I'm really new to fly fishing but have an entire summer to learn

Though there are rods in the 40 - 70 buck price range, I'd recommend that
you at the least, stay on the high end of that. Most 40 dollar rods cast
like a broom stick or a willow branch. Both Cabela's and BPS have decent
enough combos for in the range of 150 - 200. For someone not sure of their
dedication to F'fishing, Cabela's even has combos that come with assorted
flies and a chest pack. They have 2 versions, the higher priced on being and
easier rod to cast with. Me thinks it's in the range of 160 bucks for rod,
reel, line, backing, a leader, a few flies and a pack to keep the flies in.

If you're willing to go a little higher, the already mentioned Redington or
a St Croix Imperial combo is about 200 bucks and is a pretty decent rod.

Two words of warning, you have to decide what size flies you are going to
throw before buy a rod. A great small stream trout rod will do you no good
fishing for Steelies in Alaska. Secondly, a lousy rod will turn you off from
F'fishing faster than a lousy fishing trip. Before you buy, stop in at a
good flyfishing shop someplace and talk to the salesmen. They will always
try to steer you to what they sell, but you may be able to try a rod or two
out and see what is available before buying what you may not be able to use.

Mark


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