I recently sold all my offshore trolling stuff and now have a few extra dollars to help the economy with. I fish alot of inshore,freshwater for stripers, and all the “offshore/nearshore” stuff out to 30 miles. I’d like to get 1 fly rod combo that doesn’t break the bank, but will allow me to do a little of everything. I thought a 9’, 8wt. would allow me to catch trout(lil’ big), reds,spanish, spades, cobia, and maybe some small jacks,bonita,or AJs. I know there is nothing perfect, but any ideas for me starting out? And, my main use for it would be the nearshore type fish if that helps.
Key West 21’6" BayReef
225 Honda
Tightlines and God Bless
8wt is a good all around rod. It may be a little lite for aj’s and cobia.
For a starter outfit for reds and inshore, look at Tfo rods and Okuma reels. You can get a rod and reel for under 150.
Also look at Albright.com. I have a couple of their rods and they are great values. I have a 7 wt and 9 wt. They are solid sticks for the money.
Also, if you know exactly what you want, go to tradenstuff.com. This guy does a great job and has a lot of inventory. I just bought a 7wt sage from him.
Good luck and welcome to the addiction.
Chris.
Before you buy anything check out the deals on redtruckflyfishing.com. Might save ya some more money. Go cast a few rods at Chas. Angler too and get a feel for what you like and pick up a few tips. For a beginner though ya can’t beat Temple Forks.
If a newbie asked me what to get I’d tell him NOT TO BUY A THING!!!
I’d tell him to look for a Flyfishing Club in his area ( In NY There is the Saltey Fly Rodders Of NY ) among many in all states. I’d tell him to look them up & attend a meeting. Most of the fishing clubs have web-sites & contacts! I would also tell him to get on-line & do some searches on Flyfishing for beginners or flyfising 101. There is so much to learn rather than run out & buying a Rod you no nothing about! These clubs will take you in under there wings & teach you the Right way! You have to do some research! Go down to the beach,look for someone that’s flyfishing, be polite & approch them & ask them if they mind you asking some questions. Most of us are nice guy’s & girls. They will be glad to answer your questions. Its not like you go get a spinning outfit,their’s so much more involved. Fly fishing can be real expencive! Rods cost under a $100.00 & can cost $1,000.00s same with reels, You need line & there are 3 basic. Floating,Sinking & Intermediate. Which a good one will cost you $60.00. There’s Fly’s, Leaders, all sorts of differnt things that you’ll either need or want!
If you go out & buy a Rod in a week you might not like it! That’s why I say DON’T Buy Anything until you have checked around. All these clubs have meetings once a month & before the meeting weather permitted they cast outside before the meetings. There are at least 10 guys with 10 different outfits that would be happy to let you try & give you a lesson free of charge. Theres Rods that one guy has that the other guy doesn’t like so no one can tell you what to get!!! You have to like the feel for yourself. A beginner will cast a softer Rod better than a fast taper. I own more than 20 Rods & all are different for different fishing conditions. A all around surf Rod I would recommend a 9weight but which one I couldn’t tell you.
I will tell you once you get your feet wet,The fish isn’t the only one that will be hooked! It’s a whole different world out there & there is no
Before you buy anything check out the deals on redtruckflyfishing.com. Might save ya some more money. Go cast a few rods at Chas. Angler too and get a feel for what you like and pick up a few tips. For a beginner though ya can’t beat Temple Forks.
There is no normal life, there’s just life.
Tarpon 140
Knot the Reel World Fly Fishing LLC
start rant
The local shops have money and time tied up in their stock and personnel. If you are going to go cast a few rods at one of the local shops and benefit from their expertise (the guys at CA are good), then you should help them stay in business, even further, you should help them thrive as a business by spending your money there.
end rant
On top of that, I bet they have some options that would fit just about anyone’s price range.
Feel free to swing by the shop… I will help as much as I cas, as will anyone in our stores…
As for “Fly-clubs” the only active one around is STAFF… and they’re a bunch of reprobates that I wouldn’t be seen in public with, so stay clear of them…
Go to the Charleston Angler in Mt. Pleasant and talk to Mike or the one in West Ashley and talk to Josh or Tucker. They’ll fix you up with a good set up for your price range.
