Hi all;
I do a lot of wading with spinning gear and have been thinking about getting into flyfishing for some time.
Can anyone recommend a good all around started setup?
What's your opinion on the starter kits at CDN Tire?
thanks
A good starter setup?
-
digitalchef
- Participant
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 1:38 pm
- Location: Charlottetown pei
digitalchef,
First off, would not recomment the CT packages. That being said I would also stay away from the Scientic Angler combos (le Baron). While SA makes some very nice upper end gear, I was somewhat disappointed in the quality of their entry level stuff.
If I were to recommend a starter kit it would have to be the Okuma starter kit. As far as I know the only location in town that carries them is Sport Action on St. Lawrance. I'm also guessing that you're looking at a general purpose setup (i.e. bass, trout, etc) If so I would recommend going with a 9' 5wt outfit.
Cheers,
Todd
First off, would not recomment the CT packages. That being said I would also stay away from the Scientic Angler combos (le Baron). While SA makes some very nice upper end gear, I was somewhat disappointed in the quality of their entry level stuff.
If I were to recommend a starter kit it would have to be the Okuma starter kit. As far as I know the only location in town that carries them is Sport Action on St. Lawrance. I'm also guessing that you're looking at a general purpose setup (i.e. bass, trout, etc) If so I would recommend going with a 9' 5wt outfit.
Cheers,
Todd
You might look for earlier threads on this site. I recall that this has been a popular topic.
I recall that fact because I have looked at them a few times without writing many replies. This stays with me because I have devoted way too much thinking-time to what is the best starter set. I even fretted out the answers to the question for close friends who, a year or more later, still have not bought anything.
To some extent, the answer is premised on an unanswerable question: Are you really going to get into it or not? In any event, I don't think I would start with a package. I would buy pieces.
I started with a 9-ft 5-wt Sage Fli rod (about $200) and an Orvis BBS-II (?) reel (don't remember cost, about $80?). I became completely "hooked" very quickly.
Importantly, though, I became perhaps more hooked on the feeling of the nine-foot stick shooting around line and, to a lesser extent, the really neat sound and feel of a reel going click-click-click than I was with catching fish. Now starting my third season, I would say that it's still about 50% catching fish and 50% the sound and feel of the equipment. (It's another 50% going on adventures within a three-hour radius of Ottawa where I walk at really stupid hours through really,really stupid places, but that is another story).
My first rod is an excellent rod for the money and a fine rod notwithstanding money, but it just did not scratch my itch. Within three months, I had bought a G. Loomis 9 ft 5 wt Metolious. (I subsequently broke it and was grateful to have the back-up Sage so I could keep fishing for the day. Loomis quickly and simply fixed it and I recall that I only paid some shipping costs).
One day this past march, I got on a greyhound in Ottawa at 6:00 a.m., got off in Toronto, walked to a store where I test-casted two 9 ft 4 wt rods in the snow -- a Loomis GLX and a Thomas and Thomas Helix -- bought the former, ate at Taco bell on the way back to the bus stop, and rode back to Ottawa. (My cousin was unavailable for lunch and I could not think of anything else to do in Toronto. I used to live there).
Now I love my 4 wt and have been thinking recently that I would like to have a T&T 6 wt instead of my two 5 wts.
If you are hooked, you may look back and think that you could have economized a bit had you known it in advance. Then again, my dad is right that it does not matter that much to the fish what kind of rod you use.
If you think you are the kind of guy who does not care that much about how things feel and you just want to catch fish on one inexpensive rod, buy a Sage FLI or Launch (depending on what feel you like better), a Temple Fork equivalent, an Orvis Clearwater, or a half-dozen other rods in the $150 to $250 range. Buy a real that costs between $40 and $80, and go to it.
I am not the kind of guy who has to have the best and most expensive things, but with fly rods and reels the whole feeling thing is really important to me. The only way to feel them is to test cast a whole bunch. Maybe that is just an ongoing process. Certainly, there are a lot of fly fishing fanatics with 10, 15, or more rods.
That line of thinking would tend to suggest starting with a decent, reasonably-priced rod and reel. You can either stay there or become a fanatic.
