My buddy has gotten the bug just from watching all the fish jumping in front of his house and now he wants to try his hand at fly fishing. I'm trying to help my buddy out by coming up with a list of fly rods/reels. I've already checked the following websites: Orvis, Sage, Redington, Quarrow, Temple Fork Outfitters, Gloomis, Lamiglas, Pflueger, Okuma. I know there are countless other brands out there and I haven't a clue which ones produce entry level rods, so I could use your guys' help in coming up with names.

I should probably mention that he will be fishing primarily for sea run cutthroat, Olympic Peninsula alpine lake trout, and whatever swims & will bite in local Mason County lakes. I figured a 5 or 6wt should be good enough and was leaning towards a 9' rather than an 8'6".

Why sink a lot of money in an outfit if you don't know if you are going to like it or not. If I was you and lived where you do I would go to Sportee's in Fife and pick up a W.W. Grigg outfit. You can get by pretty cheap that way and is you/he doesn't like it you are not out much.

Jim

Cabela's sells a good package for their "Three Forks" brand. It comes with rod/reel/backing/floating line. And it's is a good price. The rod isn't bad either, my first 8wt was one and I still use the reel (came with a Pfluger Medalist at the time I bought it.)

I second the Old Man's recommendation. I find myself consistently at odds with the recommendations of fly shops regarding fly tackle for novices. Anyone who really gets into fly fishing will become a gear junkie and acquire more rods, reels, and accessories than they'll ever need. I'm finding that there is very little bad tackle in the market place anymore, unless you shop at only the cheapest and worst outlets, and even then you can do very well.

Considering your location, I also recommend a trip to Sportco (I think that's what Old Man was referring to) in Fife. They have very servicable rods under $100, Okuma reels for about $35, and SA Supreme flylines under $30. These are very good, altho not premium products, but the thousands of fish an outfit like this can catch will never know you didn't spend more.

A 5 wt in 8 1/2' or 9' or 6 wt in 9' will get you off to a fine start.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I can sell you an orvis package for $300.oo
used twice...9ft 7wt

I don't know much about fly fishing, but this seemed like a pretty good deal for an Orvis rod and additional equipment.

Check it out:


http://seattle.craigslist.org/spo/44717661.html

There are a number of ways to get out fly fishing for under $200. The Okuma/Pfleuger route is one that I recommend as the Pfleuger Trion rods are topnotch.

However an even less expensive route is to buy one of the Scientific Anglers' beginner's kits. I cast one of the rods my neighbor bought for her kid, and it was good-- not OK, but good. I believe a 9 for a 5 or a 9 for a 6 is available, and you should be able to pick them up for less than $100. Some of the newer kits come with the Brian O'Keefe casting DVD which offers good basic instruction.

Keith

Thanks for the replies guys, still doing research. Will make notes of all the offers here.

When I broke my trout rod this summer I needed a quick replacement while I waited for my new blank to get here. I ran down to the local scum of the earth big box. They have an SA rod right now for around 25 buck that you won't believe. Its green and I don't even think it has a model name. Its not the best thing I've ever cast, but it's better than several rods I've cast that cost much more. Your friend could do worse to start with.

What are you guys talking about?

Go and get CND Custom 7/8, with Islander 4.0 LX with a SA Spey Short Head line and your set!!!!!


Had too! :p

Forget all that stuff.........get a nice spinning rod and reel.........get some bobbers, and some jigs........Have some real fun and catch lot's of fish at the same time!!!!!! Works on all the rivers in the state........

Have fun!!!!!!!!!!