Fly Rod & Reel for North Georgia?

[Mike Tolbert]

I live in north GA and I’m getting more and more into the sport of fishing. I’ve had a beginner fly rod/reel for over 3 years and practiced my technique a bit (mainly overhand casts). I have a Scout Sportfish 160 so I’ll be fishing out of a boat a good bit, but I plan to hit the rivers as well. Although, I’m not sure how much I’ll use the fly rod & reel when I’m fishing out of the boat.

I recently purchased the following setup, but I may be going through buyer’s remorse.
– Sage 1650 reel
– 9ft 6wt TFO pro II
– 6wt headstart line

I probably should have asked this question a month ago, but I guess it’s never too late. Anyone have any suggestions on what would be the best bang for the buck when it comes to fly rod & reel for north GA fishing?

Considering I’m not too far from the coast, should I consider a salt water reel?

[Steve K.]

That outfit is a little on the heavy side for most North Georgia streams. It would work well on big rivers like the Toccoa, Hiwassee, Chattahoochee, especially if you are chucking streamers.

For most North Georgia water, a 5-weight would be sufficient and the most versatile. You could throw streamers, dries and nymphs with a decent presentation. With that said, I’d opt for a 4-weight 9 footer.

Hope this helps.

[Zach Matthews]

Mike that setup would be fine for the Toccoa River tailwater and you can catch plenty of trout on it. It’s not going to be light enough for chasing north Georgia brook trout but everyone uses a second dedicated rod for that kind of thing anyway. That 6 weight is also stout enough to do double duty for shoal bass and pond bass in other parts of Georgia, and will work fine in Arkansas if you ever hit those rivers on your trips back.

A five weight is considered the bog standard trout fishing rod. Personally I don’t own any four weights but that’s kind of a personal preference thing; I have the 3 spot and the 5 spot covered and there’s generally plenty of overlap.

The good news is there is absolutely nothing wrong with the tackle you chose. Those are all good brands.

Zach

[Mike Tolbert]

Thanks for input Steve! I was thinking I may have gone too big.

I was thinking about making the big purchase at Unicoi Outfitters up in Blue Ridge? They had a special running a month ago if you purchased the complete setup you get a free 1 day guide service. Has anyone used their guide service?

[Mike Tolbert]

Thanks Zach! I keep thinking I should have gone smaller. I don’t know if I’ll ever hunt for brook trout, but I do plan on fishing small lakes/ponds with it near the house.

I’m really not sure about the headstart fly line. The quality of the line is great, but it seems like it may end up spooking a lot of fish. I don’t really have any problems with my overhand casting so I’m not sure the headstart is helping me any. Maybe it helps with other types of casting. I don’t know, maybe I need to just get another fly line and stick with the rest of my setup.

I was/am planning on taking it back to Arkansas with me over memorial day. I have a friend that lives in Flippin, AR which as you know is right next to the white river. Holly and I have a trip to Yellowstone coming up in early July as well. That said, I may end up just sticking with it.

[Zach Matthews]

Mike it might be easier for us to just demo a few different lines so you can see what’s going on and if the Headstart is helpful or not. I’ll bring a few options when we get out for the Mothers’ Day caddis hatch.

Zach

[Mike Tolbert]

Thanks Zach! Unfortunately, I’ve got about a week or so until I can’t return the fly line to basspro. I was planning on returning some other stuff later this week so I may go ahead and switch to another fly line. I do like the Scientific Anglers fly line quality so I could just switch to another fly line that they offer.

[Chris Beech]

Mike, Scientific Anglers is a fantastic brand of fly line. The GPX model is about the best all-round line on the market and its available in a number of colour choices.

Best Regards,

Beechy

[Mike Tolbert]

Thanks for the feedback Chris! GPX looks good. Comparing the GPX to Headstart on SA’s website and they look fairly close. GPX is 10ft longer with a bit longer front and rear taper. It doesn’t appear that the line tip is any smaller so I’m not sure I’d get much difference in presentation. I imagine I would be able to cast it a bit longer, though.

Something just doesn’t feel quite right and I’m leaning towards it being the line. The line feels a bit on the heavy side. Maybe I just need to start working out again. 🙂

[Mike Tolbert]

Well, thinking about it… The longer taper may help provide a softer presentation. At this point, I’m just guessing.

[Steve K.]

Mike,

Unicoi Outfitters is in Helen. I know Jimmy Harris used to offer a half-day of fishing on their trophy water (Nacoochee Bend) if you purchased a premium rod from them.

The shop in Blue Ridge is under new ownership and I don’t recall their name. It was previously owned by Bill Oyster. I’m not sure what type of deal they are offering.

Anyhow….just wanted you to double-check before heading to Blue Ridge (or Helen).

[Mike Tolbert]

Thanks for all the great feedback folks! I decided to keep everything and only change the fly line. Chris, I went with the GPX as you recommended. I tested it out in the front yard this evening and it felt good.

Steve, you are right. I’m not sure why I thought it was Unicoi.

Thanks!
Mike

[coachjim]

Zach,

Why do you not have a 4 wt. in your arsenal? Just curious??

[Mike Tolbert]

Just thought I’d follow up. I’ve been able to get out on the river a few times since I put on the GPX line and it feels a lot better. It seems weird, but that little change made a big impact.

Thanks again for the feedback!

[Author]

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