TroutJournal.com

[yankeepride]

I have been a spin-cast fisherman my whole life, but would eventually like to learn to fly fish in order to try some of these amazing places I see on the TV shows all the time. For equipment, I don't like to use low-end stuff, but also don't want to dump major coin into something I may or may not end up liking. So, does anyone have any recommendations on decent-quality entry-level gear that won't break the bank but also won't get in my way?

[Inconnu]

Hi there! I am not sure what species you would be fishing for but there are probably a number of makes, models etc. that you could look at.
Personally I would find a good fly shop near you if that is possible, give them a budget to work on and see what they come up with for you.
What you don't want to go cheap on is fly line, RIO, Cortland, Scientific Anglers all make good line and there are a number of good rod and reel manufacturers out there that have models that won't make you fidget about the price. A pro shop is usually the best place to start and they quite often can put you in touch with a casting course and fly selection as well. Good luck, but be warned, once you go to the fly side it is hard to go back.....Kerry

[chet]

Go to Cabelas and tell them you're a newbie! They'll be glad to hook you up with the bare essentials without raking ya ! tell em CHET sent ya hahahahahaha

right now they have a special, activate a giftcard with CASH! depending on how much you sell! They do it whenever they open a new store.

Good luck and tell us what you end up with!

[Acadianfly]

I would recommend a Temple Fork Outfitters Signature Series rod. The price starts at around $89 and it's a great rod. It also comes with a lifetime unconditional guarantee. No matter how you damage the rod just send it back to TFO with $25 and they will repair or most of the time replace. Reel? I think the Cabelas Prestige Series reel is a great first reel. A-N-D I agree with Inconnu... don't skimp on your fly line. REMEMBER you are casting the fly line not the fly!

Best recommendation... CAST YOUR ROD BEFORE YOU BUY! I would head to my local fly shop if, you have one!

[wetnet]

You can fish amazing places with a spin rod too. Don't spend any money until you sit down and ask yourself what you want out of this. Trout? Small stream or big? A few Smallies? Fly fishing TV shows are great and there aren't enough but look at where you plan to check out your new interest and what waters are available before you buy anything.

Where do you fish
What species do you want to catch
Start there.

Then someone I'm sure can set you up.

[flyguy]

I'm no expert. Actually a 20 yr greenhorn at fly fishing. I have a $400.00 travel St.Croix, a great travel Cortland, a mid-low range St.Croix and a few others including a Gander Mtn 5 wt that I picked up for 45.00. I fish for trout, Steelhead and Salmon. But mostly for Bass and Gills in local waters (especially ponds and small lakes). I love my cheapo Gander Mtn rod. I like my St.Croix Avid (wt for steelhead and tossing big flies to bass and pike. But for every day fishing I am not skilled enough to notice a big seperation between my cheap 5wt and my expensive travel rods.

I do love a good reel though. Got to have a good drag and comfortable reel.

[Hammerojustice]

Hi there! I am not sure what species you would be fishing for but there are probably a number of makes, models etc. that you could look at.
Personally I would find a good fly shop near you if that is possible, give them a budget to work on and see what they come up with for you.
What you don't want to go cheap on is fly line, RIO, Cortland, Scientific Anglers all make good line and there are a number of good rod and reel manufacturers out there that have models that won't make you fidget about the price. A pro shop is usually the best place to start and they quite often can put you in touch with a casting course and fly selection as well. Good luck, but be warned, once you go to the fly side it is hard to go back.....Kerry

I never even thought about the not going cheap on the fly line... that is a great tip... thanks for pointing that out and for mentioning something that should be a given....

[wetnet]

Don't overlook Redington. For about $35 you can get a reel that performs excellent. Their rods have a great feel. Do not spend a ton of $$$$ because once you hone in you skills your preferences will change. I nymph allot and changed out my noodley first rod for a stiffer tip flex action and and am very happy I did. I had to fish the old rod on the Delaware (NY) and realized how much it didn't do what I needed it to. Most people start out with a mid flex, medium action rod. I'd suggest a 5 weight that you can use for bass as well. Always fun hitting the river for smallies! If you don't spend a ton you'll always have an extra rod for a buddy to get him addicted to this very addictable sport. Happy shopping! I still am using my original Redington red fly reel.(I think that's what it is. I've had it for years.) I was looking at a new one and my son gave me grief about it. He said why would I want to spend money to replace something that still works fine? He's right! So right now I have a $35 reel on a $600 rod. Do need to clean my line though before we fish Colorado in a couple of weeks. Just so you know fishing people are like golfers if you check the paper you can pick up an almost new $600 rod for about $225. Keep that in mind as well.