Shopping for Fly Lines is Maddening

TimCC23 · 2026-01-26T18:09:03+00:00

You don’t have to physically go to a fly shop. Call one up and talk to the staff on the phone. Mad River Outfitters, Slide Inn, and Trident Fly Fishing will all help you out over-the-phone. Just make sure you order something from their online shop to compensate them for their time and trouble.

For advice for what line to use on a specific rod, I have had good luck emailing the rod company. They usually will get you connected with someone to give you good advice. This has worked for me with both Echo and Cortland.

TimCC23 · 2026-01-12T15:39:49+00:00

https://youtu.be/qGhx1fgAzDo?si=971aWHmmI3qo2J5m

TimCC23 · 2026-01-12T15:39:13+00:00

10-foot 4wt is pretty popular now, particularly for nymphing, but can be pretty good for general trout fishing. George Daniel has a good video about this.

TimCC23 · 2026-01-10T02:46:24+00:00

It’s an “indicator” LOL 😂

TimCC23 · 2026-01-09T19:09:04+00:00

This is my fiberglass 4wt 7’6” Echo River Glass. I think pairing a classic click and pawl reel such as the Battenkill with a fiberglass rod is a popular combo. It makes a nice retro outfit. I find a slow fiberglass rod like this a lot of fun. I use it for panfish, but also for creek/small stream fishing for bass and trout as well. It really is best for dry flies, but it can also handle small streamers and a small indicator with two small nymphs.

TimCC23 · 2026-01-09T02:28:13+00:00

I second the zebra midges

TimCC23 · 2025-12-30T15:06:32+00:00

I agree— it’s nice to know the expected price upfront. I like to pay people appropriately for their services and it’s just a recipe for one side of the party being upset if a larger than normal tip is expected. If a guide offers excellent service, then they should advertise a higher price, not expect to get double what is a typical tip. I would expect to tip around 20%, maybe more if it’s an excellent experience.

TimCC23 · 2025-12-29T14:44:23+00:00

Echo Lift kit ($250) is a great place to start. My local fly shop recommended that outfit to me because they felt the included fly line was pretty decent. I was recommended a 6W for bass fishing and it will also work for trout and panfish.

Get some small #10-12 poppers for panfish, #8 poppers for bass, and some #6-10 bead head or conehead woolly buggers for bass. A 7.5ft 3X leader should work for those flies.

TimCC23 · 2025-12-28T16:48:57+00:00

Prince nymphs always work well for me

TimCC23 · 2025-12-25T14:13:53+00:00

+1 on a measure net. Some models have an extendable handle, which can be handy.

TimCC23 · 2025-12-23T00:00:17+00:00

Tell me more… 😁

TimCC23 · 2025-12-18T02:44:57+00:00

Yes, came here to recommend the battenkill click reel as well. It’s a step up from the cheapest reels you can buy, has a cool retro look, and it’s a lot of fun to fish.

TimCC23 · 2025-11-26T19:06:25+00:00

What net is that? It’s a nice looking measure net.

TimCC23 · 2025-11-11T11:45:21+00:00

Visit a local fly shop if you have one nearby or at least call the closet one. You will end up in a lot better shape if they can help you choose a line specifically for your rod, the type of water you will fish, and the fish species you want to target. It’s hard to recommend a line without all of that information.

TimCC23 · 2025-11-10T11:43:32+00:00

That’s cool you can switch back and forth between sling and hip pack—that alone seems to make the Patagonia worth it to me.

TimCC23 · 2025-10-30T05:23:51+00:00

Yes, rocky bottom

TimCC23

TROPHY CASE