(Part 2) Top products from r/flyfishing

Which streams/rivers did you try? The water in North Idaho hasn't been bad lately, a few rivers are still running higher than normal but the water clarity has been good. I would read this. Its a pretty good read about what to do when there is nothing obvious. I agree with the other guys though streamers are a great way to catch fish, especially large ones. Personally I like to swing streamers after I've gone through a good spot with dries.

It could be a combination of all of the above, or none of the above. Depth is important, size is important, too. If you are still fishing winter conditions, the takes are very subtle and you may be getting bites that you don't even realize. I set on everything that has a remote chance of being a strike this time of year.

If you can take a class or go on a guided trip, it will help you out immensely, especially as you are learning new water.

I also got a lot of benefit from getting a net seine to see what bugs are actually in the water and then using that to match my flies. Another great resource that I've used is The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing

Keep at it, the best way to improve is to keep practicing!

Well, this works for me: Keep things focused and lightweight.

The silicone boxes are pretty heavy, IMO, so I avoid those.

I have one box with "extra" flies that I leave in the car. I then carry with me three fly boxes:

• Umpqua Day Tripper Box: nymphs, dries and streamers. It is small and light-weight. Details here.
  
  
• Magnetic box: for small flies #20 and smaller (I fish three tailwaters). The magnetized backing is great so that small flies don't get blown away in a sudden breeze. Pic here.
  
  
• C&F chest patch: This a great invention. Open side slits allow flies to dry. It has magnets in it. Has enough slots to hold a bunch of flies. Details here. This is the go-to box. I try and plan ahead about what I want to fish and load those into this box. As a result, I rarely go into the other two boxes. Very efficient too, as I don't have to open the chest pack. I just flip open the C&F, pick a fly, put the old one on a magnet to dry, and flip it shut.

Great idea for a thread!

Outside of some tying gear, I just put one of these on the list.

I have a few little gadgets that I really like but wouldn't necessarily buy straight out for myself, but made great Father's Day gifts, like the Smith Creek Net Holster and the Smith Creek Rod Holder.

Also can't go wrong upgrading someone's maybe older style net to a rubber based net pretty affordably.

Redington Crosswater combo ($132 with Prime)

If he likes smallmouth and catches them in his favorite creeks then get the 6wt. If he prefers trout then get the 9' 5wt option. This rod in a 6wt will also work for pond/lake fishing for bass. If he went to a bigger river then he would do fine with it as well, whether wading or in a boat.

He will also need a leader and some tippet. For $8.61 you can get him an individual leader, or for $16 you can get him the three pack. For tippet, if you get him the 8 pound leader then you should get him the 8 pound tippet for $7.57.

For leader longevity he will want tippet rings for $11.72. This will allow him to use his leaders for much longer rather than needing to re-buy leaders sooner. I know we're outside of your budget at this point past the leader, but if you can swing it then all of these things will provide what he needs outside of flies. Maybe someone else is getting him presents and could supplement the rest. Sometimes fly rod combos will come with leaders, but I didn't see it mentioned on the Crosswater combo. You'll notice I tailored it more to bass. If you find out he's more of a trout guy, then read on.

For $10.78 you can get a 3-pack of 9' 4x leaders. He can fish small streamers and nymphs with these, but would want a thinner leader for dry flies. For creeks he will probably fish small streamers and nymphs most of the time anyways, so this is a good choice (in my opinion). You'll still want the tippet rings listed above to make the leader purchase last a long time. For tippet, a spool of 4x tippet material for $11.43. The tippet prices seem high to me so you might want to dig around some more for options.

Other doodads to consider would be nippers and a zinger, hemostats, and a net. Teeth are a substitute for nippers, but biting through fishing line does wear your teeth. Hemostats aren't as necessary if he pinches the barbs on his hooks. You can get away with not using a net, but it is easier on the fish and the fisherman to use one.

Hopefully this helps and points you in the right direction. If you have questions just send me a message.

