I got a new rod and reel!!!

[jaroddog]

You guys will probably be so disgusted with me... Anyway, I bought a Cabela's Traditional 4 wt in an 8' 4pc model. I like the feel of the moderate action and hey, I'm on a budget. I also got a fly tying kit to get started. I was wondering if you guys would recommend some good flies for a beginner to tie, taking into consideration the size of my rod, as well. I also wondered if any of you had some good suggestions of websites for beginning fly tiers?

Thanks,
Jarod

[chavez]

Congrats! You're onto a whole new addiction now!

[jaroddog]

I learned to cast on a 3 weight which I liked. It fell apart after a couple outings and the manufacturer refunded my money. I finally got a chance to go for it, and here I am, loving my 4 wt. It looks like I am going to have to move around for a while, so the 4 section style will help a lot. I was able to try it out earlier this afternoon for some bluegills. I hooked up with about a dozen with dry flies normally used for trout. Nothing like hearing that pop and splash as they take the lure. Awesome! I guess I'll be hitting every lake, pond, and stream I can.

Jarod

[Cal]

awesome jaraddog... congrats on the new rig!

[nirrad]

congrads on the rod, I heard pretty good things about them. A fly I would start with for two reasons it's easy and fish love them and I mean all kinds, would be a woolly bugger. pretty easyto tie, and I use them all the time.

[jaroddog]

I've already tied one, but I think I need to find a better guide, because this one just doesn't look as good as some other wooly buggers I've seen. What size do you guys think I should try tying for my 4 wt. rod considering the size of streamer hooks?

[greatbarracuda]

Depends on what yer fishing for..

Generally for a 4wt tho, I'd prolly throw buggers between #16 and #10.

As far as buggers go, don't worry too much if it looks a little bit off. There are zillions of ways of tying it and quite often, fish will hit any of the variants.

[chavez]

jarodog,

Don't underestimate the lowly black foam spider with white rubber legs. I'll routinely cast a #10 one under trees and those bluegills kill 'em. They should be very easy to tie as well.

[jaroddog]

I would love to tie some water spiders, but how do I do it? Can you tell me how or give me a website that gives instructions? What kind of foam do I need? I have some fly tying foam that comes in thin sheets 1" X 6". Will this work? How about rubber legs, can that material be found at a Wal-Mart or something? Any suggestions on tying spiders would be appreciated.

Jarod

[MoKan]

Jarod,

Don't forget to try some small Betts poppers. They are ex for bass and panfish.

Also, when tying sponge body bugs. Sometimes, the more gawdy, the better.
There are lots of fly tying sites(with recipes).

I used a fly rod for alot of years. But, mostly it was chartreuse Betts poppers for bass and glow bugs for trout.
It was common for me to catch close to 50 a day with a fly rod.

[jaroddog]

Did you quit using a fly rod and if so, why?

[MoKan]

When I was younger, I used my fly rod alot.
Mostly chartreuse Betts poppers.
Caught tons of fish and quit using it.
Had a couple nice rigs and sold them both.
I'd like to have a standard, 7 wt. rod for Betts poppers. Nothin' fancy.
I can also flip some glow bugs with it for trout.
Fly rods are pretty versatile.

[spoonplugger1]

You didn't say what your fishing for, out west its hard to be on the water without Sz 16 thru 12 Hares Ears and Prince nymphs. Both are very easy to tie, and they seem to get better the uglier they get from the fish gumming them.