Hey Ouitdee
What do you say to tying up some minnow imatations and going out this spring for some Crappie action? Who knows we might find you a couple of good Smallmouth spots for that thursday night league. Look forward to testing my fly fishing skills on some of those slippery devils.
Ed
Hi Newbie
Having any luck learning how to fly fish? I was told to go to Gander Mountain and that was pretty much useless. I haven't really done any fishing since 1972. And being origianally from southern IL that meant fishing the Mississippi for Buffalo and Carp or going to a pay lake. Been in MN sinc '89 but nervous about trying it here because they have weird things like walleyes and northerns and sunnies ( I think we called em bluegill). I bore easily unless I am busy thats whay I thouhgt flycasting might be fun!
Well when your fly fishing your always constantly moving thats for sure, well at least your arms. Remember that fly fishing is not only just for trout, but for pretty much any species that Minnesota has to offer, from carp to walleyes. Now sometimes it takes that right times to fish for certain fish, but they all can be caught on the fly.
Gander Mountain is like any other big chain outdoor store, so head to a local fly shop if you have one near. Usually there are some fly fishing groups or clubs in the area and a great way to learn if the member are willing to help out. I've been to a bunch of group (TU, FFF) meetings and usually its the one small group that know each other but not willing to take the time to get to know all the new members or people that just want to learn. But you have to make an effort to want to learn and talk with some other long time fly fishers. There is nothing wrong with just going out on the lake and practicing on your own and is pretty much the way I learned. I do alot of fly fishing from my boat and I get alot of looks when I'm fishing for bass around docks and wood. There is just something about casting a fly rod that people find fascinating and even more so when you see someone catch a fish while their doing it.
I absulately love fly fishing and bring my fly gear everytime I'm out on the boat, whether the day is planned for walleyes or sunfish or anything else. You never know when you might find an awesome pike bite. BTW, pike on the fly is a blast!
In any case, match the fly rod to what you will be fishing more of. If you plan on doing alot of bluegills, get a lighter rod (3 or 4 wt). Trout fishing will work great with a 5wt. Small largemouth and smallmouth, a 6 or 7 wt will work good. Good sized smallmouth and sub 36" pike, an 8wt works really well. Big smallmouth, largemouth and pike or musky, your looking at something around 9 or 10 wt. Having a rod that matches the fish your catching will make fly fishing that much more enjoyable. Then along comes fly tying part of fly fishing, that a whole other ball game there and just another part of this great sport we call fly fishing.
Tight lines and be safe out there.
