Need a rod and reel

LilWhippersnapper · Senior Member

Need a rod and reel

eBayJosh · Member

In that price range I like the Sage entry level package.� It's a Launch series rod, a 1201 reel, plus fly line and backing.� It's a little more than you are looking to spend ($280 at http://www.flyfishingoutfitters.com/p/s/viewitem.aspx?pid=FFO-FRE-08IT-000), but if you shop around you might be able to find it for a little less.

I've fished this particular setup for more than a year now and have nothing but good things to say about it.� �

LilWhippersnapper · Senior Member

Thanks Josh, I'll check that out.

101fish · Senior Member

Kiene's sells a 199$ redington combo. Its alright, for that price range it would almost be cheaper to buy the reel and rod seperate, and put a line on at a seperate date. If you do that, go with the sage FI series, or a top of the line TFO or echo.�

dtp916 · Senior Member

Kiene's will hook you up with what you need. Stop by and chat with the fellas that work there, they are always a huge help!

shon42073 · Senior Member

My first rod was a fenwick HMG 8'6" two peice fast action, and a cabelas large arbor reel, total cost was $300.00 with flyline and backing included, this outfit performs very well for me, cant say anything bad about it, its a nice looking rod and is made in the good ol usa, with lifetime no questions asked warranty. Good luck, choosing a rod and reel is alot of fun. Do your research and make an informed decision. Sage seems to be very very popular with everyone. I'dike to add that i agree 100% that the rod is were you do not scimp, then the line, then the reel. I really like rio lines.

-- Edited by thecaptain at 16:56, 2007-02-07

Nohackle · Senior Member

Whatever reel you purchase, it may be a good idea to buy a reel that has been around a while so that you can purchase spare spools when you need them.� Buying spare spools is a lot cheaper than buy a new reel.� Reels that are new to the market or reels made by lesser known companies may not be around in a couple of years (when you might�want to purchase�a new spool).�

MotoGP · Veteran Member

When I bought my first fly set up, the guy recommended that I go nicer on the rod and maybe downgrade a little on the reel. For example: You got $500-600. Instead of buying a 300 dollar rod and a 200 dollar reel step and buy a better rod and a slightly less expensive reel. I am glad I did this because its cheaper to upgrade the reel over the rod.

windknots · Senior Member

As mentioned above It's worth it to get a rod with a lifetime warranty, last year I guillotined one in a power window and busted another while setting the hook in a 3lb rainbow (full disclosure I think the rod was damaged in a slip&fall the previous day that also broke my finger).� I picked up both at an Orvis shop, the only question asked when I dropped them off for warranty was "and where would you like your new rod sent?".� I'm happy with the rods, support�and the�convenience of a shop that is�less than a mile from my house.

101fish · Senior Member

Definitely agree with the life time rods.� More than worth it, and it pays for its self over the yrs.� If your original rod was 400, you break it, cost is minimal.� If you had gone with a 200 dollar rod without insurance, you buy a new one for another 200. As for the reels, being around awhile does not guarantee spools will be around, a lot of reels change slightly, so that the spools a re incompatible.� Best bet is to pick up reel that has been around a while, and has not been modified or tweaked lately, or just pick up a spool or two on purchase.

Packrat · Senior Member

Spend some time searching on ebay, there are some fantastic deals to be found. For example, I have picked up 2 Sage rods, an SLT 5wt and an XP 6wt. Both rods were brand new with blank warranty cards. I got the STL for $475, new they are $620. The XP new is $655, I got it for $430. They don't make the XP anymore since it was replaced by the Z-axis but the warranty is still good on it. A good solid mid level reel is a Teton/Tioga. There is a seller on ebay that has an ebay store and sells brand new reels and the prices can't be beat. You could get a nice Tioga #6 for around $100 when new they are $160 or so. Here is his link, I've purchased 5 reels from him:

http://stores.ebay.com/Fly-Reels-Deluxe

Spend more money now on a better rod, that's the way to go!

dtp916 · Senior Member

Try casting a few rods by Scott. Their new rods are amazing, I want a G2 sooooo bad! But try casting a V2 if you like med. action, or a A2 if you want a little faster...The A2 is a little above your price range though.

JT · Senior Member

I own a Scott.� They're really nice rods.� I actually picked mine up at a clearance sale a couple of years ago.� The last couple of rods that I've bought were in the fall when most shops are trying to clear things out.

dtp916 · Senior Member

JT wrote:

I own a Scott.� They're really nice rods.� I actually picked mine up at a clearance sale a couple of years ago.� The last couple of rods that I've bought were in the fall when most shops are trying to clear things out.

I'm jealous