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What Brand Fly Rod & Fly Reel Should I Start With

B

bluexpec

Guest
Hi Guys, new to the Forum and very interested in Fly Fishing. Am in the process of looking for Tackle to start with, but there are so many Brands and Models to choose from.

I got some vital info at a site called on types of rods actions to choose from. So I know what type of Fly Reel and Rod I'm looking for I just can't decide on a Brand Name.

What Brand is good to start out with?
The direct link to to rod section I was looking at is:
 
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Hello and welcome to the forum bluexpec! This topic has been talked about in prior threads if you do a seach you will find tons of good information. As for my advice go to a few fly shops and try out several set ups and pic out the one that fits your budget and your casting style. Orvis , Winston, Sage , Scott, Cabelas, TFO as well as many others offer very nice entry level outfits that you will not be disapointed with. The choise is up to you as to what you like in a fly rod and if money is not an issue the sky's the limit!! Any way get out there and try a few and let us know how you make out.
 
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Most reputable brands from Cablela's/Bass Pro up to your local fly shop make decent equipment these days - you will be hard pressed to find a real turkey. TFO and Cortland make good beginner outfits for a reasonable price, as well as the others mentioned. Therefore, I would worry about brand less than what you need. The Walmart ones may be on the cheap side, but I got an Eagle Claw rod for $9 at Walmart last year! Plenty of people started with a cheap Eagle Claw rod in the old days and grew up just fine (they have been making the same rod for 50 years so how bad can it be).

I would suggest a 8' to 9' rod for 5 wt line, a nice Cortland 5 wt 444 double taper (DT) floating line, and a simple click reel. That fits most Eastern trout fishing. Actually, you will do better by getting a decent Double Taper (DT) or Weight Forward (WF) fly line and less expensive rod and reel than the other way around. If you can't cast far then a DT and WF line are almost the same, only you can flip a DT over when the front is worn out. However, once again plenty of people started with cheap level lines and worked out just fine. Some would argue to go lighter, but when I started a 5 wt outfit was light! Need some weight to feel the line work when you get started. Look for a medium to medium-fast action rod. The fast actions are all the rage, but take better timing to get the most out of them. Slower actions are more forgiving - and also more relaxing. That is why many experienced fishermen are getting back to softer bamboo and fiberglass rods.

Good Luck.
 
Blue,

If you're going to put some bucks into this rig, pick a rod with a lifetime warranty. That way when you fall down a hill and break it you will get a new one at no cost. I speak from experience. :bang:

Cdog
 
You'll might get as many different opinions as there are people. Based on my personal preferences, here's my recommendation for a general purpose 5-weight setup:
  • Rod - Cortland "Americana", model 905

    Reel: Orvis "Battenkill Bar Stock III"

    Line: Cortland 444, or Air-Cell Supreme, WF5F, with suffucient backing to "almost" fill the reel (about 120 yds 20#).
These won't break the bank, but are good enough, so you won't feel the need to upgrade as soon as you get some experience.

If you want to save money, get a less expensive reel (Okuma, Pfleuger Medalist, Ross Flystart, or the like). A cheap reel won't hurt you. A lousy rod or line will put you at a big disadvantage.

Don't take the recommendations you get here as gospel. You're getting the rod for yourself, not for us. Most good tackle shops are equipped to let you try a rod before you buy.

BTW: If you get the reel and line in the same place, many tackle shops will "donate" the backing.
 
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I'm gotta agree somewhat with O'l cheap-O Pete-O on this.

Buy a Cortland Rod and Reel combo in either 5 or 6 weight, 9 foot size, and see if you like fly fishing first.

Less than $100 dollars.

You like it, you can up grade over time from there.
 
Somewhat doesn't cut it...
That's definitely a sign that I must re-think my position.

Go to K-Mart.... over between the tether-balls and the badminton birdies, you'll find a shrink wrapped package labeled "complete fly outfit". Once you master that, you'll be able to fish with anything.
 
If you don't want to spend a lot, LL Bean sells some decent beginner outfits for very little money. I think the Angler Fly Rod Outfit for $75 is surprisingly good for the money. The Quest II outfits start at $99 and includes the case.

I have been running a TU fly fishing course for about 10 years and I see a lot of entry level equipment. The LL Beans have a little more backbone then the Cortland outfits in the same price range.

Some of the Cabela's stuff is quite good as well.

If you can spend a little more, check out the Albright rods. Still inexpensive, but over the $100 range for the rod only.

What ever you decide, start with an 8' 6" 5 wt. Anything lighter will not handle steamers very well.
 
Relax, there's nothing wrong with the matrix, forget K-Mart.
We been had....

I just took a look at the original post, as it was before Dennis edited it.
A little SPAM had been removed, the link looked familiar.

I checked, It's the same guy who spammed ROFFT on Tuesday.
Except at ROFFT he didn't even try to disguise it as a question.....
 
your question is a good one. I think that you cannot go wrong with a scientific anglers reel. As for the rod, sage launch series are a very good product. And by the way stick to a matched 4 wt system. Do not let anyone tell you that you are better off with a 6 or 7 weight rod as you will not enjoy your outings. You will be slugging out line instead of nice and relaxing casting. Andre417
 
Orvis has a great current sale. Get a free reel up to $260 bucks when you buy a rod. You can get a great rod and a great reel for under $400 dollars shipped and you get a great warranty on gear you will own forever.
 
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