The lines, leaders, waders, boots, vests, etc., etc., are a whole other story, but don't interest me as much. The quest for waders that take abuse and don't leak may turn into an ongoing one, but it will be a necessary evil rather than a Grail-like quest for the best-feeling rods and reels.
Hope this helps.
Manfred
I recall that fact because I have looked at them a few times without writing many replies. This stays with me because I have devoted way too much thinking-time to what is the best starter set. I even fretted out the answers to the question for close friends who, a year or more later, still have not bought anything.
To some extent, the answer is premised on an unanswerable question: Are you really going to get into it or not? In any event, I don't think I would start with a package. I would buy pieces.
I started with a 9-ft 5-wt Sage Fli rod (about $200) and an Orvis BBS-II (?) reel (don't remember cost, about $80?). I became completely "hooked" very quickly.
Importantly, though, I became perhaps more hooked on the feeling of the nine-foot stick shooting around line and, to a lesser extent, the really neat sound and feel of a reel going click-click-click than I was with catching fish. Now starting my third season, I would say that it's still about 50% catching fish and 50% the sound and feel of the equipment. (It's another 50% going on adventures within a three-hour radius of Ottawa where I walk at really stupid hours through really,really stupid places, but that is another story).
My first rod is an excellent rod for the money and a fine rod notwithstanding money, but it just did not scratch my itch. Within three months, I had bought a G. Loomis 9 ft 5 wt Metolious. (I subsequently broke it and was grateful to have the back-up Sage so I could keep fishing for the day. Loomis quickly and simply fixed it and I recall that I only paid some shipping costs).
One day this past march, I got on a greyhound in Ottawa at 6:00 a.m., got off in Toronto, walked to a store where I test-casted two 9 ft 4 wt rods in the snow -- a Loomis GLX and a Thomas and Thomas Helix -- bought the former, ate at Taco bell on the way back to the bus stop, and rode back to Ottawa. (My cousin was unavailable for lunch and I could not think of anything else to do in Toronto. I used to live there).
Now I love my 4 wt and have been thinking recently that I would like to have a T&T 6 wt instead of my two 5 wts.
If you are hooked, you may look back and think that you could have economized a bit had you known it in advance. Then again, my dad is right that it does not matter that much to the fish what kind of rod you use.
If you think you are the kind of guy who does not care that much about how things feel and you just want to catch fish on one inexpensive rod, buy a Sage FLI or Launch (depending on what feel you like better), a Temple Fork equivalent, an Orvis Clearwater, or a half-dozen other rods in the $150 to $250 range. Buy a real that costs between $40 and $80, and go to it.
I am not the kind of guy who has to have the best and most expensive things, but with fly rods and reels the whole feeling thing is really important to me. The only way to feel them is to test cast a whole bunch. Maybe that is just an ongoing process. Certainly, there are a lot of fly fishing fanatics with 10, 15, or more rods.
That line of thinking would tend to suggest starting with a decent, reasonably-priced rod and reel. You can either stay there or become a fanatic.
The lines, leaders, waders, boots, vests, etc., etc., are a whole other story, but don't interest me as much. The quest for waders that take abuse and don't leak may turn into an ongoing one, but it will be a necessary evil rather than a Grail-like quest for the best-feeling rods and reels.
Hope this helps.
Manfred
-
beachburger
- Gold Participant
- Posts: 1068
- Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:48 pm
- Location: Beachburg
I don't think I can top what Manfred had to say..... 
My first setup was an 8 wt Orvis Clearwater rod and a Clearwater reel from the Green Drake. The rod has a 25 year guarantee and I'm glad I had it because I broke the rod on day 1. All I had to do with pay the shipping and got a new rod back in about 3 weeks. The Green Drake gave me a loaner while I was waiting for the rod to be fixed/replaced.
I bought the 8 wt because I was starting out going for pike and largemouth bass. I have since bought a 5wt that I really like but I still use the 8 wt to chuck around big slabs of bunny at toothy critters.
HTH,
Doug
My first setup was an 8 wt Orvis Clearwater rod and a Clearwater reel from the Green Drake. The rod has a 25 year guarantee and I'm glad I had it because I broke the rod on day 1. All I had to do with pay the shipping and got a new rod back in about 3 weeks. The Green Drake gave me a loaner while I was waiting for the rod to be fixed/replaced.
