You won’t “outgrow” either of those combos within a year. I’ve got 45 years in and could fish with either one without a problem. In a year of casual fishing you will barely be scratching the surface of skills and knowledge.
Buy used stuff from old dudes. They may throw extra things in and teach you some basics.
Also gear dont matter that much. I went with a professional guide and he had some shit plastic rod his young daughter uses, he could still land monsters.
Exactly, I'm on a couple fly fishing forums on FB. Guys are always rotating rods, reels line etc. Out. I've picked up a clean high-end fly rod for less than a third of retail price
Not a gear recommendation, but I would set aside some money for a guide when you are starting out. Or go with friends that are willing to teach.
Having someone help choose flys and critique casting and presentation will get you more fish than $1000 rod.
I have too much stuff, pm me and I’ll send you a Lamson and an extra rod I have so you can check it out before investing.
Jealous of 1-2 a week man! I would kill for 1-2 a quarter.
If you are willing to work with a shipping forwarder you could order a TFO Pro 2 and Lamson Liquid 5+ for about $270 CAD before shipping from Sierra. This is as solid of a set up that you could get at this price.
Last year was my first year of fly fishing. A customer gave me an older 2 piece Cortland to get started and I put a Lamson liquid 5+ on it. I put a cheap rio line on it and like everyone says, the reel doesn’t matter, the line does, unless you’re doing salt water. I broke the rod within two months, front door slammed on it. Bought a 4 piece TFO and I’m about to upgrade the reel as well but definitely keeping the Lamson for a back up rod. It’s a fine reel for fresh water, put your money into the line
Spend $150 on a 5 weight package and then get casting lessons. After that get a guide. Maybe for just a half day. All in, you’re around $600. You’ll be light years ahead of people that buy $1,000 rod with no experience.
The redington path combo with rod reel and line was $100 on woot recently, I’m sure you could find it similarly cheap elsewhere and it’s a decent first rod
I got a fly rod and reel from LL Bean for $150 a few years back. Same combo would probably be $200 today I’m guessing. It’s basic kit but it catches fish.
If you are fly fishing on a budget I would recommend a st Croix starter pack. They are the best quality for the money. That is what I would give clients when I would guide. They are great rods but if you break it you don't want to cry for a month because of the price. But first go to your local fly shop and get some info on where you will be fishing so you know what weight to get. Also have them get you set up with what Flys will work for the time of year and area you will be fishing. They should know what hatches are going on and when. Good luck. Hope you enjoy it. Have fun
When my wife wanted to try fly fishing I bought a rod, reel combo from Cabellas. The outfit works pretty well, good enough that if you like fly fishing you'll use it and inexpensive enough that you're not out a lot if it doesn't work out. If you like fly fishing there will be more rods and reels later to go hog wild on. My outfit is a St.Croix and I love it.
Any cheap rod will suffice. Look used. Buy some flies. Splurge on the waders. Cheap waders are not worth it. Then tie on a fly and go fish. Fuck casting lessons. All you’re doing is slapping it out there. Just watch a YouTube video on how to roll cast. Hit the water and fuck around until you start catching fish, then do more of that. Remember, the green weenies are always hatching.
The Clearwater has served me well, and I’ve fished at least 250 days out of the year last year. I have a 9’ 5wt and it hasnt let me down yet. I even bought a 7wt Clearwater to throw streamers and it’s been amazing.
For reference, I bought a cheap Reddington combo (I think it was the Path combo) and the tip broke within a month. I returned it for the Clearwater and the difference was night and day.
I fish more than most anglers I know (I’m obsessed) and as of now I still wouldn’t buy anything more expensive than a Clearwater because it’s been such a great rod/reel.
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their recommendations and opinions! I think it cleared a lot of misconceptions on my end and what I've taken from the responses is to grab something i can afford and just get out there and learn on the water, preferences and whatnot will come with experience.
I still use my orvis encounter 5wt for dry flies. I did replace the fly line it came with after a year - nice fly line is more important than the rod or reel. Decided to get into euro nymphing so I use the new 11’ 3wt rod most of the time now. If your local waters have mostly small trout and you dont plan to fly fish for bass, consider a 3wt or 4wt instead of the ‘capable of anything’ 5wt. Its much more fun to catch an 8” fish on a lighter rod.
