Fly Rod And Reel Combo?

[asap52]

Hey members, I have been trout fishing on the LIR for the last two years with spincast equipment. Thinking of going to the fly rod. I was wondering what a good beginners combo set would be. I do a lot of shopping and selling via ebay so I would probably go that route. Brands, length, weight for the LIR or Roaring river would be what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance as I know a lot of you guys have expertise concerning fly fishing.

Corky Morgan

[Paola Cat]

Always try first before you buy. A 9' 4wt or 5wt should be sufficient. I would look at St. Croix, Echo, or TFO. Buying a rod is like buying a vehicle .... everybody has an opinion on what is best. What's important is what's best for you. That's why you need to try them first. I wouldn't spend a ton on a reel .... it's not that important if you are just getting started. I have heard good things about the Wright & McGill Plunge starter outfit but I have never cast one. You might check into it. Other options include the cabelas and bps box store combos.

[asap52]

Always try first before you buy. A 9' 4wt or 5wt should be sufficient. I would look at St. Croix, Echo, or TFO. Buying a rod is like buying a vehicle .... everybody has an opinion on what is best. What's important is what's best for you. That's why you need to try them first. I wouldn't spend a ton on a reel .... it's not that important if you are just getting started. I have heard good things about the Wright & McGill Plunge starter outfit but I have never cast one. You might check into it. Other options include the cabelas and bps box store combos.

2pc, 3pc or 4pc........what do u guys think would be best suited?

[Paola Cat]

2pc, 3pc or 4pc........what do u guys think would be best suited?

That's really a personal preference and how much space you have to haul a rod. They will all work fine on the LIR and at RRSP. In most instances a 2 piece rod will cost less ..... although certain rods are only offered in 4 piece models.

[asap52]

Hey PC,

I'm seeing some decent prices on the St.Croix line of rods. Is there a particular model of this brand that a guy should look for?

[Paola Cat]

Hey PC,

I'm seeing some decent prices on the St.Croix line of rods. Is there a particular model of this brand that a guy should look for?

Since you're a beginner, I would cast a Rio Santo and an Imperial (both made in Mexico). I have heard/seen good reviews on 2010 Imperials. You should also cast an Avid and a Legend Ultra (both made in the US). Those are going to cost more. IMHO you get what you pay for.

I don't know much about the Rio Santo but it's supposed to be a beginners/entry level rod. The Rio Santo is the lowest cost offering. I think you can actually get a Rio Santo complete outfit (rod, reel, line, backing, and case).

There's probably a bunch of Triumphs and Reigns out on the clearance or used market. I was not a fan of those 2 models.

Take a look at the TFO offerings also. I have owned TFO Professionals and they were OK.

You also might be able to pick up a Sage Launch on EBAY .... great beginner rod.

[Terry Beeson]

Try before you buy for sure... I wish I could get over your way and get your local fly shop on some Hendrix fly combos. All 9 ft 5 wt 4 pc rods. 99.95, 189.95, and 279.95. You might get one from a fly shop down here in the Springfield / Branson / Mountain Home area shipped to you. Rod, reel, line, and leader included with a combo tube with the two higher cost rods.

Most rods now come 4pc but you can still find 2pc and 3pc rods as well as 6 and 7pc. I have two 8wt rods - one is 2pc and the other a 4pc - and I always pick up the 4pc to take fishing. The 2pc rods are just more cumbersome and most people can't tell the difference when casting them.

[gardyloo]

I think that the 9' #4 or 5 is the best route in terms of rod. I personally own several Sage rods and am very pleased with them. I also own several Redington rods and they are a great value and fish excellent. St. Croix also makes great rods. Reels I would look at Ross CLA, Orvis Batenkill Barstock, or a G. Loomis East Fork. Personally I have used and would stand by the Ross CLA for the money it is a great value and will last forever. I have owned and fished the others but prefer the Ross drag and the larger arbor. On ebay check out the Angerls Habitat store.

[asap52]

ST CROIX NEW 2010 RIO SANTO 905-4 #5 FLY ROD REEL COMBO

Item condition: New

Price: Original priceUS $199.95

Discounted priceUS $159.96 Sale ends in 2 days

What do you guys think of this combo??

[DaddyO]

This probably wont be a popular comment but I'll make it anyway.

I was in Bass Pro today and they had their 9ft 2 piece 5wt combo on sale for $70. It is a cheaper alternative. Some will say that you get what you pay for, which is a relative statement. I own a couple of these that I use as loaners when I take friends fishing. They are good intro combos. If that is what you are looking for, it's a good deal. If you are looking for more, maybe the St. Croix is a better deal.

My 2 cents.