hey guys i just bought me one of the cheap fly rods at walmart. i have a few questions. how long does the leader line that i tie my fly to have to be? why do my flys come off when im casting? why do they only float the first time its in the warter then it just sinks every other cast?

We could compete - I think I have the same one. But I am one up on ya, I have a metal telescoping (not cane but a cane pole).
Yeah - how long does the leader line need to be?
Losing Fly's - thats not good - I dont have that problem.
I think I know this one. There are different types of line - the fly is dry the first time and has some air held in the fluff - the second time the air is pretty well gone and it is wet.

I am not real good with mine so I blame it on not having an Orvis Bamboo.

If I had this one
$2,095.00 Orvis Bamboo (http://www.orvis.com/store/productchoice.aspx?pf_id=9732&dir_id=758&group_id=759&cat_id=5112&subcat_id=6705) I am sure I would be much better. :(

Coyote,

I just started fly fishing as well. As far as the fly, make sure you have a floater and not a nymph. Next, there is a floating paste that you can buy that will help with the buoyancy of the fly. As for the leader, mine is about 4 feet long with the tapered end toward the fly.

As far as casting, make sure you have a heavier line starting out, maybe a 6 weight. It makes it easier to cast....

Well, that's all the info I have on it... :) I did catch me a trout down on the White river a few ago, so somehow...I did something right I guess.

Good luck with it, and I hope my limited experience helps :)

I've got the same rod, but haven't used it yet. You said in another thread you're going to try it out at Mascoutah. Are you going during the day?

ill be there at 630 in the morning till dark

Coyote Killer,

There are so many places to start and one of the largest factors is how big is your wallet. If you need to go on the cheaper side but give you a great end result here are a few items that will improve your line management and presentation. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU PAID FOR YOU ROD.

1. Furled Leader. A Furled Leader attaches to the fly line. It comes in multiple lengths but I would recommend using a 5 1/2 foot leader. The furled leader will aid in casting to flip your leader and tippet out straight every time. It is great and will last you for many years. Much better return on investment than purchasing tapered leaders. Here is a great web site to find them for $5 each (free shipping!!) where in the store they start at $14.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/spo/1185540605.html

2. Line/Fly Floatant. This will allow your line and Fly to float high on the water if the Fly is a Dry fly and your fly line is a Floatable line. I have not real preferance on type of floatant, I have used all the major brands through out the years and to me they are all the same. Most cost about $4 -7.

3. Dry Fly dryer. Most people do not carry this, but I think it is mandatory when using a dry fly. It is called Loon Top Ride. You use this on a dry fly when it get wet and starts sinking. put the fly in the shaker tube and shake. the Fly will come out white in color but don't worry about that , once it hits the water the power will come off. It cost about $6.

4. Knot Tying tool. Hand down get the Clinch Knot. I have owned these for over 12 years and use it for all my fishing fly or spin rod hooks/lures. You can find it at Bass Pro or Cabelas. It cost about $10 Here is their Web site

http://www.cinchtie.com/Cinch_tie_knot_tyer.htm

5. Leader material. Good tippet can be expensive (I prefer Florocarbon for trout but it cost $12 for 30 yards). To help reduce the cost (and you get the furled leader) get the smallest spools of 2/4/6 pound test line you can find. Normal tippet material gets brittle after two years. Most times you will only be using a 5-6' section any way so the small spools will last you a LONG time.

I hope I have helped answering your questions this time around. if you any any more, I will be gald to provide you with my knowledge.

later,

FFM

hey guys i just bought me one of the cheap fly rods at walmart. i have a few questions. how long does the leader line that i tie my fly to have to be? why do my flys come off when im casting? why do they only float the first time its in the warter then it just sinks every other cast?

I'll pass along all I can from my limited experience.
Leader length and size can vary, depending on what you're fishing for. For panfish use, I usually only have about 5' of light monofilament. In Colorado last year, for trout, I was directed to 9 1/2' long #6/0 tapered leader.
For the flys coming off while casting, I'm going to bet you're not letting the line straighten out behind you before starting your forward cast. If this is what's happening, you're just 'cracking the whip' and whipping the fly off the leader. Try looking over your shoulder on the back cast to get the timing you need. There should be a pause between the end of your backcast and the start of your forward cast.
If you're using a dry fly and it starts sinking after the first cast, it's probably just getting wet and not drying enough during your casts. I've not used drys very much, partly for that same reason, but I think several false casts help dry them out, you might want to give that a try. If you're using a sinking fly line, it will drag your fly under fairly quickly too, so that could be contributing to that problem as well.
I hope some of this helps