Want to purchase a fly rod?
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I want to get into fly fishing. I took an afternoon course in casting in the parking lot of Bass Pro Shop. Found it lots of fun. Problem is I don’t want to be sold a ton of things I don’t really need, and I want quality w/o going into debtor’s prison. What would recommend for a newbie with a budget of $300 to $500? Looking for a one size fits all category. I would be fishing in the shallows of Florida’s Mosquito Lagoon and the Keys.
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First, I don’t like BPS for fly fishing equipment or service. Their fly fishing product selection is pretty sad, and the quality for the buck is equally pathetic. When it comes to fly fishing, BPS just doesn’t get it.
Your budget will get you started with a good rod, reel & line. Top makers such as Winston, Sage and others have series of practical, good performing rods to get you started. Some also offer rod/reel combos.
Though some fly anglers loathe Cabela’s, they’re still the only big box outfitter that does a good job catering to fly fishermen. While I don’t own any of their rods, I’ve seen them and would feel comfortable recommending them to a good friend or family member. For the money, I don’t think anyone can offer more in performance and quality than Cabela’s does with their mid- and upper-level housebrand rods & combos. The warranty is excellent, and Cabela’s customer service is strong.
The standard light, inshore fly rod for that area tends to be a 9ft 8wt. More powerful species such as snook and tarpon require heavier rods, though. You can’t expect one rod to handle the variety of species & conditions.
As for reels, there are plenty of choices today. Most of the nice reels would require your entire budget. But you can still pick up a quality, machined reel with a reliable drag at a good price. Any machined, anodized reel with adequate line capacity can be used in the salt. Some anglers prefer large arbor reels over standard reels. I’m impartial and use both. It’s more about appearances, since a large arbor reel typically offers nothing superior in performance to a standard arbor with the same overall diameter. Shop around, consider some choices available in rod/reel combos, and make your choice.
9wt- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_36808_175001001_175000000_175001000_175-1-1?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
9wt http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_57509_175001002_175000000_175001000_175-1-2?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
9wt
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_91523_175003001_175000000_175003000_175-3-1?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
Here is a great link for you. Great fly rods were you can buy direct from the manufacture. http://www.albrighttackle.com
I recently bought a 4 piece from them for Steelhead/Salmon and landed a nice steelhead this morning on the Salmon river in idaho.
That’s actually a very good budget, a rod that’s rated either an 8-9wt should suit you fine, there are so many options available, its great that you don’t have a really low budget or thinks get difficult. I agree that BPS don’t have a good fly fishing selection, however cabelas does.
The sage launch would be a good option in a 8 or 9wt, providing its cleaned after each trip it will suit saltwater work
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat600591&id=0029862318396a&navCount=4&podId=0029862&parentId=cat600591&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600591&hasJS=true
Team this up with an anodized aluminium large arbor reel and you can fish for anything. Your fly line is important a WF will work best, buy the best quality you can afford like RIO or airflo.
These would be a better option than the sage, but would cost more of your budget
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat20433-cat20459&id=0017926316542a&navCount=6&podId=0017926&parentId=cat20459&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=XJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
A good combo option in an 8wt
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat20433-cat600020&id=0029719320526a&navCount=13&podId=0029719&parentId=cat600020&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600020&hasJS=true
Check out this site. It has a fly rod selector to help you choose the best rod for your purpose: http://www.orvis.com/store/shop.aspx?pageType=GROUP&dir_id=758&Group_ID=759&shop_id=2040
At the bottom of this page is a very useful list of great aids like an animated knot page and different fishing tips: http://www.orvis.com/store/shop.aspx?dir_id=758&shop_id=1446&cm_ven=performics&cm_cat=Cross%20Current%20Guide%20Service&cm_pla=NO&cm_ite=875&adv=875&bhcp=1
Not to sure about it BPS has a lot of stuff but I’m not sure what all they have? Or the prices of their stuff. I’ve never fly fished before it looks too complicating to me. Sorry I couldn’t help tou out good luck in your search and good fishing.
Cabela’s house brands are good equipment at reasonable prices. Their combination set ups are hard to beat.
Right now several makers are offering their two piece 9 foot rods at close out prices because 4 or more piece rods have pretty well taken over the popular market.
High priced machined aluminum reels are senseless in the salt water where the bearings will suffer damage. Any reel with rim control will suit your needs.
If you need waders, the Hodgman brand will last for a couple seasons while you consider other options.
Sun screen lotion, tippet material, leaders, and a few flies will get you on the water in good shape.