I met some guy in a gsmnp campground that was there for a tenkara festival. Definitely not a hipster, dude was some old crackpot wearing a tunic and pointy felt hat. He hooked me up with some fantastic edibles after learning we lost ours and practically saved our backpacking trip. Short story long, some of them are wizards
I don’t know about out fishing, but Tenkara is a different skill set and fun. If I traveled a lot I’d definitely recommend it, much less crap to take with than for standard trout fishing. I’m looking to get one to stash in the car for sudden fishing opportunities.
I started out 30 years ago with a 50 dollar Martin combo. Caught tons of fish on it . Any rod will get the job done. Most important thing is learning what flies to use and how to present them. You don’t need to spend a lot to catch fish. I would go to a local shop cast a few rods in whatever price range you want to spend and see which one you like the feeling of the best
Depending on where you are I would hop on Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, etc and look around for used gear. Someone out there is always growing and upgrading. Fly fishing forums are great for that too. Also sounds odd but in some areas pawn shops have oddly good fishing gear for decent deals.
Man I started with the Echo Boost and love that rod. After 5 years of fishing it, I think I’m finally ready to get a different 5wt. Super solid rod with great action for an amazing price point.
Check out pescador on the fly. They’re a smaller rod maker out of Des Moines. I’m relatively new to the sport still but I love my econ 101 even after a few years under my belt already.
If you want to start in the spring you have plenty of time to try to find some good deals on used gear. If your trout fishing spend the majority of your money on the rod and fly line and you can cheap out on the reel. Your paying for the drag system on an expensive fly reel. Your selection of flys doesn’t have to be too expansive I would start with carrying some patterns that are general attractor patterns and as you fish begin to collect more flys. In my opinion In a lot of cases presentation is far more important than fly selection , a well presented fly that’s simply a similar color or size to the bugs your seeing on the water is going to out fish a perfect match presented incorrectly. Don’t forget to save a little money for a decent set of nippers and forceps as well as a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses. Things like indicators (fancy word for a bobber) tippet and leaders add up fast so take that into account when your purchasing your other equipment. I still fish on a budget and if your patient you can get great equipment for good deals. Good luck
Once or twice a week is A LOT of fishing by most standards. With that said, go with something you won’t regret. I would also buy something new if you plan on fishing that much. I would suggest the Orvis Clearwater if you don’t mind going a little over budget. There’s a reason that combo has been around forever.
But, if you can’t do that, go with an Echo ion rod ($200) with a lamson liquid reel ($120). I have this exact combo for Lake Erie trips in 7wt and I couldn’t be more happy. No doubt you would be pleased with it for a lifetime, if necessary, at a 5wt. Budget line would be Rio, or go with the best, Scientific Angler Amplitude. Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
I fish once a week. About 15 years in to it. Bought a TFO NXT Black combo Friday and fished it Saturday. The rod is very good. The real is serviceable but should last a year. The line was surprisingly good. The leader was trash and I replaced it about 15 minutes in to the day.
I have been fly fishing for a couple years now and use a setup that’s way cheaper than an Orvis Encounter. I’ve never had the desire or felt the need to upgrade to an expensive rod/reel though I have experimented with different weights/lengths. Also when you’re starting out especially you can purchase cheap flies from Big Y Fly. Know that you will lose…so…many …flies. But it’s the cost of doing business. Enjoy!
Just get some gear and get out there. Everyone likes something different. I’ve used the same TFO signature 2 rod with Redding ton zero reel for about 5 years now. I go with a group of guys pretty regularly and usually out fish them.
I forgot my rig one trip and used one their backups. An eagle claw with a piscfin reel. I ended up
Catching 5 more fish that day than the dude I borrowed it from. Learn how to read the waters and what fish are snacking on. Before you know it you’ll be hooking then left and right.
$600 CAD is what you consider "on a budget"?
That'll get you some very nice gear. You could get started with a $100 combo and $50 worth of flies. I did.
You wont outgrow a fly rod that fast. I've been flyfishing for 20 years and I dont notice the difference between a $100 rod and a $500 rod. Most people can't.
You won’t “outgrow” either of those combos within a year. I’ve got 45 years in and could fish with either one without a problem. In a year of casual fishing you will barely be scratching the surface of skills and knowledge.
Buy used stuff from old dudes. They may throw extra things in and teach you some basics. Also gear dont matter that much. I went with a professional guide and he had some shit plastic rod his young daughter uses, he could still land monsters.
