since I got this fly rod setup from my son at Christmas, I am pretty much ruined from fishing with anything else. Headed to Branson Mo the first week of May with my wife. Definitely will be going to Lamberts and then to the big Bass Pro in Springfield. Looking to acquire another setup for bream and crappie. The one I have now is a 5-6 wt. Thinking I may need to drop down to a 3-4 wt.

Anyone on here have any advice for me on this for the targeted species. catching a ginormous bass in this spot is not out of the question though. the one I have now I can play them fairly well up to 4 pounds It just takes a bit to wear them down. I figure the same with the lighter weight setup but that is a WAG on my behalf.

Your rod is great for those fish, I have a 5 wt that I use for everything. Caught really small brookies up to 2 lb browns with it.
Weight forward fly line helps with casting.

5 is just right for what your doing

While at Bass Pro, make sure to allow time to go out the main doors, cross the H-Way and eat at Cunningham;s BBQ Joint. Well worth the time ad money.

5 weight is fine

I have a 4wt 9 foot...for spring trolling ...love it.

Then a 7wt with leadcore line...when the water warms up

And have to go deepah to catch them trout

You oughta step up the game a little and head north to flyfish for Muskies! Gets a little sporty when one nails a big, gaudy fly!

Moosetrot

I think you got everything you need. If you go to the salt youll need something more stout

Common flyfishing problems are:
Too short a leader
Too heavy a leader
Casting continually and never putting the fly in the water.

I think you are good to go!

When I was learning the best advise I got was to wear a hooded shirt so I didn’t run a fly into back of my head on the forward cast.

I dont like the taste of flys.

Skip the trip to BPS. It's a tourist trap.
Support the local fly shops

Spend all the time you can fishing on Taneycomo. Be sure to fish the head waters.

^^^^^^^^^and when you are at Taneycomo if they are hard to catch try the "San Juan shuffle"

A five weight handles a lot. BUT—-Fly rods are like guns. Just because you don’t need a different one is no reason to not buy a new one.

You really should get a three weight. And then you might as well get a heavy weight

If I may suggest a Redington 9' 3 wt fly rod as an addition to your arsonal for pan fish / crappie and blue gill .

The main reason is a fantastic warranty and they cast like a dream then they are very reasonably priced or were when I bought mine .

Weight forward fly line is a dream to cast on windy days and the other given is a wide palm leaf cowboy hat to wear while fishing and a pair of sun glasses just in case , way ward flies hurt when they get stuck in you ha ha

If you think fly fishing is addictive just wait until you learn to tie you're own flies and streamers then start catching fish on them then it's worse , I will admit that sitting at a fly tying vice making flies is rather relaxing , I'd suggest making at least 6 - 12 of each pattern of fly or streamer because if the fish love them chances are you'll loose a couple and will need a few extras .

Enjoy your day and Stay Safe out there even if you don't want to ha ha !

Tree branches just out of reach love them too!

And just before you get the branch within reach by pulling on the line, the tippet breaks.

Be aware. When transitioning from a fishing pole to a fly rod, Many people become smug and a bit pompuos, won't associate with worm fisherman and often change their name from Sheepdog to Flynn.

I aint gonna change. Its just a ton of fun to catch these big blue gill and copper nose bream on this equipment. a two pound bass is an absolute riot wrestling in to the net.

I will most likely forego the BPS trip and search out the ma and pa fly fishing local shops to find a decent setup for under $300.00. Fairly confident I am about to score some serious high end fly fishing gear from an estate. and a good bit of it.

I am still gonna go to Lamberts and catch a few of those hot thrown rolls. I like that place a lot. I will never get into fly tying. after 24 spine surgeries from the nape of my neck to mine arse crack, my hands shake too bad to even attempt to try such.

I order all of my gear through Reds fly shop and I am more than pleased with their customer service and super fast delivery

I do wish to thank everyone who has posted and I find all of your information and knowledge worthy of me taking to heart. Thank you all very much.

My oldest ...landed a 9.2 pound Salmon ...on a 6 wt Fly rod...trolling .