panfisher45

Steeldrifter, I have very limited fly fishing experience, but i'm in Minnesota so perhaps we encounter some similar fishing conditions. My choices are either small trout streams with limited access and lots of trees and bushes, or fishing from a boat on lakes. Mostly in ignorance, I bought a 6-7 weight 8-foot rod. The short length is perhaps a slight advantage on streams, but the rod is heavy for that. A 4-weight would be much more appropriate there. Fishing from a boat, a longer rod is an advantage. More importantly, I think the shorter length has made it more difficult to hone my casting skills. Most of the learning resources that I've seen suggest a 9-foot rod unless you have clear reasons for going longer or shorter. One site (Orvis) suggested strongly that kids should not be given shorter rods as they make learning to cast more difficult. Good luck!

I apologize for posting this question, but i've seen so much expertise and experience here that I just can't help myself. I bought my first fly rod combo about 3 years ago, almost totally ignorant of what I was doing. Now I'm thinking about upgrading when we get on towards spring. What i have is an inexpensive Berkeley graphite rod, 6-7 weight and only 8 feet. The reel is a Scientific Angler. I have no immediate complaints about either, but then I doubt I have enough experience to judge, at least not the rod. I'd like a 9-foot 5-weight, as this seems to be a better trout/panfish choice, I definitely want a "full-length" rod. I'd like something in the $100-$200 range, plus a serviceable reel, Suggestions, warnings and feedback welcome. Thanks, guys!

Thanks, guys! Have to say I'm very impressed with this forum so far. FlaFly, my experience in Minnesota is similar, whether fly fishing or spin casting. Bluegills hit just about anything. They have to be one of the most aggressive fish out there. I'll try to do more trout fishing, and I envy the skill, but other species abound here to the extent that it's silly to restrict yourself, IMHO. Again, thank you all!

Tidewaterfly, thank you! This certainly helps overall and I appreciate the great photos.

I'm a raw recruit to this hobby and I'd appreciate some suggestions as to easy flies or poppers to start out with. I'm just now gathering tools and supplies. For a first reference book I bought Peter Gathercole's Fly Tying for Beginners. I've been spin casting most of my life and just started fly fishing a couple of years ago. We have many small trout streams here in southeastern MN, but a lot of my fishing opportunities are for bluegill, bass, and pike in local lakes. I'd appreciate suggestions for a few flies and poppers. (I'm sure this question has a million possible answers.) I should also add that my budget is limited. Suggestions appreciated. Thanks!