Hey guys I am buying a new boat, and will now be able to get skinny, so i want to take up fly fishing just to learn something new whats a good starter reel and rod that wont break the bank. I really like the flats blue rods as I have a spinning rod, but the flyrods are expensive lookin for other alternatives with the same great rod action
1996 Key West Sportsman
112 Johnson
Temple Fork Outfitters rods are the best value for the money IMO and their warranty is as good as it gets. Go cast as many rods as you can in your price range before you decide. There is really no comparison between the action of spinning rods and fly rods.
Redington makes some nice starter combos, that’s what my first 8wt was for Saltwater
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
TFO
Lamson Konic reels are affordable. I’ve put a lot of miles on mine and am totally happy. I have friends that use them in 8-9 wts and they also like them.
G
Cast a lot of fly rods. Talk to the shop people,ask fly fishing people you can find. Buy a used starter set. 9 foot rod. 8wt.Even a old higher end rod would be a great find. Your line should be high quality, replace with new, proper fit to your fly fishing location. A cheap rod will throw good balanced line plenty for starting out. A reel, correct size to hold line & backing will work on the spottails.You really don’t need a high price set. Practice and learn the basics of casting.
Enjoy the learning, it never stops.
I say buy the best… go Orvis or keep your money in your pocket…!
There are a lot better ways to spend money on fly gear than orvis… Redington makes stellar rods, so does TFO and of course Sage is pretty bad azz… Come by the Lowcountry Fly Shop and we’ll get ya into a great set up
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- www.SCKayakfishing.com
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
Tarpon 160os
Can’t beat a Lamson Konic 3.5 paired with a TFO for the money. Great quality, sealed construction, TFO warranty. Love mine. Personally Orvis would be way down my list.
My thoughts would be to get some casting instruction first, get the correct technique down, and then once you have developed your casting style cast several rods/brands to find which you like the most. If you are just starting out, keep in mind that you may want a rod that you can grow into some. In my own personal experience, I start with an inexpensive rod, then end up wanting and getting one of the better rods. I have had great experiences with both Sage and Orvis rods. My first Orvis rod was purchased in 1990, and Orvis has replaced that rod due to me breaking it 4 times and it still works great. Sage makes some really nice rods, but their repairs have really been a little problematic lately. I have not thrown a lot of TFO rods, I fished a 12 wt a couple of times for cobia several years back and it worked just fine, but I do not have much experience with them.
JohnH0802
quote:
Originally posted by JohnH0802My thoughts would be to get some casting instruction first, get the correct technique down, and then once you have developed your casting style cast several rods/brands to find which you like the most. If you are just starting out, keep in mind that you may want a rod that you can grow into some. In my own personal experience, I start with an inexpensive rod, then end up wanting and getting one of the better rods. I have had great experiences with both Sage and Orvis rods. My first Orvis rod was purchased in 1990, and Orvis has replaced that rod due to me breaking it 4 times and it still works great. Sage makes some really nice rods, but their repairs have really been a little problematic lately. I have not thrown a lot of TFO rods, I fished a 12 wt a couple of times for cobia several years back and it worked just fine, but I do not have much experience with them.
JohnH0802
</font id=“quote”></blockquote id=“quote”>
If this advise doesn’t help FishinFerReds, I hope someone else reads it and can get some use out of it. Sure got me thinking about how I will respond to this kind of question, in the future.
great advice on lesson first
the rod is all about your timing/touch. top rods only help a very skilled caster. actually hinder beginners because of the speed.
tfo or reddington rods are good first choice
okuma slv reel
get the best line you can afford
he’s pretty white for a fly guy
I would suggest you look at a TFO rod for starters, either the Mangrove or Axiom $235. Get good line Teeny, Rio, & Scientific Anglers make a front end tapered for Redfish. Learn how to cast, get instruction and spend time practicing (alot). To me the Orvis rods are not as good as say a Sage or G Loomis rod for about the same price. But you need to learn how to cast well before spending big $$$$ on the rods.
Paul Sasser
Founder, GoFishSC.com
President, Long Bay Fly Fishers
I had forgotten to talk about the Fly line at all, good catch PAWLEYSI on that score. Buy a good line, it makes a difference, if you are going to save money save it on the reel.
JohnH0802
JohnH0802
Ross Fly Stick is a good buy - uslly around 179$ -and comes in a 9wt and 10 wt - short and a very good rod in wind, for toss’n big bugs.
“Always Watchout for the Guy In-Front of the one Behind You!”
Check out cabelas L tech rods. You can get the saltwater version for 150 if you watch the sales. Great rod. Extremely light. Good fast action. I like over lining by 1 wt. pairs great with the lamson konic the other guys recommended.
Get one of those Sage TCX’s. I know the lowcountry fly shop has them for really cheap right now.
quote:
Originally posted by franklinzappaGet one of those Sage TCX’s. I know the lowcountry fly shop has them for really cheap right now.
Um… nope… the TCX’s are not on sale… I stand corrected… they aren’t “really cheap” but we will cut you a helluva deal 
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
http://www.HeroesOnTheWater.org
Charleston Director- www.SCKayakfishing.com
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
Tarpon 160os
Hey newbie fly fishers…
above contains good info. Fly fishermen love to help & give you advice. Visit our local shops, find a lesson or Instructor. A experienced fly caster should help set you up with a balanced outfit.(rod,Line & the leader. In fly casting we cast the line, I have seen 30 foot casts made using just the hand ! ORVIS… never went that way, however they offer and produce all levels of Good fly gear. It is silly or retail self serving to bad mouth them as a whole.
Newbies Google FFF , federation of fly fishers. Good casting info without Retail agenda.
When you visit a fly shop for info, buy something and support them.
Here’s to Tight Loops.