I wanted to try and fly fish for brim (or sunfish) next time I go out, I have been told its alot of fun to fish for them on a fly rod. I have a reel but i was wondering what I need to get started. What kind of line? What kind of lures? What type of rod is cheap but also reliable? Thanks

I'd get something with a 4 or 5 wt. line. Small poppers work well for bream on fly rods; dunno about wet flies but you could probably do well with nymphs. You can get decent combos from BPS or Cabela's for maybe 70 bucks that will be sufficient.

I enjoy flyfishing for beam ,dare to say it, better than flyfishing for bass.  It is some of the most fun fishing there is.  Bites are plenty, fight is plenty.  If you want more fight go with a lower weight rod and line say a 3/4 and matching line.  You will need some leader. You dont really need tippet (the part that connects to the leader).  You should get a little dracon line backing though for the reel.  Probably about 10 yards or so for bream.  They won't make any huge runs like trout.

As for flies, go with poppers, nymphs, small shrimp, small spinners, just about anything.  I have most fun with poppers though.

I learned to flyfish by targeting bluegills. Let me tell you, it is such a blast!!! I had the most luck using a round denny popping bug, it has a yellow head with a black skirt and white rubber legs. When the mayflies hatch you can really mop up. We have have had days where we caught over 200 gills between 4 people.

The best advice I can give is to be patient and try not to cast to hard with the arm. It is all in the wrist.

The best advice I can give is to be patient and try not to cast to hard with the arm. It is all in the wrist.

I completely agree about being patient and not casting to hard. Let the rod do the work.

And although I am all about "use what works best for you" and having fun. I do have to respectfully disagree on letting the wrist do the work though, for beginers. In fact, optimally, the wrist shouldn't break (bend) while casting.

"One of the most important things you're gonna have to get used to in fly casting versus spin/bait casting is we don't break our wrist in the fly cast. Your motion is from the elbow, or at times the shoulder, through to the rod."

Article goes on to mention why:

http://www.kenhoward.net/Articles/10%20Fly%20Casting%20Intro.htm

But, again, using what works for you and having fun is most important!

Ditto what vicdotcom said . . . flycasting is a subtle artform, and once you get the hang of it, you'll discover a whole new world of fishing challenges!

I'd recommend a 4 or 5 weight rod / reel / line combo. Line should be Floating, Double Taper. This allows you to get twice the life out of the line by simply reversing it on the reel once the tapered tip starts to show signs of wear 'n tear!

Panfish can be skittish at times, so you should use knotless tapered leaders of 6' - 9', size 4X, 5X or 6X.

Lures, as mentioned by others, can be poppers, almost any dry fly pattern, and quite a few wet flys and even streamers work at times. My favorite is a rather non-descript deer-hair bug tied on a #10 or #12 light wire hook. Deer hair is hollow, and when treated with a good fly floatant, can stay bouyant for hours, and can withstand the ravages of those tiny teeth!

It doesn't take a big cash outlay to get the basic gear and get started (under $150 if you shop smart). . . but watch out . . . if you "catch the fly fishing bug, it can get expensive!!!

Best of luck, and tight lines,

Cal

Try some black foam spiders too...I have had luck with them.

Try some black foam spiders too...I have had luck with them.

OHH! and the Chernobyl Ant!  That one kills the gills arround me.