03-21-2014, 11:02 PM
You don't need to spend a ton. But, keep in mind, some of the cheaper gear out there is crap.
A good caster can cast a broom stick, but not well. Not in the sense of practical fly fishing.
Two example: the Eagle Claw (Glass/graphite) hinges terrible in the joint. Something a new comer would not notice, but it will hold you back on the learning. A St. Croix Rio Santos or something like that. It is a Broom Stick. Can cast but control or distance requires way too much energy. For ME the Reddington TC is too clubby. I watched a newbie client struggle with that one.
Like KAnderson, I have a W.W.Griggs combo Vintage (also glass/graphite) for $69. rod reel. I gave the reel away but still use the heck out of that rod. I have a Grey's G I paid $39 for, awesome rod.
Cheaper rods will have oversized guides which I personally love in the winter.
Eagle Claw has terrible huge missed matched guides. I have caught a bunch of fish on one, but not a casting rod and not a only rod, rod.
Allen Fly Fishing has a Compass for $99. I love that rod (they will be at the Expo next weekend)
REEL, just a place to hold your line, and for trout, need not break the bank. Drag is nice but not necessary.
You can find reels for under $5o. that will work fabulously.
Spend a little on line. That is what makes or breaks casting. You can cast a good line with broom stick, but a crappy, line will hold memory, be still and hard to cast with an expensive rod.
Cortland makes some in expensive line. I have never used Allen Fly Fishing line but hear it is good.
As for the Walmart rod, if it is easy for you to cast and you don't struggle trying to get line out, I say go for it. I think many people quit on Fly Fishing because of gear failure not because it is difficult. But it can be difficult because of gear failure.
[signature]
A good caster can cast a broom stick, but not well. Not in the sense of practical fly fishing.
Two example: the Eagle Claw (Glass/graphite) hinges terrible in the joint. Something a new comer would not notice, but it will hold you back on the learning. A St. Croix Rio Santos or something like that. It is a Broom Stick. Can cast but control or distance requires way too much energy. For ME the Reddington TC is too clubby. I watched a newbie client struggle with that one.
Like KAnderson, I have a W.W.Griggs combo Vintage (also glass/graphite) for $69. rod reel. I gave the reel away but still use the heck out of that rod. I have a Grey's G I paid $39 for, awesome rod.
Cheaper rods will have oversized guides which I personally love in the winter.
Eagle Claw has terrible huge missed matched guides. I have caught a bunch of fish on one, but not a casting rod and not a only rod, rod.
Allen Fly Fishing has a Compass for $99. I love that rod (they will be at the Expo next weekend)
REEL, just a place to hold your line, and for trout, need not break the bank. Drag is nice but not necessary.
You can find reels for under $5o. that will work fabulously.
Spend a little on line. That is what makes or breaks casting. You can cast a good line with broom stick, but a crappy, line will hold memory, be still and hard to cast with an expensive rod.
Cortland makes some in expensive line. I have never used Allen Fly Fishing line but hear it is good.
As for the Walmart rod, if it is easy for you to cast and you don't struggle trying to get line out, I say go for it. I think many people quit on Fly Fishing because of gear failure not because it is difficult. But it can be difficult because of gear failure.
[signature]