I bought the 8 wt because I was starting out going for pike and largemouth bass. I have since bought a 5wt that I really like but I still use the 8 wt to chuck around big slabs of bunny at toothy critters.
HTH,
Doug
-
digitalchef
- Participant
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 1:38 pm
- Location: Charlottetown pei
Hey, i picked up a kit from le baron last year so i could take a buddy out fly fishing with me. It was the Martin kit, 7/8wt. I tried it out and was pretty impressed with the rod for its price. The reel wasn't bad either-for a beginner, though the only downfall was the line. I would probably consider buying new line for it, though for a beginner it would be fine. Cost near 100$ total. Good luck
Also, Canadian tire does sell Okuma starter kits, well, the one on coventry road does.
Also, Canadian tire does sell Okuma starter kits, well, the one on coventry road does.
Starter...
For me ... it all depends on what your fishing for. It looks to me that your fishing bass/pike .. with your references wadin and spinnin'.
That being said ... I would go heavier ... 8 wieght .. with Cortland 333 or 444 line WFF .. (weight forward floating).
Being that your new to the sport, and you may not even like it, I would suggest not blowing the bank on a rod or reel, but good line is a must. Poor line on any setup is a friggin nightmare. The line above is good mid entry line. I would vouch for the Okuma line of product. I picked up one of their reels off of ebay for some bonefishing earlier this yr ... and i was truely impressed for the price.
Cheers .. d-mo
That being said ... I would go heavier ... 8 wieght .. with Cortland 333 or 444 line WFF .. (weight forward floating).
Being that your new to the sport, and you may not even like it, I would suggest not blowing the bank on a rod or reel, but good line is a must. Poor line on any setup is a friggin nightmare. The line above is good mid entry line. I would vouch for the Okuma line of product. I picked up one of their reels off of ebay for some bonefishing earlier this yr ... and i was truely impressed for the price.
Cheers .. d-mo
-
JeanDorais
- Participant
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:33 am
- Location: Stittsville
As others have said, you have to decide if it's something you'll want to spend time on or just something to 'try' once or twice before going back to spin/bait-casting.
I started with a 6wt Sage Launch 2pc and a Sage 1201 reel. Hated the rod 'feel' and quickly sold the Sage and went with 4wt and 6wt Redington Wayfarer rods and Orvis Batenkill Mid Arbour reels. Love them for the feel and compactness(6 pc)...and since FP&F opened, I've picked up a TFO Signature 5wt 4pc.
A friend of mine uses his SA 6wt, 2pc kit and and likes it. If you aren't certain how you're going to like it, I wouldn't spend a lot of $$$'s...maybe come out to one of the fishing evenings and talk to people about their rods and if you ask nicely, they may let you cast it so you can see what the different rods feel like.
I'll be out on Saturday (Aug 2) morning at the Barnsdale/Prince of Wales location for about 07:00- happy to let you try out my rods if that can be of help to you.
Cheers,
JD
I started with a 6wt Sage Launch 2pc and a Sage 1201 reel. Hated the rod 'feel' and quickly sold the Sage and went with 4wt and 6wt Redington Wayfarer rods and Orvis Batenkill Mid Arbour reels. Love them for the feel and compactness(6 pc)...and since FP&F opened, I've picked up a TFO Signature 5wt 4pc.
A friend of mine uses his SA 6wt, 2pc kit and and likes it. If you aren't certain how you're going to like it, I wouldn't spend a lot of $$$'s...maybe come out to one of the fishing evenings and talk to people about their rods and if you ask nicely, they may let you cast it so you can see what the different rods feel like.
I'll be out on Saturday (Aug 2) morning at the Barnsdale/Prince of Wales location for about 07:00- happy to let you try out my rods if that can be of help to you.
Cheers,
JD
-
carp-starter
- Participant
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2004 8:09 am
- Location: Toronto GTA
Before you do anything as to what to buy, you must first answer certain questions. When these questions have been answered, you will then be able to start looking at specific rods.
At this time, do not worry about the fly reel. The real purpose of a fly reel is to hold the fly line – period.
Doing it in a logical manner will result with the best results – less chance of screwing things up.
These are the questions you must ask and answer.
