fcka.net

Hey fly fishermen/women...
Looking for some assistance...
Don't laugh...

I have an 8' #5 Steffen Brothers Fly Rod, with a System2 56L reel. Got it in Montana for the Missouri River & I've had it since 1992, but I think it is in great shape.

This will sound silly, (big learning curve here) but where all can I fish with this? Is is doable in the salt? Stick to lakes & ponds? Any suggestions for line?

I have a big box of great fly tying materials and a good vice I bought back when I took Tom Broderidge's fly tying class YEARS ago at Oven Park. Time to dust it all off.

I do know Galt & Francine- so maybe I can go practice there for starters once I figure it all out.

Thanks for any advice.

typically, a 5wt would be a bit undersized for reds and trout. however, a 5wt would be perfect for the size of the trout you were catching up river this past weekend. get with me if you're looking for more info.

Can’t believe you brought up the name Tom B. He was my fly-fishing mentor and a good friend. We traveled the US for a few years attending and (Tom teaching) fly tying/casting/fishing seminars.

I think a 5wt is the smallest Galt wants us to fish with on his rainbow pond because these fish will fight to the death if you don’t get them in fairly quick. I use a 6 and an 8 depending on the fly and size of fish that’s biting. There are many 4lb plus fish in his pond so you will need to put the wood to them with a 5 if you don’t want to kill them. Dont get me wrong, there are also many 1 1/2 to 3lb fish in there as well. Make sure you bend down the barb so they come off easy with a hemostat. Galt will show you how to catch them if you know him. Wholly buggers and egg patterns are my favorites. Read the log and you will learn how others catch these awesome critters. (Hint...they eat little brown pellets on top and bottom). Use 8-10lb leader if you can. You will get more hits and break offs with 4-6lb leader.

If you are having trouble getting the line out 25-30 ft go up one size on your line to 6. Won’t hurt a thing and will make it more fun until you get your timing down and you will have a backup line which is always a nice thing. I think you will get frustrated fishing a 5 in the salt unless you are on a school or chumming them up to your yak. A five is perfect for fresh water action. Get some of those buggle bugs at Kevin’s and try them on those private lakes you fish. You will have some great bass action when the water starts warming again. You probably won’t catch more fish on a fly but will probably have more fun.....I know I do . BK has really been into FFing for several months now so I’m sure he has some good info for you. Hope some of this helps!

Great info! Thanks for taking the time to put it all in writing! Loads of helpful tips, which is why the people on the site are so incredible and forthcoming with helpful tidbits. I appreciate it! Great photo, as well!

Can you stand in your kayak?