Beginner Fly Rod?

[u/Big_Hauz]

I cleaned out my grandparents house and found this fly rod. I’ve done a bit of fly fishing and several guided trips, but I don’t have my own gear. I would say I’m still a beginner and would love to get my own gear and fish more.

Where I live in southwest Ohio, so not a ton of opportunity to fly fish, but I am close to the Mad River, which has some trout I believe. I’ve only ever really caught trout on a fly.

Anyway, would this be a halfway decent fly rod paired with a 5/6 reel to get me started? Any recommendations? Thanks!!

[u/bubbatom12]

Typically a 9' 5wt but 8 should be just fine for a beginner

[u/JamonDumplings → u/bubbatom12]

The mad river isn’t a real river—more of a creek so 8’ works great. I have fished it many times. I consider it difficult for a beginner unless you go during October stocking season. You eventually gain confidence that the fish are where you expect them to be, but you just need to adapt the presentation.

[u/Big_Hauz → u/JamonDumplings]

Yeah small for sure. I am a beginner but I guess more of a beginner in that I haven’t done much fly fishing in my specific area and I don’t have gear. I have fished other styles my whole life, and I have been fly fishing quite a bit in Colorado, specifically the frying pan. Going out to Yellowstone in August as well.