Fly Fishing Startup

i can't answer your questions because I'm in Tennessee.. but just started learning how to fly fish myself.

Caught my first rainbow trout on it last weekend.

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Weight: 6-8
Length: 9ft

TFO makes a great rod for the money.
Get a good reel for reds.

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This, plus a hydros Large arbor reel. This will make a great back-up should you decide to upgrade...which will ultimately happen once you hook your first red. G'luck, it's addictive. I've abandoned a lot of my traditional gear for fly fishing on the reg.

What weight pole should I be looking at?
Fly guys will give you shite if you call it a pole. "rod'

What length pole do most people use?
3,4,5,6 for most freshwater trout situations. Inland salt 7,8,9,10

Should I go ahead and buy something more expensive, or does it not matter that much?
You get 90% of the goodness from a solid rod like a TFO. I would worry more about the rod's action. I started with a Medium/Fast Scott A3. Was more forgiving than a fast-action rod and let me concentrate on the casting motion more. If saltwater is your thing you will be chucking heavier flies meaning that fast-action (i.e. 'stiff') is a much better choice.

Better luck with wet or dry lures?
Whatever they are taking at the time. You will be spending a lot of time changing out. That's the nature of the beast.

After having said all of that, I love it. Have fun.

A lot of good advice in here. I personally have an Orivs rod, can't remember which. Clearwater II maybe? But it has a lifetime warranty, which is something to consider. Not sure if the TFO rods do or not.

I have it on a G. Loomis Eastfork reel. For as much as I use it, it's a really nice setup.

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I assume you're talking feet and he's talking wt?

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No, he just fricked up his post since his question above that was this:

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What length pole do most people use?

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Should of realized it was a frick up though with a 3' rod. Seen some people use some pretty short rods in the small streams though, so you never know.

I have not fished for reds in a long while. But fly fish quite a bit in the northwest. A 2 piece 6 w would probably suffice. As for a fly I would use a streamer.

LL Bean has combo packages for $79 - they wont be as good as getting a TFO but should be pretty decent for a startup. I use one of them for steelhead when I don't have to be so delicate with my initial fly presentation.

The flagship store? Nice. Always wanted to go there.

BTW - if anyone is looking for a new pair of fly fishing waders I can't recommend LL bean enough - their warranty can not be beaten and the waders are great. The Kennebec model is the best IMO.

don't forget to budget for and research line too. Line makes a big difference on a fly rod. You may have to try a few to figure out what your rod/you like(s)

TFO as mentioned makes great rods for the money. Their BVK in 8wt is a great all around salt/bass rod and one of the better values anywhere.

check out allen reels for some awesome reels for the money. If you sign up for their email list they will send you a 15 or 20% off coupon, I can't remember which. You won't regret getting a kraken.