[seadog]

Howdy from San Francisco!

I've been lurking for the past month or so, and getting myself to the point that I can start evolving my casting skills(the golden date casting pond group is supposed to be really a good group to learn with), and now it's time! I looked around the web, and found some really good deals on a Redington SV2 reel ($55), and a demo model 9' 5wt. FLi rod($100.00, and I was surprised how good of shape it's in). I'm excited by the rod, because I tried the launch and really liked it, but couldn't really justify the price tag for a first rod. With these prices I can actually afford to get the rest of the things I need to get into this kind of fishing!

I do a lot of fishing, just not fly fishing, and I am looking forward to learnng! I usually fish from a kayak lately, and this sport is going to get me back to my backpacking roots in the Sierras. I'm going to let the 4th of July crowd go away, and go up the following week. Can't wait!

Anyway, thanks for being there, and for this huge store of info for the the beginner to use. It has already helped me a ton!

I'll keep you'all posted on my progress!


Rick Brown

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Rick,

Welcome to the forum. You are reasonable close to a lot of good fishing. The Sierra's are a wonderful place to hike and fish. Around Redding you can find some great fishing. For Steelhead you have the Eel, the Klamath and the Smith. If you don't have a catalog from The Fly Shop located at Redding, make sure you get one.

If the Golden Gate Club is the one in the park, you have a super source of help. Back in the early 50's I spent one day at the park club and they improved my casting tremendously.

Frank

[seadog]

Thanks for the tip, Frank. I looked @ thier site, and there is a ton of stuff, I'll get a hard copy.

And, yes it's the group in GG park. I'll be going to the next meeting and lesson day.

Rick

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Seadog,

You are a lucky fellow to have the GG club to learn at. That club has held many casting records by some of the best fly casters in the world.

When I was there the Jon Tarantino was practicing his distance casting. He was using a long Winston hollow bamboo rod at that time. Here is a link to the history of the club. Some real fly fishing greats have been members of the club.

Frank