For the beginner

[Fly Tier]

If you are a beginner in fly tying .The best fly to start out on is the woolly bugger,It is simple and easy to tie.
Hook:TMC 5263,sizes 4-10.  Thread:olive,6/0 Tail:olive marabou,Rib: gold fine wire or flashabou. Abdomen:olive chenille,and Hackle:olive,palmered.This fly can be tied in various colors.Once you learn,to tie the tail in to wrapping the hackle over the abdomen and tying it off. You have just learned the steps of about every patterns building foundation.

[BODCAW JACK]

I have never tried fly fishing but I would love to.  "A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT" is probobly my favorite movie of all time and, though it may seem corny, that movie makes fly fishing seem so much more personal and unique than any other kind of fishing.  I love to bass fish, mainly in ponds and lakes, but have been trying my luck in some rivers lately ( see fishing the cossotot in bass, crappie, catfish forum).  Any advice on a good rig for beginners who know nothing at all about fly fishing?

[Kevin]

Bodcaw, Temple Fork Outfitters makes some great beginning fly fishing combos for less than $100. I know John Berry -- the fly fishing guide in Cotter -- says it is his favorite beginner setup.

Definitely would not recommend a high dollar rig for your first one. Take a year or two and learn on a cheaper -- but still good quality -- rod. Fishing ponds and lakes for bass is awesome fun too. I could tie you some bass flies (and I know Fly Tier could tie you even better ones) to get you started. Just let me know and I'll send you some.

I'm from the A River Runs Through It generation as well. Almost ashamed to say it, but just happened to be in the age group I guess. You should get the book, it's great too.

[Fly Tier]

Also when getting a fly rod combo try to get weight forward floating line and make sure it matches your rod weight(for exsample if the rod you buy is 6 wt. get 6 wt. forward floating line.It helps cast better and farther to help you get your fly out there.And start by teaching yourself a roll cast that's were you get your line out either on water or your back yard hold the tip of your rod at 12 o'clock and flip the tip forward to 9 o'clock this will let you see were your is going forward and you will know when to pull back,once you get the hang of it then you can start practicing your back cast from 9 o'clock pull back to 2 o'clock then forward back to 9 o'clock.And never try to brake your wrist in casting if you notice you are then take a rubber band and wrap it around your wrist and the butt of your fly rod this will help you from braking your wrist in casting all your casting should come from your fore arm.

[BODCAW JACK]

Thanks for all the great advice guys! I'm definitely interested in some of those bass flies.  Let me know what I need to do.   My dad bought a cheap rig a few years back and I don't think he ever uses it.  Might check it out but will definitely check out Temple Fork. 

I actually looked into buying the book A River Runs Through It.  I had no idea that was a true story and that Norman Maclean was an actual author.  Several of his books sound really good.

Kevin, I totally understand the generation thing.  You'll probobly sympathize when I say GI Joe, Transformers, Thundercats, and of course TMNT.

[Kevin]

Haha, yep, those all sound familiar. That pretty much sums up every Halloween costume of my life!

I'm getting my new vise in next week, so I'll tie you up some bass flies and set them to the side.

If you don't have A River Runs Through It on blu-ray, it is pretty awesome. I'm not gonna lie, I probably watch it at least once a month! It has a great background story with it. Maclean actually died before the film was finished. You really get to see all of the good Robert Redford has done for the trout fisheries of America as well.

This book is held so high by guys like me and you, and for good reason. Yet, it's stomped on by long-time fly fisherman, each of whom claim it took away the  innocence of the sport. That is to say, it's influence was so impactful that once silent waters are now trounced upon by every man, woman and child just because they watched a great Brad Pitt movie.

I can see their point. However, the Redford conservation efforts really show you the good that the uncovering of the sport of fly fishing has done.

Also, here is a link to the book. It's very cheap: A River Runs Through It