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Information for Beginners
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W
e firmly believe that this is the
most important page in our cata-
log!! Unless we make it “easy” and in-
expensive for anyone to enjoy fly fishing,
fewer and fewer new folks will make this
rewarding pastime part of their lives!!
Consider some of the following things
when starting out:
R
od Selection
For learning how to fly cast,
we strongly believe that a medium-fast rod
(or moderate-fast rod which is just a “tad” slower) is your best! It will be more forgiving as you learn
to cast and you will definitely get a better “feel” for the line loading on the rod. Don’t be tempted
by the latest types of graphite & boron and very fast blanks. The latter will make it more difficult to
learn proper casting and also substantially lessen the weight of your wallet!
L
ines, Backing, Tippet, Etc.
There need not be a lot of mystery in this area. Starting at the reel,
you’ll need backing on the reel in case the fish “runs” a good bit. Next, the fly line is what you
use to cast the fly as it has a certain weight and taper. For the vast majority of fly fishing, a weight
forward floating line will work perfectly. Leader is usually tapered nylon attached to the fly line. It
will gradually taper from 7.5 to 9 feet, to the thinnest portion which is attached to the fly. This “weight-
less” section allows you to present the fly to the fish as stealthily as possible. Tippet is added to the
end of the leader because of changing flies, breakage, re-tying, etc.
K
nots
You’ll only need to know a few knots
to ..3 of them: Improved Clinch for attach-
ing flies, Surgeon’s Loop for attaching tippet to
leader &Nail Knot for attaching leader to fly line!!
There are many alternatives to these knots, but
these are enough to get you out fishin’and catchin.’
See animated “Grog’s Knots” on our website for
detailed instructions on tying these knots.
R
emoving theMystery
Please know that most
folks are able to consistently catch fish on
just a handful of different flies in a few different
sizes. You needn’t make yourself crazy trying to
figure out what’s best. Many flies will catch fish!
S
pending Money
You do NOT, and probably
“should” not “break the bank” in order to
get started fly fishing. We get aggravated when
magazines are always trying to get you to buy
more and more expensive stuff that won’t make
you fish any better, but just part you from your
money. Remember, our goal here is to get you
out fishin’ --- not shopping!
C
all us!!
Remember, you can always call Russ,
Eric or me (Ron) if you have questions or
need help!! There aren’t a whole lot of places
where you can do that anymore! Between us, we’ve over 60 years experience of fly fishing and over
40 years of rod building! We’re here during “regular” business hours, Eastern Standard time. After
hours, our answering service will take a message and we’ll call you back within 24 hours, or Monday
if you call over the weekend. Tight Lines!!
FREE SHIPPING!! On domestic orders $35+
Visit
www.hookhack.com
• Beginning Fly Fishing
• Fly Tying 101
• Building your own fly rods
• Making your own leaders
• All the knots you’ll ever need
• Choosing tackle
• Fly pattern recipes
• Fish of the Month
• Fly tying materials
• Fly Selection
Rule # 1
Nothing, and I mean
ABSOLUTELY NOTH-
ING CAN REPLACE TIME SPENT ON
THE WATER!
Spending more money, too
much theory, chat rooms & magazines are not
a replacement for experience!
So get out on
the water and FISH!
INFO FOR “NEWBIES”