Don't buy it. Look at the aestos fenwick 9ft5wt on Amazon
I have both the orvis clear water and then researched and bought this one for the kids and it is far superior.
Read this. It's a good review of several rods. https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2017-5-weight-shootout-fly-rod-review-best-5-weight-rod-best-fishing-pole-best-fly-rod-g-loomis-nrx-lp-scott-radian-g-loomis-asquith-t-t-avantt-thomas-and-thomas-avant-edge-by-gary-loomis-orvis-h2-covert-winston-air-sage-x

It also is cheaper! Ie buy the piscifun reel and line and backing it suggests and you will save 50$ and get a much better rod. The 9ft5wt orvis Clearwater was the first rod I got and it really feels like a 6wt and is very stiff compared to the aetos

Fenwick AETOS 5 Wt Fly Fishing Rod, 9 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VS0JZWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MyAGzb9GD383E

I think the best instructional books for a beginner are either the Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide or the LL Bean Ultimate Book of Fly-Fishing. For fun reads, you can't go wrong with any of John Gierach's books. Trout Bum would be a good starting point.

Very Informative book and excellent for entry level. I'd recommend the hatch guide for western streams too. It's great a field resource when you're out exploring new waters.

http://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Guide-Western-Streams-Schollmeyer/dp/1571881093

Omg get a magnet it will change your life. This is the one I have. I’ve never had it disconnect on its own (unless it gets snagged on a branch). And it’s super convenient. I have it attached to my sling bag at my shoulder and I can easily release it with one hand and reattach after. 10/10

Piscifun. Wanted a reel w blue accents to match my Redington Link. Took a gamble on this Chinese budget friendly reel and was not disappointed. Not the coolest sounding "click" but smooth action/drag and great looking for the money. Got the 7/8 which pairs w my 9ft 5wt well.

Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reels with Cork/Teflon Disc Drag System 5 6 wt Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016Y3CX5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_va8.yb54GV1VG

What kind of budget?

Edit: Echo Base Fly Rod (7'6" 3wt) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4SY5L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_soc3Db8WA5KZ1


Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body 3/4 Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191J5BYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hpc3DbX1VYQW2

I’ve been very happy with this pairing. Not very expensive but works great so far.

At the risk of sounding like a cheapskate, this is my 3 wt: https://www.amazon.com/Maxcatch-Medium-fast-Premier-Performance-V-Premier/dp/B01N0MK19V/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496808473&sr=8-3&keywords=maxcatch%2Bfly%2Brod&th=1&psc=1.

Honestly, I love it. Use it all the time and have no issues with it. Performs just as well as my more expensive other rods (in higher weights, this is my smallest rod).

I think I saw your last post in the comments you where talking about a clear water also and that is a rod combo I was looking into my self. After reading the comments I started shopping around for a TFO rod and a Lamson reel. I was extremely impressed with the reviews on both of them and completely changed my mind away from the clear water. I found some good deals on Amazon for both and this is basically going to be my next setup.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007NLQM5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410331488&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40#
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A4KNDH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410331645&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Under $300 as long as you don't get a rod longer than 9'. But hell I'm just one guy.

Tenkara is a great way to introduce kids to fly fishing. Very simple, and once they get the cast down, they can focus on learning the basics of nymphing as well as dead drifting and reading streams. These will all transfer well if they decide to move to traditional fly fishing.

TenkaraBum has an excellent kit that includes everything you'll need to get started. The rod is really nice, and is my go to for small streams/blue lines. It is a bit pricey though.

If you're looking to go cheap first, just to test the waters, amazon has some cheap rods that should certainly work fine. You'll just have to buy some level line and tippet to complete the kit.

Both of these rods will be just fine for trout and panfish, but probably are not suitable for SMB.

maybe it's the current I fish in, but I don't see balancing my rod like that as any easier or less of a risk (of dropping it) than just grabbing it under my armpit or popping it into this gadget or the loop in my vest.

In the US. The grip doesnt fit well in my hand and I do want to make a little more commitment.

My current rod: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0031HECBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498715280&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=eagle+claw+featherlight+fly+rod&dpPl=1&dpID=21Zik7S5zYL&ref=plSrch

The upgrade: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VS0JZWK/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1_1_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Anything by Ted Leeson, especially The Habit of Rivers and Inventing Montana. For my money, the best writer of the bunch.

The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing. Small book, 240 tips on every aspect. It's a great book to have on your bed table, glove box, bathroom, etc. when you just want to read a few pages at a time.
http://www.amazon.ca/The-Little-Red-Book-Fishing/dp/1602399816/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332948274&sr=8-1

I used to hold my rod under my arm. I recently purchased a Smith rod holder to clip to my bag and love it.

Smith Creek Rod Clip, Wearable Fishing Rod Holder, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GM6I9BS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.pnHzbER1D2XP

Id get something SUPER cheap. Literally no reason for a reel on a 3wt other than a line holder. Check out this one or this one

You could check out a super cheap four piece rod on amazon. While not the absolute best quality, it would function just the same.

