New to Fly fishing need rod/reel advice

Hello,

I am fairly new to fly fishing here in Oregon, (I come from a sad lure
background) and am currently looking to purchase a new rod and reel
package. I have received a lot of advice, but I hear this is where the
best advice comes from. Here is a list of what my constraints a
1) 4 or 5 piece
2) used in streams, lakes, and smaller rivers. (e.g. from small Silver
creek to larger Olallie lake)
3)$175 - $225 total start up.

I have heard quite good things about Redington and Sage. I have also
been previously advised on a 8 - 9 foot rod with a 4 - 6 foot weight.

I appreciate all advice
Thank you
John

wrote in message
oups.com...

I have heard quite good things about Redington and Sage. I have also
been previously advised on a 8 - 9 foot rod with a 4 - 6 foot weight.

9 foot 5 wt covers a lot, even if you buy another in the future for
specialized conditions you won't get rid of this one. All top manufacturers
make good rods, buy from a store where they will let you practice casting
with the rods. If you don't know how to cast yet, you might want to take a
lesson before buying, then ask the instructor what might be good for you.
Type of action is more important than brand. Reels are less important

May I make the following suggestion. St Croix combos are not bad rods &
reels to start off with. I would recommend (without knowing what species of
fish you are after) a 5 WT or 6 WT. The reason for suggesting this is price
quality & of course a good guarantee. I have many newer & better Rods &
Reels, but still use mine often.
wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello,

I am fairly new to fly fishing here in Oregon, (I come from a sad lure
background) and am currently looking to purchase a new rod and reel
package. I have received a lot of advice, but I hear this is where the
best advice comes from. Here is a list of what my constraints a
1) 4 or 5 piece
2) used in streams, lakes, and smaller rivers. (e.g. from small Silver
creek to larger Olallie lake)
3)$175 - $225 total start up.

I have heard quite good things about Redington and Sage. I have also
been previously advised on a 8 - 9 foot rod with a 4 - 6 foot weight.

I appreciate all advice
Thank you
John

John,

St. Croix makes an excellent starter rod (the St. Croix Reign series),
a 5-weight shouldn't set you back more than $130. Orvis makes an
excellent starter reel, the Clearwater series - about $30 (no drag
mechanism, just click & pawl). Spend your remaining $65 on Scientific
Anglers Trout taper fly line. The line casts well, mends well and lasts
forever if you wipe it down regularly.

Good luck on the water and remember to catch & release.

4weight.

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello,

I am fairly new to fly fishing here in Oregon, (I come from a sad lure
background) and am currently looking to purchase a new rod and reel
package. I have received a lot of advice, but I hear this is where the
best advice comes from. Here is a list of what my constraints a
1) 4 or 5 piece
2) used in streams, lakes, and smaller rivers. (e.g. from small Silver
creek to larger Olallie lake)
3)$175 - $225 total start up.

I have heard quite good things about Redington and Sage. I have also
been previously advised on a 8 - 9 foot rod with a 4 - 6 foot weight.

I appreciate all advice
Thank you
John


I really like my Cortland rods. Even the GRX is pretty sweet for the
cheapest of the line (I put them up in the shop starting at like $79.00) I
would agree that something in the 5wt will cover most stuff. (Mind you I'm
no pro by any means and still learning even some of the basics)

My GRX 5/6wt 8.5ft is still a constant companion behind the seat of my truck
and has seen more action than my other rods just because I'm not afraid to
use it in all situations. I have put it in Sal****er, fresh, lakes, brooks,
rivers. Hooked into 4 inch trout and 17" Large mouths.

Not the best of the best, but I did and still do get a lot of good reliable
use out of this rod.
I really don't want this to turn into a cheap sales pitch or a plug for
myself but Cortland offers a really good GRX travel rod that has
everything.. even guides you through casting and has a good case, reel,
video, line, backing...everything but the fish in the water- good for
starting out and exploring flyfishing for under $200.
http://www.fly-fishing-flies.com/cat...1_products.htm

please everyone don't misunderstand this post as a lousy way to do my own
site promo and what not. But I do believe in my Cortland Rod. I have my eye
on some of the diamond series now though...

4weight wrote:

St. Croix makes an excellent starter rod (the St. Croix Reign series),
a 5-weight shouldn't set you back more than $130. Orvis makes an
excellent starter reel, the Clearwater series - about $30 (no drag
mechanism, just click & pawl).

I don't disagree with the Clearwater as a starter reel (it's what I
bought when I got my first trout rig), but mine has a drag, not a click
and pawl. Did they change somewhere along the way?

If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably just buy a Redington
CT (click & pawl) to start with. They are more expensive, but they are
sweet reels.

Too bad they stopped making them.


Chuck Vance (but I got some good deals on spare spools when they
were discontinued)