Well, i figured what a better place to get advice than good ol CF. I have taken an interest in SW fly fishing, and i wouldnt mind getting into the craze. I have a couple of questions however. From my own research i have found that for inshore (reds/trout all that stuff) anywhere from a 7-9 weight rod is good? what does everybody use? Any reccomendations for a beginner rod/reel that will get me the basics down? I would rather not dump a ton of money in at first, if i find that I do not like it, any tips would be great! Thanks
I’d suggest dropping by to see Josh at Charleston Angler WA. I did and he was really helpful. He did not try to push me toward the most expensive equipment, but we did demo rods across the range of price. I ended up getting a lower end setup and have been very happy w/ it.
SeaPro 180CC
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ok thanks alot, will do. Any more information?
Ditto on seeing Josh. He taught me everything I know.
I have a couple of reels and rods from 7-9 wt. I would look at ALbright Tackle.com They are coming out with a new line and you can get some great deals on their stuff. Most of it is marked down 50-70%off. I have a Albright 7 wt XX and it is awesome. I paid about $100 for it and it is a great rod. It would be worth the original price of $350. There is not a rod made that can compare to it for $100. The tfo stuff is pretty good, but this albright is leagues above it for the money.
For your lines, look at seirra trading post. You can get orvis floating lines for about $25. YOu should be able to get a great sepup mentioned above for $150.
Good luck with the addiction.
Chris.
White, like rookie said, Josh will spend a lot of time w/ you to help you out and answer your questions. I got an 8 wt, with weight forward floating line. My setup is a G Loomis Xperience with an Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor V reel.
SeaPro 180CC
"Anyone know a good orthodontist?
take the novice class given by Irwin…demo lots of rods and then make your choice.
As for reels you can’t beat the okuma cascade…cheap and will handle any fish in the area as far as reds and trout.
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I had planned to buy a new 9wt after Christmas. Glad I saw your post. I had been leaning toward a Redfly2 4 pc, but checked out the Albright site based on your comments. I have a XX 9904 9wt, 4 pc on the way. I can’t wait to try it out. Again, thanks for the post, or I wouldn’t have found that deal.
I have the same rod on order. Let us know what you think when you get it. My 7 weight was heads and tails above everything else. The finish is top notch.
Chris.
Go to a good local shop and check out all of your options. Shop around and get something that works for you. If you want something entry level the TFP is good but for what it’s worth the Albright gear is better. I’ve used their stuff for years and it’s held up very well! Besides, now that most can buy direct, it’s not all that much more expensive that the top end TFO retail stuff. Just get something that feels good to you and you can cast in the blow! The more you spend the more technology you going to get, which translates into a lighter set up but what ever you do make sure you buy something that’s designed for saltwater applications.
the guys helped me out at CA also. i couldnt figure why someone would drop the huge amounts i see on line. it was explained that the high end stuff is actually much more difficult to learn with. you are paying for features that only help when you really have the timing down pat. i suppose if youre dropping a few Gs in belize or something and need the 120 ft cast the costs are relatively less but for sc coast and reds/trout the options are many. ive got cheapo pfluegers and a lamiglass and the difference is wasted on me so far, but i am beginning to feel the difference. i like the okuma reels. they have served me well. i use the slv which is a little more (55 or so).
we dont need no reservations we dont need no cruise control
Finally got to try my Albright XX 9wt today. Man am I p*ssed. I knew I should have jumped on a 6wt when they had them on sale for $100 w/case, but thought I’d wait until I got to cast the 10wt. Didn’t realize it was going to be some three months later.
I’d consider it a little shy of a fast action, which is what I prefer. I’m just too old school (and too old) for many of the fast action rods out there today. I was using SA Mastery Redfish line (with a Sage reel). I felt like I had total control of the loop, and could tighten it up, or make it belly on demand.
I am recovering from a rotator cuff tear, so I didn’t push the distance. However I was casting about 50 ft, without effort (no wind).I cast for about an hour, at which point it started raining. Based on how it felt, I think it will also be a good rod for a sinking tip streamer line. We’ll find out as soon as I can get another spool.
Today was only practice, so I can’t tell you what kind of backbone the rod has. Very pleased so far, but what counts is how it handles when I get a decent size fish on.