couple of questions about fly fishing

[seadog8]

My son wants to start fly fishing.
I have my father's 7 weight fly rod.  I don't know much about fly fishing.
I read a little and it seems that a 7 weight is large for fishing in the streams around here.

1.  What weight rod would you guys suggest for the streams here and in the Catskills?
2.  do you use the same setup for dry and wet flies ?

thanks.
Carl

[corn field killa]

3,4,5 weight is good for around here!
Weight forward floating fly line for dry flies
Sink tip usually for wet fly or nymphing
I’m not a fly fishing expert but pretty sure that’s a good start for you locally

[ATS1755]

3,4,5 weight is good for around here!
Weight forward floating fly line for dry flies
Sink tip usually for wet fly or nymphing
I’m not a fly fishing expert but pretty sure that’s a good start for you locally

I agree with Corn Field Killa
To simplify things to get started without breaking the bank.
1) 9 foot 5 Weight medium action fly rod.
2) Fly reel, that depends on your budget but get one that matches your 5 weight rod.( they also come in different sizes)
3) Fly line and backing- for all around fishing you can use 5 weight, weight forward floating line.  20# Dacron backing.
4) 9 foot leader and 5 x tippet
 This list will be able to get you on the water to fish dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers with this one setup.
You can also buy a beginner rod and reel outfit from any fly shop or sporting goods store.
As far as casting if you need some lessons, go on you tube and there's a ton of videos.
Hope this helps

[seadog8]

Guys , thanks for the replies.
Sounds like a good plan to start.

[blklabsrule]

hit the local fly shops to match the hatch.

[RageThruTheCage24]

I took the plunge 2 years ago into fly fishing have not touched a spin rod since. I learned a boat load of Info by watching mad river outfitters on youtube. They have a entire series on getting started in fly fishing they cover everything from gear and tackle to casting and reading water. I've watched every episode probally multiple times by now. When I decided to pull the trigger I went to housatonic river outfitters in Cornwall CT and spent sometime hanging out with Harold the owner he pointed me to a complete package ready to fish made by echo. I'm still fishing it today learning every time I go out. I would highly recommend if he takes a interest going that route. To myself it made more sense in investing in good gear to keep me comfortable first no matter how good the rod is if your not comfortable it will be a long day on the water

[seadog8]

I took the plunge 2 years ago into fly fishing have not touched a spin rod since. I learned a boat load of Info by watching mad river outfitters on youtube. They have a entire series on getting started in fly fishing they cover everything from gear and tackle to casting and reading water. I've watched every episode probally multiple times by now. When I decided to pull the trigger I went to housatonic river outfitters in Cornwall CT and spent sometime hanging out with Harold the owner he pointed me to a complete package ready to fish made by echo. I'm still fishing it today learning every time I go out. I would highly recommend if he takes a interest going that route. To myself it made more sense in investing in good gear to keep me comfortable first no matter how good the rod is if your not comfortable it will be a long day on the water

thanks.  I'll check it out.  I'm going to have my son use  the 7 weight rod we have for now.  If he stays with it for a year or so, then a new 5 weight
will be under the xmas tree.  I'm going to check out those videos.