Let's Talk About Fishing

[hail2skins]

So, I loved it when I was kid but haven't done it in awhile. I want to get back into. I plan on shopping for rod while I'm off this week. Looking for something for a beginner but isn't too beginner (does that make since).

I want something that can handle top water fishing as well as fly fishing.

The other thing is finding the best places to fish. I'd like some seclusion early on while getting back to it. Maybe a pier of something like that.

Any ideas?

[Sweepea436]

I cant tell you about where you're at - but you can swing through here if you want!! I dont want to brag, but fishing here is kind of a big deal........ people know it...... Hahaha

[dj_stouty]

At Redskin Rich's advice I got an ultralight reel a few years ago and it has been good to me. Definitely a good starter reel that can handle a good variety of fish...

[hail2skins]

At Redskin Rich's advice I got an ultralight reel a few years ago and it has been good to me. Definitely a good starter reel that can handle a good variety of fish...What are the specifics on it DJ. I actually went to Bass Pro shop after I posted this thread.

[Red Bear]

So, I loved it when I was kid but haven't done it in awhile. I want to get back into. I plan on shopping for rod while I'm off this week. Looking for something for a beginner but isn't too beginner (does that make since).

I want something that can handle top water fishing as well as fly fishing.

The other thing is finding the best places to fish. I'd like some seclusion early on while getting back to it. Maybe a pier of something like that.

Any ideas?

it may be a bit much wanting a rod and reel that can toss flys and can handle top water baits. you may be able to find a balance that makes you happy there, but i would recommend two different setups for such. top water you typically want a medium-heavy to heavy action rod thats 6'6 - 7' long and preferrably spooled with braided line. for fly fishing id imagine you want something a lot lighter if you dont want a fly rod in itself.

Shimano makes pretty decent spinning reels that arent too pricey, yet arent that cheap either. As does Abu-Garcia. Im not into baitcasters so much, so im not much use there. If you dont want to pay $70-100+++ for a decent set-up, id just grab a cheap Shakespeare tiger spinning combo for $20 at walmart(dont get the push button version though, its cheap plastic, the older model s'peare pushbuttons were ok). My S'peares have held up pretty well though, as well as the lightweight shimano i have.

My best and funnest catch this year has to be the 24 inch 6.5lb striped bass i caught at smith mountain lake on a chicken liver. thought i had a nice cat fish at first until she surfaced.

[redskin_rich]

So, I loved it when I was kid but haven't done it in awhile. I want to get back into. I plan on shopping for rod while I'm off this week. Looking for something for a beginner but isn't too beginner (does that make since).

I want something that can handle top water fishing as well as fly fishing.

The other thing is finding the best places to fish. I'd like some seclusion early on while getting back to it. Maybe a pier of something like that.

Any ideas?

Mike, I have been a fisherman my entire life. I have or still own just about every piece of equipment for any situation. Let me give you some simple advice to start.
1. Scope out where your going to fish and seek out the advice of the local regulars. Pay attention to what they are actually using and what they are doing, compared to what they tell you. Fishermen are liars and it get's worse the older they are, so make sure you question any kids, as they will be less likely to lie.
2. You will need a variety of equipment, if you want to fish various ways, places, etc.
3. As DJ said, I told him to get an ultralight spinning combo with 6-8lb test monofilament, which would give him all he needs to fish any stream, river, lake or reservoir anywhere, with artificial lures, as long as the fishing is small game (3-4lbs max). If you want to still-fish with live bait, all depending on where you are and what you are fishing for, you will want, at the minimum, a medium action rod and reel, with 10-20 lb test mono.
4. If you want to Fly-Fish, that's a whole different world and the equipment is solely for that purpose, otherwise useless. I enjoy Fly-Fishing but it is more an art form than a means of catching a dinner. Fly-Fishing takes a lot of technique and practice and is not very rewarding until you get real good and know how to match the current bugs.


I have equipment for damn near everything, a canoe, beautiful acreage on the Shenandoah, access and experience on the upper and lower Potomac, James, Shenandoah, Rappahannock and New River. Also, Lake Anna, Burke Lake, Kerr Reservoir, Bugs Island, Back Bay, Chickahominy, Occoquan, Pohick, Aquia, Gaston, Norman, Wylie. I have fished 2 of the Great Lakes and done a canoe run through the Trent System in Canada. Gulf Of Mexico, Chesapeake, deep sea in the Atlantic and Pacific.

The only type of fishing I have yet to try (and probably won't) is noodling for Cats in the Mississippi.