The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I have a friend who is interested in a rod and reel combo--something under $200. Does anyone have particular experience, recommendations, tips on brands to avoid? St. Croix? Cabelas? Etc.?

Thanks.

Wally World's internet site had a SA fly rod, reel, fly line kit for around $70. Yeah, I know and expect a few to throw laughs and heckles in this direction. I scoffed at the kits myself. When I had an opportunity to cast one of these rods I was pleasantly surprised, but did not ever get a chance to place the line on water for practical use. At the time they would ship them to the closest store near you as well. The only downside was they were 2 piece rods. But for the price of a beginner combo setup, you'll be hard pressed to find a deal like this. Good luck.

Andrew,

just got this via e-mail.

http://ezflyfish.com/tfonxtflyrod.html

TFO has decent rep. Dunno about the reel.

The Cabela's Stowaways used to be a decent rod, but I was underimpressed with the reel and line that came with the outfit.

Why not check with Leland Outfitters and the downtown Orvis shop.

or come win the 8'6" orvis 5 wt at the Bash Raffle.

The TFO rods seem nice for the money. Could easily get a set up for under $200.

My dad and brother also bought some inexpensive outfits thru Cabelas for our Alaska trip. Other than the backing being too light they seemed like ok starter packages.

I thought I could put up a link, but it looks truncated. Just do a search on their site (Walmart.com) for fly rod combos.

no/msg

Ed Kelleher wrote:

The Cabela's Stowaways used to be a decent rod, but I was underimpressed with the reel and line that came with the outfit.

I really think the Cabela's Stowaway rod is pretty decent as well. Since I already have 2, 5 wt. (S/A & Galvin) reels, one with floating line and the other with sinking line, I just swap them out of my other rods when I use it.

Beerfly

Don't forget, you will get more for you money on eBay. i've got'n some good reels, rods and flies that way.

There are many options and it just depends how serious your friend wants to get.
There are 2 SA combos and one in the $60-70 range and the other is in the $120 range. Cortland make some combos too and they cast pretty good. You could go with the ST. Croix reign which is medium fast with a okuma reel and SA headstart line. TFO low end cast very nice too. Some of the combos are junk but the SA and Cortland are decent. Redington Wayfarer was a nice casting rod which was a 5 piece. Spend a little extra on a decent line. Most all rods in that range are workable and some come with lifetime warrenty. Reel just holds the line.

My 2 cents

Jet

My sons first outfit was a Scott Alpha on cloesout for $150, Orvis rocky mountain reel $30 & Kiene's gave us a line for free(Kids get special treatment). You could give them a call and I'm sure they may be able to put something together for you.

Agree: Bottom line TFO, which is a nice casting rod, is $99. If you break it, they will replace for $25. That's a pretty good deal these days. Also, hard to go wrong with an Orvis Battenkill real. Pretty tough and reliable. Lower end Battenkills are $79, upper is $98. That would be a nice set up that will last for years.
My 2 cents
Betty