Looking for opinions on Fly Rods

[AndyLane]

Im not sure where I should of posted this. The only fly rod I have ever had was one my dad gave me over twenty years ago. Me and him both decided to put it in retirement. It has got a nice comfy spot on dads workshop wall. Now that I'm really starting to like tying flies as well as my jigs and I'm starting to get a pretty bad itch for trout again I am in the market for a new fly rod. I just got done looking around the internet at various brands of fly rods and reels. I am still recovering a bit from a bad case of PRICE SHOCK! I always knew fly fishing can get expensive but Geez Louise they must be putting pure platinum and diamonds inside some of these rods and fly reels. Anyway I know there are a lot of less expensive set ups out there and I've looked at alot of em but I really don't know enough to weed out junk ones. I am looking for a setup to use mainly for trout,bluegills and crappie but one that will stand up to a good bass or two. I'm wanting to find something around or preferably under 150 bucks. Can any of y'all give me your thoughts on brands or places to buy you might recommend.

 

[quivira kid]

Cabelas Three Forks 9-foot 5-weight is what I would highly recommend. Whole setup for 80 bucks or so.... and it is a pretty darn good rig for a little bit of everything.

 

[PanfishHunter]

I have had my pflueger combo for 4 years, its withstood many a fish. Its a 5/6 wt. 8 foot 3 piece. fun little rod! it comes with line and backing. I got mine in store. comes w/ 6 wt. line.

The reel looks plastic, but its painted metal. if you leave it in water for a week, the screws will rust, but it still works!
I heard the temple fork outfitters outfits are good too.

http://www.basspro.com/Pflueger-Fly-Rod-Starter-Kit/product/103317/

 

[Pup]

Maybe this?

FlyMasters Bargain Graphite Fly Rod 5-wt.

Notes:

• Four piece rod is OK with you? :huh:
• Shipping is FREE
• No tax
• Nice price
• Rod sock and tube included (G. Loomis)
• NO WARRANTY
• Only one rod left for sale at the time of this post

My experience with FlyMasters of Indianapolis has been very good. It's a reputable shop that stands behind its products. Even though there is no warranty on the rod, I think that they'd make you a good deal on something to replace it with if something were to happen to it due to defects in materials or workmanship.

It's tough to do for a new rod at this price point, but the best way to select a rod is to cast it first. I do wish that you could.

 

[AtticaFish]

My view of fly fishing equipment is to always spend more on the rod and line than anything else. The rod/line is the workhorse and what makes casting possible......... the reel is simply line storage in my opinion. I have a Scott (5wt) fly rod with a cheap a$$ Cabela's reel mounted on it. My reel does have a drag system, but i do not depend on it at all. I use the palm of my hand as drag.

Way i would do it is to buy a cheapy reel first then look for a rod with what $$ you have left. That may be just me though. I'd say to look for a 5wt rod, that should be middle of the road. Can cast some tiny stuff for the bluegill but have enough backbone to help cast a little heavier stuff for bass and larger trout baitfish flies.

BTW - Scott fly rods are NOT cheap, but they do come with a lifetime warranty. I broke the tip section of mine ( fishing for squirrels one day :dodgy: ) and they replaced the entire section for the cost of shipping.

 

[papaperch]

I agree with Attica advice on this. Your performance is highly dependent on the rod and line. I have never liked automatic fly reels as they weigh too much. The manual reels will do a good job . The price on the manual reels are usually decided on its weight. The more exotic and lighter materials the more expensive.

As others have pointed out you do not have to go off deep end price wise. Fish really don't care how much you spend on your equipment. The lightness of the outfit is vastly appreciated by ones arms. The 5wt outfit with a 9 foot or 8 foot rod with a matched line. Say a F5WF. Cortland fly lines have always been my choice.

The only thing to make sure you steer clear of is. Level flotation line. It is the cheapest line. Double taper is good. Read up on the line designations to ensure you know what to expect. Lastly just because your rod is labeled a 6wt or whatever it does not mean that a 6wt line will perform best. Sometime you may have to go up or down a size.

Also if you are going to fish for squirrels . Make sure the nut is on the right end of fly outfit.

 

[StumpHunter]

Cabelas Three Forks 9-foot 5-weight is what I would highly recommend. Whole setup for 80 bucks or so.... and it is a pretty darn good rig for a little bit of everything.

I agree that this setup will get you going at a good price and it is a nice combo. You can always buy a better line if you feel you want or need it.

I also agree to put in the money for the rod and line. Price does make a big difference in rods and each rod I have has it's own feel. Line, makes or breaks a fly fisherman's cast of his fly even on a cheap rod.

 

[quivira kid]

Pic of my Three Forks in action..... the channel cat was right at 18"... hit a size 1 weighted Clouser-type fly.

 

[PanfishHunter]

not bad QK. I will say that i love my pflueger. its a quality rod i think. for 60 bucks, you cant beat it.ive caught over 300 fish on it. small and big.

 

[deathb4disco]

I am looking for a setup to use mainly for trout,bluegills and crappie but one that will stand up to a good bass or two. I'm wanting to find something around or preferably under 150 bucks.

I would get a 9' 5wt from either:

Redington,
Temple Forks Outfitters (TFO), or
Orvis.

All make quality rods in your price range.