We use these for teaching. Easy to cast for beginners of all ages. Currently on sale in Cabelas.com Bargin cave for $40. Rod, reel, backing and line.
Cabela’s Cahill Fly Rod and Reel Outfit
That’s a great starter rod and reel for a great price Bob.
I began my fly fishing odyssey more years than I care to remember now with a Cabela’s inexpensive 8’ 5 weight and still own it today.
Fished it with an inexpensive Martin tuna can reel…still own that also! Caught beaucoup trout with that simple little rig!
Makes me wonder why I own all of this expensive equipment today??
Thanks for the heads up; I think I’ll pick one of these up for my eight year old granddaughter.
I had one and never took it out of the box and sold it shortly after reading the reviews on the reel. Most freeze up or fall apart on first or second cast. You might be the lucky one that gets a good one. It is only $40 so worth taking the chance and they will refund you money if it doesn’t do what it is suppose to do.
I have never had any product from Cabela’s that I even wanted to send back…and I do know they stand behind anything they sell. And no, they aren’t a Sponsor.
I own two, the 8’ 5wt and a 6’ 4wt. I think I got them from Sports Authority.
I got them when I was starting out as back up rods. I haven’t fished the 5 wt in I don’t know how long, but I use the 4wt fairly regularly.
About 15 years ago, one of the mags had a 5wt “shoot out.” The 8 footer came in second.
I thought the reel and line were crummy, but the rod was more than worth it.
Yes, the rod it self is worth the money but as you stated, the reel was crap and I would upgrade to maybe the next reel up.
I think it was the Three Forks rod from Cabela’s that I started my two sons, a brother in law and a few friends into the world of flyfishing. they were 30 .oo or so back in the late 90’s . 7’ for 3 wt. that felt and cast more like a 4 wt.great little starter rods.
Best,
Steve
Not quite sure what the reel issue is about. We have 6 we use to teach so lots of abuse by beginners and no reel issues. Not going to be the best you’ll ever buy, but good for the money and they work for beginners.
I have the Three Forks model in a 3wt, 5wt, and 8wt… SOLID rods! When the wind picks up or I am throwing bass flies, I put the glass down and grab these.
I went to the Wichita store and they weren’t offering the deal in the Bargain Cave there, so I ordered one for the granddaughter on line (got the 8’6" 5wt), plus I picked her up a fly box for $1.88 (the same one was $6.99 in the store). If you have a Cabela’s card, or if you have an order shipped to a store for pick-up, shipping is free. I agree with Ladyfisher; I’ve had very few products from Cabela’s that needed returning, and if it did I’ve never had them fail to back their product (I did have to write a few letters once, but that’s another story for another time ;)).
Right now if you go to St croixs site they have the triumph rods for under 40.00 dollars that would be a great starter rod or backup
Hey Coach,
Thanks for the heads up! I agree with folks who had good things to say about Cabela’s products, since I’ve had nothing but good luck with them. So although I am really a rookie flyfisher, I decided to go for it. Right now my first saltwater fly rod is on its way! Woo hoo!
I bought the Cabela’s Traditional II rod a couple years back (8’6" 5t) to use on my pontoon. If I dropped it in the lake I wouldn’t be out a lot of money (i.e. Scott G2, Winston BIIt kind of money). To be perfectly honest, the Cabela’s rod casts just as nice as the Scott and Winston rods in my collection.
The cork isn’t as nice and the wood spacer is kind of generic looking but it’s a light weight, and smooth casting rod.
Jeff
Kudos to Ladyfisher for her comments on Cabela’s. It is a shame Cabela’s has not become a sponsor, but it reflects well on Deanna that she is sticking up for them.
I try to give as much of my business as I can to my local fly shop, including special ordering stuff through them if I can wait for it. But there are some things my local shop can’t offer and Cabela’s does.
I’ve loved the value I get from their private label rods and waders.
I’ve had to return two waders. One wader pair just arrived way too oversized and baggy. Another pair of waders wore out way too soon. I had no problems returning both. In the case of the ones that wore out too soon, the replacement pair they sent me had been re-engineered to eliminate the flaw that caused the problem. I totally trust this company!
Although I am not a great marketing genius I have long thought Cabelas and Bass Pro were missing a bet by not being sponsors. What is there around 10,000 member but a few 100,000 lurkers who drop in here on a regular basis?
FWIW, I believe the Cahill line is actually made by Crystal River, a subsidiary of South Bend.
Anyone with a real connection to Cabelas and Bass Pro’s sales/marketing people please drop me a note with contact names and any other information you may be able to share, please? You may have noticed we have ‘lost’ some of our former Sponsors, especially Sage and the other Far Bank companies…They have gone with a ‘new’ marketing firm who does not recognize us. Really.