I have received so many good pieces of advice here in a previous post and from local fisherman and my local flyshop I am ready to ask more specific comments about the equipment I am looking at. I would like comments about the Redington combo for $129;
A number find the Okuma reels pretty good and there is an Okuma combo in a local tackle shop. I have had suggestions for the LL Bean Angler and Quest combos. I have had the Cabelas Prestige reel recommended and a local shop owner is willing to build a rod for me(we still need to explore what tht really means). Another shop owner said that the 8’ Crystal river Combo would be a great starter set. I am leaning toward the Angler, Quest or the custom rod. I am lucky enough to have local fishermen willing to help teach me. I have even had an offer for some free waders. Everyone is so helpful.
Get out and try some of these rods and reels. You will know the minute the right one is in your hand. Anyone that sells this gear has got to let you try it (at least in my book they would if they want to sell it)
Randy, … FGoddess has it right on the head (I gotta meet her some day) …
Rod/reel/line combinations get real personal. They each have their own character and application.
price also in NOT IMPORTANT. 'Fur instance, … my work horse rods are 7,8 and 9wt sage XP’s … pretty pricey, … but hey, … you only live once. On the other hand, … some of the most fun I have is with my older Cortland rods, … all of which were about 50-75$ USD.
If you can, … you gotta cast them, … the “wiggle” test really don’t say much.
Choosing a rod is supposed to be fun. Take you time, … if you’re getting pressured by the staff …LEAVE!
If you’re getting conflicting info from the staff, … ask for the owner.
It is a great idea to try out the fly rods, but how do I know what I am looking for in a rod since I haven’t used this type of rod before? Are there things to look for?
I would say comfort and ease. Try casting as far as you can and see which one loads up for you. If you cast hard (a lot of force) look for a fast or tip flex. If you like to move slower then check out a med to med/fast. If this is your first and only rod for now, stay away from the full flex (For NOW) they won’t be a versitile as you may need right now.
Thanks, I will learn to cast a bit with the shakespeare I have and get an idea of how to cast before trying other rods. I have never tried this old rod, but have been told it is no good.
DeJ,
I would forget the LLBeans or mail order. You will benefit greatly from building a relationshop with a local shop. Well worth the cost of the rod. Theyt will guide you in many of the questions you face, fly selection, leader length, when to fish on top and when down under etc.
another option is fly logic equipment. The company has a 14 day use it and return if you don’t like it policy. I have not used their equipment but i do know it is reasonable priced. Their web site is [url=http://www.flylogic.com:3aece]www.flylogic.com[/url:3aece] I am a tfo guy myself. You will know when you have the right rod just by the feel in your hands.
go to several local shops, some are better than others. just like car dealers some are accomodating, others just want to sell you something, anything. as for using the old shakespear, i’d say you’d be better off going to a shop and ask for lessons. that way the really good shops will get you started using the right form for little or no cost. they will also be able to give you advise on what kind of stroke you have and recommend the proper action. if you explain your are going to take up the sport and want to learn the basics before you jump in and buy an outfit, they will let you try many differnt outfits. beware those that only show you high end gear. it ok for you to try it as long as they show you something lower end to give you a comparison and then let you make the decision as to what is best for you. good luck, have fun and just like the fish you’ll be hooked.
I will see if the local fly shop will order rods other than what they have because they are rather limited in what they have on hand that is in my price range. All they have is the redington.The other shop that makes rods will order anything I want or make me something. But he is not that well versed in flyfishing. He can do it, but it isn’t style of choice.
I’m going to support your comment. I don’t think you will know which rod is best for you until you learn how to cast.
That being said, you need an inexpensive rod and reel set-up to get you stared. Frankly, the Orvis and SA kits sold at Wally World are pretty good deals. I have cast both and was pleasantly surprised. Cabela’s and LL Bean’s gear have good reputations and I suspect either one will work to get started.
Save some money getting started and get casting lessons! Once you understand what you need to do and how to do it, choosing a rod will be much easier.
Skip the custom for now. Wait until you know what you really want!
I’m going to support your comment. I don’t think you will know which rod is best for you until you learn how to cast.
I can attest to that. For all I know, my rod could be made out of cemenent and it could be the worst rod in the world. Or it could be good. I kinda hate not knowing if a different rod would help my casting
