I need some expert advice from fly fishermen/women.?

I used to go perch fishing in Louisiana. Now I live where fly fishing is popular and it intrigues me. I have heard it isn't as easy as it looks.





The problem is, as I have gotten older, I don't want to hurt anything. I don't judge or look down on others who catch fish or hunt, but it is just something I feel is not for me..





Because of a poor immune system, I can't be around crowds, so this might be a good hobby for me.(even if it is hard to learn) I like to be challenged.





Now, (Please don't laugh at me). I want to fly fish without a hook and I wonder if I will be able to tell if a fish grabs my lure. I know they make hooks with no barbs, but I still would rather use no hook.





Can you answer my question? Please don't call me crazy or things like that. I am very sensitive.,





I'm kinda' poor, so can I use my old fishing polls, or do I need to buy special ones? If I do, can I find them at second hand sporting goods stores? What brand do you suggest?





Thank you!I need some expert advice from fly fishermen/women.?
Fly fishing isn't so difficult but the fly CASTING is what takes some practice. There is a terrific DVD put out by Joan Wulff on fly casting and this might be the best way for you to learn the basics given your situation. You can find it on the internet. You will soon be VERY frustrated trying to fly cast with the type of poles you're likely to already have. There are some inexpensive rods out there but you get what you pay for and definitely stay away from fiberglass rods. There are multiple methods of fly fishing, using different types of flies. If you don't want to actually hook a fish, you're going to be limited to using dry flies, which float on the surface of the water. With these flies, you will usually be able to see when a fish rises and takes the fly. All other types of flies are used sub-surface. Good luck with this. It's a terrific way to spend time out of doors.I need some expert advice from fly fishermen/women.?
Well I am no expert on this kinna fishing but , I guess you would snip the hook off at the bend and you can use about any rod and reel. They make a casting bubble its like a bobber you attach it to your line about 2 or 3 feet above the lure,and it gives you weight enough to cast light lures like flies
Your best bet is to look for ';Touch and Go'; (aka TAG) hooks. They're basically a straight wire with an eye, no bend, no barb, no point. You'll have a difficult time finding pre-tied flies on them, however. You can also purchase/tie flies on standard hooks, then use a pair of wire cutters to take off the bend/point/barb.





Fly casting does require different gear than standard. Your local large retail store (Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc) likely have a beginners fly fishing set in their sporting goods section. They'll typically run 20-60 dollars depending on quality of the components. With the lower range ones, I'd definitely recommend picking up a new flyline at the same store. The rod will have a ';weight'; rating on it , most likely 5/6. Look for a 6 weight, weight forward flyfline in the same area.





Tight lines!
You should be able to find equipment at a second hand sporting goods store. If you cant, there are complete outfits (rod, reel, line, backing) available. You probably want a 5weight setup. For flies, you will want to use dry flies as they will stay on the surface and you can see the fish rise for a take. To go with no hook, you will probably have to use wire cutters and snip the bend and point off, that way you can uses any pattern you would like