are not catching anything and really wonderinh what all the fuss about fly fishing is about.

 Without further ado here is my plan for your eternal happiness..

Put away your spinning rod and never touch it again unless you surely “must” spin for Salmon - it will only be a distraction on your journey!

You need a new rod and general overall outfit…buy this one now

For flies - I use the same flies I use everywhere 

FLies 1

Flies 2

Essentially, some cdc&elks, some comparaduns, some klinkhammers and some pheasant tail nymphs will do the job. You van buy them frpm the GAC or through Flying Hooks.

After getting all that stuff you need to do some reading because if you dont you will never catch anything or learn how to fish the fly properly…I recommend - this book.

While you are reading as much info as you can, invest in some casting lessons - contact this guy and book an hour or two. 

You could also read a little about insect life

And that my friend is how you will become a fantastic fly fisherman!

If you do all that you will thank me in a couple of years, as it will be a couple of seasons before you really “get it” - I promise you when you do “get it” you will be amazed!