I second the 8 foot 4 weight 4 piece fly rod and a nice light reel. If you are in an area with big fish bring a 5 weight. 8 footers help you keep the fly higher. In reality a dozen flies is plenty. Jim
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.
Registered: 12/22/16
Posts: 75
Loc: Colorado High Plains
I carry a 9 ft, 6 weight, 6 piece, LL Bean rod that weighs, with carrying tube, about 13 oz. It's sometimes a bit of overkill but fishing is one of my main activities while backpacking and since most of my fishing is done high in the Rockies and on lakes where there's usually some wind, it works well for me.
The carrying tube is a fluorescent light tube that I got at HD. It's minimal protection but has worked well for me so far.
My reel is Lamson Guru and it, plus flies, leaders, tippet & hemos weighs about the same, 13oz.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
How many flies you take depends a lot on whether you're lake fishing or stream fishing and, if the latter, how much brush-bashing or tree climbing you are willing to do to retrieve a stuck fly!
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
OM- I do not need many flies because I have such trouble tying them on the line (poor eyesight) that I never change it until it somehow goes missing. I throw the same old thing at every fish and it does not seem to matter. I caught the biggest fish ever (+20 inch Yellowstone Cutthroat) on a ratty fly that barely had a thread covering the hook!
Very annoying when I loose a new fly on the first cast because I tied it on wrong. Or the first fish runs off with it for the same reason.
After fishing with Masime Oni this last summer, I learned he has used the same 6 fly everywhere and for the last 50 years. Japanese kabari type flys are extremely versatile and can be substituted for almost any traditional western flies. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakasa_Kebari
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The wind wont howl if the wind don't break.
Good discussion. Thanks for sharing your experience, guys! I decided to add my two cents. I bought a new baitcasting reel a few months ago. First of all, I read an article at huntingfishingplus.com about the most popular models and brands. It helped to choose the Curado DC model by Shimano. Though I had the possibility to try it only once, I understood how great it is. If someone is in search, I recommend it with confidence.
Edited by Glenn Roberts (12/10/2008:00 AM) Edit Reason: Removed commercial link
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