Good fly rod?

[txheartshot]

I'm wanting to purchase an entry level fly rod, but I am clueless what to get. I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want junk either. I'm looking for something to use in Colorado, trout fishing, but that I can also use in creeks/rivers here in TX. Can anyone give me any pointers?

[huntmaster]

Is there an Orvis close to you? That place can help. Bass Pro & Cabelas have a good selection.

[Shoe]

Bass pro has some that are nice and not too expensive. I couldnt find one that i wanted, for trout fishing, that i could afford. I ordered the blanks and hardware from Netcraft and made my own. Turned out to be a sweet #4 trout rod...sure worth more than i could have gotten one for the price i paid....Shoe

[bdphunt]

I started with a $100 bass pro combo. It served me well for a few trips. I then upgraded to a sage launch. I actually ended up with an 9ft 5 weight and a 7 1/2 ft 3 weight. They have been good rods and I used the 5 weight for bass and perch here in Texas too. But then I made the mistake of casting a buddies high end sage. I could tell a huge difference. I upgraded this year to a sage z axis only because I found a great deal on a used one. I'm excited about using it in two weeks.

Temple fork also makes a great rod that won't break the bank and has a good warranty. I would give them a look. They have a few models in the same price range as the sage launch.

Good luck. Fly fishing is as addictive as archery.

[TeXXaN]

i love my lefty kerh

[jbird77]

I'm also interested in getting in to fly fishing. I want to use it for redfish. They have a good selection at Fishing Tackle Unlimited. I've also heard nothing but good about Temple Fork rods.

[Shane]

For stream fishing, trout and/or Texas, get a 4wt 7.5' or 8' rod. This one would be a good place to start, especially the 8' 4wt: TFO Lefty Kreh Signature II

Good mid-priced fly line (4wt): Cabela's Prestige

Backing: Hi Vis

Leader: Rio - get 3X, 4X and 5X

Tippet, for when you've clipped the first foot or so off of your leader. You can tie a loop in the end of the leader and then a loop in the end of a 3' section of tippet, and then loop them together and keep fishing: 3X, 4X and 5X

Cabelas has some good reels too, but I'd suggest this one for you. I have a couple of these, and they're REALLY nice, especially for the price. eBay reel

I won't even start on flies and gadgets.

[jenningsshuter]

In total agreement with Shane, just don't go above 4wt for colorado trout. I've actually had good results with a 3 wt rod fishing the upper Arkansas.

[docmay]

I would spend as much as you can on the rod and skimp on the reel if you have to. Sage, st croix, and tfo all make good entry level rods for about $200. Fly fisherman magazine had an article in the last 4-5 months ranking rods in the 150, 250, and 350 dollar range. That would be good to review. I would look at an 8.5 foot either 4 or 5 weight. For what you are wanting 8.5 footers feel better. Whatever you do spend some time reading how to cast or take some lessons. It will help. Finally, orvis has a beginning fly casting book that is great. I read that when I started 25 years ago.

[Shane]

In total agreement with Shane, just don't go above 4wt for colorado trout. I've actually had good results with a 3 wt rod fishing the upper Arkansas.

Very true. Lots of people like 5wt or 6wt for trout, and then they tie on a tiny little 5X tippet. Those bigger rods make it REALLY hard to not break off every fish that takes your fly. I actually prefer a 2wt, but a 4wt is easier to cast for a new fly caster.

[tpcollins]

I would spend as much as you can on the rod and skimp on the reel if you have to.

I'm not sure I'd want a crappy reel even for a click n' pawl type - but that's just me. But if you decide on a budget reel I'd opt for a rod in the moderate to moderate-fast action to help a newbie learn to cast and to keep from losing fish . . . imo. Redington would be another alternative for both rod and reel.

[Shane]

Look at the reel I suggested. It's a budget price, but comparable to reels I've seen sell for $250. I own a couple of them, and they're really nice.

[boomer453]

i bought a 9' 5wt for my last trip to colorado and wish i had waited till i got there and just bought one from a local fly shop. Ended up using a 3wt 8' that i borrowed from a guide and thought it was perfect. If you can wait, get one up there and you won't regret it. the prices weren't bad.

[Jp.]

Shane or anyone, will the setup you mentioned work well for bass fishing too.
Edit: kinda of a all around rig

[Dave]

There are a lot of good options out there but I will suggest Temple Fork Outfitters. TFO makes great rods for the money. They also support Hero's on the Water and Project Healing Waters both of which that take wounded warriors fishing and help with recovery and rehab.
They are also a Dallas based company and will always get my support.