Calling all Midwest Fishermen

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

Most of my fishing is done in northern WI. We fish for bass, bluegill, crappie, pike, and muskie. The most recent years of going up there Ive mostly fished for walleye. By the way, my brother and I were talking the other day about fly fishing. There are a bunch of little rivers and streams in the north woods and we want to fish them. Any tips for getting into fly fishing? From the research ive done on rods and reels, they seem pricey.

It all depends on what you consider pricey. To get set up with decent equipment, you really aren't going to spend more than you would for Loomis or St. Croix spinning/casting rods, etc. If you are starting out, your best bet would be to purchase some "hand me downs".... or a combo. It also depends how large of fish you are going after. The rod is the most important piece of equipment. You can get into a decent rod for $150 (retail). A reel might set you back $50 to $70. Larger fish will require a more expensive reel with a better disc drag. For a standard floating line, you will spend at least $30 (preferably as much as possible). There are some deals to be had on ebay... as long as you know what the equipment goes for in stores.

I will be working in Appleton, WI in about a month's time. Do you have any recommendations for spots that are wadeable or fishable with a small pontoon (smallmouths, pike, etc.)? I'm not sure I want to lay down $400 for a guided trip just for myself.