Begginers Setups

[Terry Beeson]

...I have quite a few rods but find myself using an 8'6" 5 wt 95% of the time....

Hey Greg... If you have a need for extra storage of those rods you don't use that you built, just bring them to me and I'll make sure they are exercised on a regular basis...

[Greg]

I really never was much of a rod builder Terry. I built several but I could never get the wraps quite up to par. They were very functional just not very pretty. I do have one 7.5 ft 4 wt that I still use but I've given most of the others that I built away.

I'm more of a collector now.

Greg

[3wt]

Temple Fork Outfitters makes arguably the best rods for their cost. For like $90 you can get a rod that is of very acceptable quality and construction. For $50 or so more you can get a very nice rod that will rival rods that cost twice as much.

For my money, the $90 ONE series is what I recommend for beginners (and veterans that don't fish often). You can go to cabelas (sorry for plugging the enemy) and get it "bundled" with a decent reel and they essentially throw in a scientific anglers GPX line that normally costs ~$60. The line is a great line, which is potentially more important than the rod when you're learning to cast.

[3wt]

Oh and if you only want to do bass 8'-9' 6wt.

If you want to seek perfection, harmonize yourself with nature, cleanse your aura, please the Lord, and learn to fish for trout (while still wanting to go after bass); then 8'-9' 5wt.

[Don]

I'll tell you what I did.

I wanted a beginners rig for nymphing and dry flies.

I went to a large sporting goods retailer in Springfield and bought a 9' 6 wt and a large arbor reel. Cought many fish my first time but the reel drag locked up tight on the first trip. I had to use hand drag method. Afterwards, I spoke to an experience flyfisherman of 20 years plus. He stated he had an expensive Orvis 8' 4wt and a Temple Fork 8' 4wt and he used the TF much more. I returned my merchandise for a refund and purchased the TF ($90). I then needed a good beginner reel with a good drag system. I picked up a Ross Cimmaron for a discount price. I have since accumulated several other rigs, but have caught the snot out of trout off the aforementioned rig. I still use it frequently. If you want to toss heavy flies and streamers, I suggest a slightly larger rig depending on the size of flies you plan to use.

Good Luck, Don

[On The Fly 6]

I have an 8'6" 5 wt TFO that I got for just under $100 and I love it! Ive caught everything from Pan fish to largemouth on it. Ive been using it for about 5-6 years and Its versatile enough to cast just about every fly I put on there.

When I eventually break down and get another rod, it will more than likely be another TFO.