New To Fly Fishing - Need A Combo

[bobtu]

Ok... So just got back from shopping again. They are guiding me to a Sage launch 5-9-4 for $199 and a Ross Reel and line outfit for $65.

Would it be worth the extra $80 to get the American made rod over the lower end ones?

Or should I get something like the TFO for 185 and spend the rest of my Christmas money on a fly tying class or something???

[Danoinark]

I bet you can find a free fly tying class, but the extra money would go along way to a couple of casting lessons or even better a 1/2 day with a guide on a stream to get you acclimated again. Sage is a great rod no doubt. But TFO makes a very nice product. Also a no hassle warranty. Same with Sage.

Dano

[JobyKSU]

My last $.02:

The Sage Launch 590-4 is what I fish, and I love it. It is a half-step slower than a lot of other rods, and forgiving of my not-so-perfect casting. It would not be a bad choice, thats for sure.

I suggest you cast both it and a TFO side-by-side and decide if you can tell the difference in them and if one feels better than the other.

From a realistic standpoint, don't feel to pressured to spend too much more than you want to. There are a lot of extra little costs (waders, leaders & tippet, and flies at a minimum, maybe a vest, net, indicators, etc also) that will come along to get you fishing. That $75 dollar difference in combos could come in pretty useful.

Good luck in your choice, and let us know how it goes!

[Danimal]

Check out Redington's Crosswater combo--9 ft/5wt. rod and a disc drag reel w/line for $160.00. Bought one for my fiance and liked it so much that I bought myself one a week later.I also own a Launch and I can cast the Redington much easier. Dan-o

[am4mu]

Bobtu, just remembered that I received some adds from K&k and they were closing out this years TFO pro's for $83.00. I believe Cabella's was doing the same and I bet others are also. You could make a real nice combo with this rod as the base. Doug

[bobtu]

Thanks again everyone!!!

I'll keep you posted..

[Greg]

One other rod to consider is the Redington RS3. Cabela's and other retailers have them on close out right now for about $100. You would be getting a wonderful rod for about 1/2 of the regular retail. One of Ross's lower priced reels would be a great starter reel.

Good luck,

Greg

[The Caddis]

I have both the Sage Launch and the TFO Pro. I use the Sage nearly 10 to 1 over the TFO. Both are good rods and you would be happy with either for a long time, but if it were me and the cost is a non issue, the Sage would make me happier.

[3wt]

I personally think the TFO series one rods are a hard to beat starter rod. They're about $90. I would also suggest going to cabelas and getting it in a combo with one of the Ross worldwide reels. You will likely not be able to beat the deal, especially since you will have a good line essentially for free.

Do keep in mind that you will need to buy a rod case for the TFO,and it would be a 2 pc. I wouldn't think that this would be the last rig you'd ever want to buy, but that's boring anyway...

You might get out of the store under $200 with a good rod, a good reel and good line. (this is probably the same rod as TFO has in their combo, but I'm not sure about the quality of their reel and line).

Oh, and just to confuse you more, I still have my Sage Discovery (precurrsor to the Launch) from when I was 15, and fish it quite a bit, so they make terrific stuff.

[strangercreek]

The Bass Pro 270 setup is a really good buy at $200. I know some people like to stay away from the big retailers but it is a very nice rod (very fast action though). It is a 3 piece which is not quite as conventient as a 4 piece, but it comes with a rod tube, line, pouch for the reel (the reel will fit two different size spools as well)