11 replies to this topic

[occidio]

Hi all,

 

I'm new to this forum but I love the information I have been able to gleam from this site. I've been a long time bass fisherman but I want to "extend" my season by getting into fly fishing for steelhead and salmon especially in creeks/rivers. The first order of detail is to get some equipment before the opener and from the research I have made I think I should get a 8wt rod of 9ft or more. I have a budget of $150 for the rod and reel (the line, backing, leader, tippet and fly's are outside of this budget). I'm sure I want to purchase used so I can get a little more value but I wanted to get the opinion of forum members.

 

• Recommended rod and reel brands?
• Features I should look for?
• Are there some things I should avoid?
• Any recommendations of where I can find gear other than kijiji?
• Is there another weight rod I should be looking for?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[FrequentFlyer]

Jacklake has a good post for this info here http://www.ontariofi...into-the-sport/

[occidio]

Hi FrequentFlyer, thanks for the links and I have been to the links you provided. I'm looking more for what brands should I really be looking into? If I were to purchase a little known brand rod or reel how do I check to see if it's actually decent or worth the money I put into it?

[FrequentFlyer]

if you go into a fly shop they can help with all of that

[Christopher K]

I would still highly recommend you check out TFO, they'll get you set up with a combo. And if you need flies, you know where to find me

[w_ boughner]

There are so many quality fly rod and reel brands that you should go to a fly shop and feel the difference in your hand !! What feels right to me may not feel right to you and to say this rod is better than that rod is mostly a matter of opinion !! Feel the rod in your hand .. How it balances with your reel options , how it flexex and put line to it to feel how it loads compared to other rods!! Unless you get in to spay casting your reel is just there to hold your line the more expensive the reel you get is just a status symbol .. We can all tell you what we like but you will end up with a lot of different opinions .. But to answer your question simply st-croix rods and okuma reels

[occidio]

Lol, awesome boughner. I'm going to take all your suggestions and head to the shop downtown to have a look and to pick some brains but this definetly helps.

[classic drifter]

i started with a fenwick eagle gt 8 wt 9 ft rod, an okuma integrity 10/11 reel, in my opinion its a pretty solid setup, good starter and i wasnt dissapointed, like W boughner said, visit a shop feel stuff and ask for advice eventually you will end up with the one that will suit you and the fishing you would do with it, and by the way smallies are a blast on the fly also,

[occidio]

I do usually head up to Algonquin a few times a year and have been having a blast catching smallies on a spinning rod. I can't wait to see what it's like with a fly rod. I have also been looking online on LL Beans store and the Streamlight combo is looking pretty nice too but I'm going to talk to the store first to see what advice they have. I would love to support a local store if I get the chance.

[Christopher K]

The reel is not only important in spey fishing. If you intend to fish anything stronger than bass you will need a reel that has a good drag system!

[RiverRuns]

I do usually head up to Algonquin a few times a year and have been having a blast catching smallies on a spinning rod. I can't wait to see what it's like with a fly rod. I have also been looking online on LL Beans store and the Streamlight combo is looking pretty nice too but I'm going to talk to the store first to see what advice they have. I would love to support a local store if I get the chance.

Occidio, check your pm.

[occidio]

Thanks so much RiverRuns, the deal was too good to pass up. I'm now waiting eagerly and will report back once I get the combo!