Fly Rod

 There are so many rods out there many things go into it. If you are in Bismarck, on March 21 the Missouri Valley Fly Fishers will be holding a casting clinic at the golf dome. You can try a few rods there and see what you like as well as get some excellent instruction.

What kind of fish do you want to pursue? The size of fish and size of "fly" will make a difference in the rod you select. I don't know any budget line rods or combos to recommend, but If you are in the Bismarck area I could give you a lesson on the river. I just got a new #9 rod/reel to use for Missouri River walleye, northern and trout...as well an occasional steelhead trip out west. I use a #6 for smaller water trout, bluegill and some bass.

 just keep it simple.  get a 6 to 7 weight rod in the $50 range and a reel in the $20 range, put some backing and flyline on it and that'll get u started.  no need to put alot of $ into it or buy a bunch of complicated equipment.  if ur in the bismarck area, go to dakota tackle, wade will help u out.

I started flyfishing about 3 years ago, its very addicting.  I mostly chase the large and smallmouth bass but also have been know to try for crappies and bluegill. 

My theory is spend the money on good line, namely scientific angler's line.  It will cost around $60.00 for a spool, it requires a lot less maintenance and casts a lot smoother than anything else I have tried.

If you are mostly going to chase bass I would go with a 7wt or 8wt.  If you want to go after northerns I would stick with an 8 wt rod, so that you have the backbone to pull the fish away from the weedlines.  For panfish you can get by with a 7 or 8wt but a 4 or 5wt is a lot more fun.  My first year fishing I fished for northerns, bass, and crappie all on an 8wt and had a blast catching all of them. 

Specifically for a brand of rod, it depend on what you are used to fishing with, if you are the type of guy where your spinning rods are all in the $80-120 you should plan on spending $150 on a fly rod.  Sensitivety on a fly rod is not that big of a deal but castability is huge.  For starting out I would stick with a moderately fast action because they will be more forgiving then a fast action rod will be, but you will not cast as far with them compared to a fast action rod.  Also save your money on the reel and add it to the rod, you'll hardly ever use the reel

My favorite rod is a is a Temple Fork Outfitters TiCr...it casts everybit as good as $500 Sage fly rod and you can usually get them for between $150-200. 

these are just some of the things I found out when I began flyfishing.

I started last year,  Dakota Tackle has some very good choices ar reasonalbe prices to start with.  I went to the deal at the Dome last year and it was a great tool to start  with in learning what to do and what type of tackle to get.  I would suggest a 6 or 7 weight rod for a overall rod for ND use.

I moved from ND to Idaho about 10 years ago and quickly got hooked on fly fishing.  It is HUGE out here, and I absolutley love it.  Most people will tell you that a 6 wt. rod is a great all-around rod.  5-6 wt. is the norm for trout and bass.  If you are looking for northern, steelhead, etc. you are best off sticking to an 8-9 wt. rod.  Make sure your rod and reel weights both match!  Many people will tell you that line is actually the most important component, and I agree.  Get a high quality fly line(Cortland, Orvis, etc.).  You can get a fly rod and reel combo for $50, up to combos in the $1000s.  Get what you can afford.  Upgrade when/if you feel like it is something you wish to pursue.  I started off with a $100 Cabelas combo.  Now I build my own, which is an entirely different adventure.  Be patient and have fun.  Good luck!

del70 I see you are out of Va.  While stationed in Norfolk I fly fished for a wide variety of fish. I used a 7wt graphite rod and a large capacity reel.  The most fun was fishing for blue fish and mackerel.  I did catch quite a few crappies and bass during the spring spawning that takes place about now in that area.  I know the purists hate this, but I used tube jigs and waded the shallow stumps using my fly rod as an 8 1/2 ft cane pole.  Absolutely deadly on bedding crappies.  In the surf I used a shooting taper and tied streamers from x-mas tree tinsel for macs and blues.  Casting in the wind is a challenge expect wind knots and tangles.  I would recommend starting out on a nearly calm evening on a pond full of sun fish and a large area clear of things to catch your flies behind you.  Keep your casts shorter at first and work out further as you get better. Have fun!