I am going to ask for a fly rod for my birthday coming up and have no idea what to get or look for. I would like an all purpose rod for trout, reds, largemouth, shad, panfish, nothing huge. Also, not looking to spend an arm and a leg to get one either. Any help would be much appreciated.
Go see the CA in WA or Mt P… Josh or Mike will set ya up. TFO makes good beginner rods that are good quality but won;t break the bank, that or Reddington(made by Sage) As for weight… reds and sea trout an 8wt is good to start wiht but it is a little over guinned for basds and bream… I’d say start wiht a 7 wt and try not to cast at too big a red and you’ll be fine…
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os
I would say TFO would be a good way to start.
Far better it is to dare mighty things to win glorious triumphs even though checkered with failure, than to take ranks with those poor spirits who never enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
I had the same problem and went CA, they set me up with the st croix 8wt, 9 ft,and the g loomis #7 venture…After a lot of homework, this was the deal at 300.00…Hope you find this helpful…
robert lukens
see i told ya 
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
SC Chapter Coordinator- Heroes on the Water
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- SCKayakfishing.com
Tarpon 160os