On 29 Nov 2006 09:45:25 -0800, "mdk77" wrote:

Thanks to everyone who took the time to help us out. My son and I will
be taking a "road trip" to a fly shop first (probably a long trip but
sounds like it will be well worth it). We will stay away from Ebay and
buy new, but modestly priced equipment -- maybe at the fly shop we
visit or from another source.

I am curious. There are reasonably priced combination outfits targeted
at beginners like my son and I. The ones that I found online were in a
fairly consistent price range that we could afford. Are any of these
better than others? Or any that we should stay away from?

Redington Crosswater Series
Orvis Streamline Series
Cabella's Genesis
Bass Pro - Hobb's Creek
Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) -- NXT outfit

There's really no such thing as a "bad" flyrod, at least as far as
what's readily available in fiberglass or graphite and made in the last
40 or so years, either new or used, assuming that 1., the rod isn't
physically damaged, and 2., your definition of "bad" is a rod that
simply cannot objectively function as a fishing tool. Secondly, there's
really no way for anyone to tell you what you'll _like_ - it's much the
same as asking someone if you'll like some food you've never tried. It's
purely subjective.

As to "used" gear, IMO, there's nothing wrong with used fishing gear. It
doesn't even make sense to say there is - the minute the gear is, um,
well, used, it's "used." What I suspect those advising against "used"
are attempting to convey is that buying used gear can be an iffy
proposition for someone who likely isn't familiar enough with the gear
to know merely used from abused or damaged. A nicked graphite rod that
looks fine to an untrained eye can shatter on the first cast and from
many companies, if the warranty would cover such, it only covers the
original purchaser. OTOH, buying used can save quite a bit, and if the
seller can be trusted, IMO, weigh your options and if the economics say
it's a good deal, go for it with your eyes open.

As to specific rods, TFO is gonna be hard to beat for a "starter" rod -
YMMV

TC and have fun,
R