Fly Fishing - Advice for a beginner! Belize trip around the corner!

mlharris · Newbie Joined: Nov 05, 2006 Posts: 3

I'm going to start off slow here. I've never touched a fly rod in my life but a week long fishing trip to Belize seems to dictate that I learn how to use one and fast. I've done my research on the equipment and have made my purchase. Now it is time to practice and prepare. Any links or beginner level advice on casting and... well... everything else would be greatly appriated.

hedrush999 · Newbie Joined: Aug 16, 2004 Posts: 49

Wow, what a way to break yourself in....Belize! Where are you going in Belize? My advice for you is that it all happens really fast. The fish are almost always on the move, and the wind blowing. Don't worry about it being all pretty, just get the fly where it needs to be. 1-2 false casts max. Also listen to your guide. Your guide can and will be the best tool for you to develop as an angler. Oh yeah, don't be too proud, sometimes in the saltwater, a spinning rod can be the best tool for the situation.

mlharris · Newbie Joined: Nov 05, 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks! Yea, I'm very excited. No guide though, me and a few buddies are chartering a sailboat for seven days. Leaving from San Pedro heading south on our virgin fishing tour. So any advice on flies or rods let me know.

jeremy · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:26 pm Post subject: hey

simple solution ...

1. 9 weight rod .. don't spend more than 200 bucks
2. 9 weight reel to match .. don't spend more than 150
3. actually .. you could probably get a combo for rod and reel that would suit ya just fine.
4. intermediate 9 weight fly line
5. saltwater leaders ... (they market them for all different species .. so just tell the guy and that you need an all purpose saltwater leader for bonefihs and other stuff in belize) get a bunch of these leaders .. like 5-10 of them ..
6 . flies .. get basic white decievers (you can never go wrong with those for any saltwater fish) .. and crazy charlie flies .. and a couple brown and white clouser minnnow flies ..

... ok .. that should do ya .. put ya in the game for fly fishing from the sailboat and from the shore .. and you will have the right all around gear for any kinda fins you will encounter .... good luck man .. if ya catch anytthing take some photos.

mlharris · Newbie Joined: Nov 05, 2006 Posts: 3

It looks like I have pretty much done exactly what you said with the exception of rod wt. The first guy sold me a 7wt. I took it back and got an 8wt. I will give that a try and see how it work out.

I appreciate you input... and yes! I will take lots of pics should I get something on the line!

jeremy · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:38 pm Post subject: simple

PERFECT! .... no rules really ... just preference and everyone has got opinions, all of which are equally valid ... so .. it becomes a matter of what makes sense to you ..

so .. if one guy said a 7 wt and i said a 9 wt .. well then you got the perfect thing .. and 8 WT!!! split it down the middle .. nobody could argue that! makes sense to me ... have fun .. good luck!