Fly Fishing

NevadaTroutman · Location: Fernley, Nevada

Seeing the last post from a newbie, I would also like to enlist your help for searching for a good fly rod reel combo. I love to small stream fish, and have used spinners for the longest time, but its time for me to enter the world of fly fishing. I love fishing, and have been fishing for almost all of my life.

My budget is around 350 dollars. I would like advice on reels, rods, and lines. I will be fishing for trout, mainly rainbows and browns, occasionally brook trout.
I want something good quality, that will last a while, but is entry level and not too complicated. A reel that can switch left to right hands.

Thanks!

waterwhippa · Location: Upstate, NY

NT, how big are the rivers you are fishing? mostly freestones or do you fish big tail waters?

NevadaTroutman · Location: Fernley, Nevada

small streams, anywhere from 25 to 600 CFS. Looking for just rainbow, brown, tiger, brooke, or cutthroat trout fishing here in nevada and a little in california.

NevadaTroutman · Location: Fernley, Nevada

anyone?

AKGrayling · Location: Anchorage AK

you havn't really given any information to base any decisions by. are the biggest fish you will be catching in the 30 inch range or the 15 inch range? Small streams or will long casts be needed? Big leech patterns or small drys and nypmhs?

Boz · Location: Portland

LL Bean makes a good small stream rod...
Check out their 7.5ft double L outfit...rod reel line case for around $300.
Plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee...

AKGrayling · Location: Anchorage AK

Look at Temple Fork Outfitter fly rods at www.templeforkflyrods.com they have a great selection of every rod you would need. I would also go to them for a reel. Their rods are great, I have 2 and my family has around 5 and we love them all. For small streams go with a shorter lighter rod for big flies go with a little heavier rod.

NevadaTroutman · Location: Fernley, Nevada

DSFlyman · Posted: Sun 03/29/09 11:31 am Post subject:

I'm found of sage rods and Galvan Reels, but if you're starting out, I suggest heading to a fly shop and casting some rods yourself - see what you like. You probably want to start with a 5 or 6 weight rod.

Danno · Posted: Tue 03/31/09 3:37 pm Post subject:

NeverNervousDave · Location: Kenosha, WI

I've been on the water for 13+ years and while my experience is limited I'm absolutely in love with my Orvis--any Orvis package would be good. Especially for the warranty that they offer on their better rods and reels. I fish with a 9' 5wt. Used to use a 6 and 7. I felt the 5 gave me enough punch if needed and allowed me to nymph in smaller streams. But I'm also in the market for a beefier rod since I live on Lake Michigan now--going after Muskies and Salmon. Oh yeah!

NevadaTroutman · Location: Fernley, Nevada

Any thoughts on the Ross rod and reel combo I was being talked into at Scheels?

It looks like a nice set up, and the saleman was very friendly, but... he's a salesman.

Thanks so much for your suggestions!

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

The Ross Rod and Reel combo would be a good starter outfit. I have only cast a few of the rods, not fished them and they are decent casting rods. The reel should perform well for you as well. The only drawback to that setup is the warranty. Both of those are made by Ross worldwide which is a division of Ross that makes their stuff overseas. The big difference is the warranty. Worldwide products are only warrantied to the original owner and some rods are only one year. Some reels may be as well. Bottom line is that it is a much more restrictive warranty than Ross USA or a lot of other manufacturers. Do a google search on ross worldwide warranty and you will find the full warranty info.

NevadaTroutman · Location: Fernley, Nevada

I think I might just go with the Ross combo. Seems to be a good choice. I am not so concerned with the Warranty issue, because when I get good enough I will just upgrade to a better combo.

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

troutaddict1 · Posted: Wed 04/15/09 10:18 pm Post subject:

I have been fishing a ross reel for about 2 years now and it is easily one of my all time favorites. Great drag system. Not complicated. And it handles some pretty good sized trout excellently. I also casted one of those essence rods and was surprised. Great rod and casts damn well. Probably could not go wrong with that outfit. You also might want to look into Galvin Reels and Bauer Reels. Both Great Products. Sage and St. Croix also make some great rods which have become two of my favorite companies. Best of luck.