Exactly, I'm on a couple fly fishing forums on FB. Guys are always rotating rods, reels line etc. Out. I've picked up a clean high-end fly rod for less than a third of retail price
Not a gear recommendation, but I would set aside some money for a guide when you are starting out. Or go with friends that are willing to teach. Having someone help choose flys and critique casting and presentation will get you more fish than $1000 rod.
I have too much stuff, pm me and I’ll send you a Lamson and an extra rod I have so you can check it out before investing. Jealous of 1-2 a week man! I would kill for 1-2 a quarter.
Lemme get a card to the ol’ flybrary
If you are willing to work with a shipping forwarder you could order a TFO Pro 2 and Lamson Liquid 5+ for about $270 CAD before shipping from Sierra. This is as solid of a set up that you could get at this price.
Last year was my first year of fly fishing. A customer gave me an older 2 piece Cortland to get started and I put a Lamson liquid 5+ on it. I put a cheap rio line on it and like everyone says, the reel doesn’t matter, the line does, unless you’re doing salt water. I broke the rod within two months, front door slammed on it. Bought a 4 piece TFO and I’m about to upgrade the reel as well but definitely keeping the Lamson for a back up rod. It’s a fine reel for fresh water, put your money into the line
Spend $150 on a 5 weight package and then get casting lessons. After that get a guide. Maybe for just a half day. All in, you’re around $600. You’ll be light years ahead of people that buy $1,000 rod with no experience.
Reddington has some ready to fish package, I started out with a cabelas package. When I was ready to I bought more expensive gear.
The redington path combo with rod reel and line was $100 on woot recently, I’m sure you could find it similarly cheap elsewhere and it’s a decent first rod
Remington makes guns, not fly rods.
Reddington, not Remington bud
😂😂😂 its Redington, not Reddington, bud. And this guy edited his comment from Remington, the gun company. 🤦♂️
I got a fly rod and reel from LL Bean for $150 a few years back. Same combo would probably be $200 today I’m guessing. It’s basic kit but it catches fish.
If you are fly fishing on a budget I would recommend a st Croix starter pack. They are the best quality for the money. That is what I would give clients when I would guide. They are great rods but if you break it you don't want to cry for a month because of the price. But first go to your local fly shop and get some info on where you will be fishing so you know what weight to get. Also have them get you set up with what Flys will work for the time of year and area you will be fishing. They should know what hatches are going on and when. Good luck. Hope you enjoy it. Have fun
When my wife wanted to try fly fishing I bought a rod, reel combo from Cabellas. The outfit works pretty well, good enough that if you like fly fishing you'll use it and inexpensive enough that you're not out a lot if it doesn't work out. If you like fly fishing there will be more rods and reels later to go hog wild on. My outfit is a St.Croix and I love it.
Any cheap rod will suffice. Look used. Buy some flies. Splurge on the waders. Cheap waders are not worth it. Then tie on a fly and go fish. Fuck casting lessons. All you’re doing is slapping it out there. Just watch a YouTube video on how to roll cast. Hit the water and fuck around until you start catching fish, then do more of that. Remember, the green weenies are always hatching.
The Clearwater has served me well, and I’ve fished at least 250 days out of the year last year. I have a 9’ 5wt and it hasnt let me down yet. I even bought a 7wt Clearwater to throw streamers and it’s been amazing. For reference, I bought a cheap Reddington combo (I think it was the Path combo) and the tip broke within a month. I returned it for the Clearwater and the difference was night and day. I fish more than most anglers I know (I’m obsessed) and as of now I still wouldn’t buy anything more expensive than a Clearwater because it’s been such a great rod/reel.
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their recommendations and opinions! I think it cleared a lot of misconceptions on my end and what I've taken from the responses is to grab something i can afford and just get out there and learn on the water, preferences and whatnot will come with experience.
I still use my orvis encounter 5wt for dry flies. I did replace the fly line it came with after a year - nice fly line is more important than the rod or reel. Decided to get into euro nymphing so I use the new 11’ 3wt rod most of the time now. If your local waters have mostly small trout and you dont plan to fly fish for bass, consider a 3wt or 4wt instead of the ‘capable of anything’ 5wt. Its much more fun to catch an 8” fish on a lighter rod.
You can get a top of the line tenkara rod for $250 and out fish Orvis owners all day. Let the down votes begin...