Here’s an 8’ 4’’ 3 wt rod
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0MK19V/ref=zg_bs_13362836011_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=SH69DJEQ3RA2NAGZ0QP2&th=1&psc=1

Ok I'll look into it. I have this one but I don't really like the shape of the actual rubber netting.

Edit: Do you know which phantom model it is? It looks like there are several different versions of it.

You can get a Lamson Guru on amazon right now for $144. I have the guru 2 which is the same reel with a few upgrades and absolutely live it, caught 7 Harriman Ranch rainbows(these fish are very strong and have lots of room to run) ranging from 16"-22" last week and it performed flawlessly.

Waterworks: Guru 2 Open Reel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GEE2D0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_veDExb3DTSTS1


I just replaced my Temple Fork Outfitters 4wt recently, but for $150, they are very servicable rods.

Temple Fork: Professional Series Fly Rod, TF 05 90-4P 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NLQM5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7fDExbHWJHF0D

Finally, you would also be well served by spending $100 or so for some casting leasons. Nothing beats learning from someone who knows. I never did, until I took a week vacation and has a guide for 5 days and learned more in those 5 days than I learned in my first 5 years.

Edit: the link for the guru is for the guru series 1, size 2...looks confusing

This book helped me out a lot when I first started. Covers a broad range of topics, a good primer.

https://www.amazon.com/L-L-Bean-Ultimate-Book-Fishing/dp/159228891X

Ive got the "little red book of fly fishing" if you're interested in swapping for the whitlock book.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0061QUQM4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

One of these. I started buying them because I can fit multiple in my waist pack and I can just toss flies in without sliding them into individual slits. They don't work well for larger flies, or bushy dry flies, though.

Get a copy of George Daniel's book Dynamic Nymphing

Depending on where you live, try this, this or this.

For the attaching part: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01GIOP9RK?psc=1

A few things I have on my list (being fairly new myself)

http://www.amazon.com/Orvis-Guide-Prospecting-Trout-Revised/dp/1599211475/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323023476&sr=8-1

and

http://www.amazon.com/Orvis-Guide-Reading-Trout-Streams/dp/1558219331/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323023530&sr=1-1

$5 ?

oh think i found it

https://www.amazon.com/a11081700ux0041-Traveling-Sections-Telescopic-Fisherman/dp/B005SO6GTW/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_bs_lp_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=022GNZT5C4YDD4AXQH62

• Basic Fly Fishing: All the Skills and Gear You Need to Get Started
  
  
• The Bug Book: A Fly Fisher's Guide to Trout Stream Insects
  
  
• Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass
  
  
• Fly-Fishing for Smallmouth: in Rivers and Streams
  
  
• Fly Rodding Estuaries: How to Fish Salt Ponds, Coastal Rivers, Tidal Creeks, and Backwaters
  
  
• Fly Fishing the Striper Surf

You bet! If you've got a Kindle, check out Reading Trout Water and then Dynamic Nymphing

Not sure your location but this may cover more than New England. This is my go to book for bug identification and what flies will imitate them. https://www.amazon.com/Hatch-Guide-New-England-Streams/dp/1571882103/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500243946&sr=8-1&keywords=new+england+hatches

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016Y3CX5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510707438&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=piscifun%2Baoka&dpPl=1&dpID=51jCHA6CHbL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1


Here's a reliable inexpensive reel that would do the trick for you.

I just picked some up from Amazon. I don't believe they are too badly priced.

https://www.amazon.com/Rio-Tippet-Ring-Pack-Small/dp/B0160BRFDC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1485841921&sr=1-1&keywords=tippit%2Brings&th=1&psc=1

I was bored and decided to practice my Google fu. From what I could find Jed Hollan used to (perhaps he still does, although I doubt it since The Little Red Flyshop, of which he used to manage, has since closed down) publish a flyfishing report every two weeks. It seems he was mainly a fly fishing journalist, and he wrote a lot for Arkansas Fly Fishers magazine. You can see one of his reports featured in this issue if you are looking to read him, specifically (the link is to the download of the pdf).

I am wondering, however, if you might have gotten mixed up and you are really looking for The Little Red Book of Fly Fishing? Welp, I suppose I'm done now...Back to being bored again, aha. Tight lines, my friend.