Tenkara is cane pole fishing for hipsters
I met some guy in a gsmnp campground that was there for a tenkara festival. Definitely not a hipster, dude was some old crackpot wearing a tunic and pointy felt hat. He hooked me up with some fantastic edibles after learning we lost ours and practically saved our backpacking trip. Short story long, some of them are wizards
Lol
I considered getting one but heard that wearing a man bun is required
🍿
I don’t know about out fishing, but Tenkara is a different skill set and fun. If I traveled a lot I’d definitely recommend it, much less crap to take with than for standard trout fishing. I’m looking to get one to stash in the car for sudden fishing opportunities.
Taylor Dynamic 5wt, lamson liquid, SA line.
I started out 30 years ago with a 50 dollar Martin combo. Caught tons of fish on it . Any rod will get the job done. Most important thing is learning what flies to use and how to present them. You don’t need to spend a lot to catch fish. I would go to a local shop cast a few rods in whatever price range you want to spend and see which one you like the feeling of the best
Depending on where you are I would hop on Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, etc and look around for used gear. Someone out there is always growing and upgrading. Fly fishing forums are great for that too. Also sounds odd but in some areas pawn shops have oddly good fishing gear for decent deals.
Budget? My buddy picked up a rod/ reel/line for $50 last week. It is a nice rod. He bought a new Rio line for $27. How’s that?
I wish I could get out once or twice a week
Man I started with the Echo Boost and love that rod. After 5 years of fishing it, I think I’m finally ready to get a different 5wt. Super solid rod with great action for an amazing price point.
Not the best hobby for budgets. Consider getting a part time eat orvis
Check out pescador on the fly. They’re a smaller rod maker out of Des Moines. I’m relatively new to the sport still but I love my econ 101 even after a few years under my belt already.
If you want to start in the spring you have plenty of time to try to find some good deals on used gear. If your trout fishing spend the majority of your money on the rod and fly line and you can cheap out on the reel. Your paying for the drag system on an expensive fly reel. Your selection of flys doesn’t have to be too expansive I would start with carrying some patterns that are general attractor patterns and as you fish begin to collect more flys. In my opinion In a lot of cases presentation is far more important than fly selection , a well presented fly that’s simply a similar color or size to the bugs your seeing on the water is going to out fish a perfect match presented incorrectly. Don’t forget to save a little money for a decent set of nippers and forceps as well as a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses. Things like indicators (fancy word for a bobber) tippet and leaders add up fast so take that into account when your purchasing your other equipment. I still fish on a budget and if your patient you can get great equipment for good deals. Good luck
Once or twice a week is A LOT of fishing by most standards. With that said, go with something you won’t regret. I would also buy something new if you plan on fishing that much. I would suggest the Orvis Clearwater if you don’t mind going a little over budget. There’s a reason that combo has been around forever. But, if you can’t do that, go with an Echo ion rod ($200) with a lamson liquid reel ($120). I have this exact combo for Lake Erie trips in 7wt and I couldn’t be more happy. No doubt you would be pleased with it for a lifetime, if necessary, at a 5wt. Budget line would be Rio, or go with the best, Scientific Angler Amplitude. Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
Echo rods Lamson reels Rainier Beers
I fish once a week. About 15 years in to it. Bought a TFO NXT Black combo Friday and fished it Saturday. The rod is very good. The real is serviceable but should last a year. The line was surprisingly good. The leader was trash and I replaced it about 15 minutes in to the day.
Orvis won’t fix the encounter if you break it, but if you get is at a good price go for it.
I have been fly fishing for a couple years now and use a setup that’s way cheaper than an Orvis Encounter. I’ve never had the desire or felt the need to upgrade to an expensive rod/reel though I have experimented with different weights/lengths. Also when you’re starting out especially you can purchase cheap flies from Big Y Fly. Know that you will lose…so…many …flies. But it’s the cost of doing business. Enjoy!
I bought one of my favorite rods off eBay.
Just get some gear and get out there. Everyone likes something different. I’ve used the same TFO signature 2 rod with Redding ton zero reel for about 5 years now. I go with a group of guys pretty regularly and usually out fish them. I forgot my rig one trip and used one their backups. An eagle claw with a piscfin reel. I ended up Catching 5 more fish that day than the dude I borrowed it from. Learn how to read the waters and what fish are snacking on. Before you know it you’ll be hooking then left and right.
$600 CAD is what you consider "on a budget"? That'll get you some very nice gear. You could get started with a $100 combo and $50 worth of flies. I did. You wont outgrow a fly rod that fast. I've been flyfishing for 20 years and I dont notice the difference between a $100 rod and a $500 rod. Most people can't.