Which fish will you be fishing for? If your rod will be used for multi species of fish, make a list and try to give a % as to how often you will fish for each species of fish. If you want to fish for resident trout and pike, forget about buying just one rod. If you will fish for resident trout and bass, then you probably will be able to find an acceptable and good rod for both. As a one rod fisher, I would buy the rod that has the highest %.
What size of the water will you be fishing most of the time. Is it a river/stream or a pond or a lake? Fishing for the same size trout in a river or a lake, normally fishing a lake will require a rod that will require a line that is 2 sizes heaver. This is because the method of fishing will be different. In a lake, you may have to go down 20 feet down.
What size fly will you be using most of the time? What flies will you use most often – nymphs, streamers, dry flies or wet flies.
When you get the answers for the three above questions, you will then be able to go to step 2. Yes, step #2 requires some thought and of course there are questions to be answered. If you need help, contact me via a post to awaken me and then a PM for communication. I will help you out.
There are certain things to think about. Since it is almost August, I would suggest that you do not buy a fly rod this season. Investigate online and learn and learn and learn. You will probably be ready to buy around next February or March.
Two rod makers I can suggest for a starter fly rod are Redington and Temple Fork
If you are wondering about prices, you can get a reasonably priced Temple Fork fly rod – rod (about $100.00), reel (at LB for about $40.00-$45.00) and line(at LB for about $40.00-$45.00). Do not try to save money on cheaper fly lines. So for less than $200.00 you will end up with a good starter fly rod combo.
Should you decide to buy a Redington, you can go down even lower in price.
Just one more thing at this time –
Do not be impresses with a rod for its price. Instead be happy if you find a rod you like and be impressed if the price is what you wanted to spend.
Good Luck – carp-starter
At this time, do not worry about the fly reel. The real purpose of a fly reel is to hold the fly line – period.
Doing it in a logical manner will result with the best results – less chance of screwing things up.
These are the questions you must ask and answer.
Which fish will you be fishing for? If your rod will be used for multi species of fish, make a list and try to give a % as to how often you will fish for each species of fish. If you want to fish for resident trout and pike, forget about buying just one rod. If you will fish for resident trout and bass, then you probably will be able to find an acceptable and good rod for both. As a one rod fisher, I would buy the rod that has the highest %.
What size of the water will you be fishing most of the time. Is it a river/stream or a pond or a lake? Fishing for the same size trout in a river or a lake, normally fishing a lake will require a rod that will require a line that is 2 sizes heaver. This is because the method of fishing will be different. In a lake, you may have to go down 20 feet down.
What size fly will you be using most of the time? What flies will you use most often – nymphs, streamers, dry flies or wet flies.
When you get the answers for the three above questions, you will then be able to go to step 2. Yes, step #2 requires some thought and of course there are questions to be answered. If you need help, contact me via a post to awaken me and then a PM for communication. I will help you out.
There are certain things to think about. Since it is almost August, I would suggest that you do not buy a fly rod this season. Investigate online and learn and learn and learn. You will probably be ready to buy around next February or March.
Two rod makers I can suggest for a starter fly rod are Redington and Temple Fork
If you are wondering about prices, you can get a reasonably priced Temple Fork fly rod – rod (about $100.00), reel (at LB for about $40.00-$45.00) and line(at LB for about $40.00-$45.00). Do not try to save money on cheaper fly lines. So for less than $200.00 you will end up with a good starter fly rod combo.
Should you decide to buy a Redington, you can go down even lower in price.
Just one more thing at this time –
Do not be impresses with a rod for its price. Instead be happy if you find a rod you like and be impressed if the price is what you wanted to spend.
Good Luck – carp-starter
-
Hookup
- Silver Participant
- Posts: 795
- Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 8:54 am
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (eh)
I picked up the Sage 9foot 6wt kit at the green drake. I've really liked it. I knew nothing when I bought it so basically I wanted to be a bit above the really lower end entry systems but not high-end until i knew a lot more about what makes a high-end "high-end".
The rod is a Sage Launch, you can find the Launch series on the sage web-site and the combo.. the code is 690 LCH or something along those lines. Comes with everything but tippet and flies... Cost just a bit over $400 after taxes, which was/is a lot for a starter rod, but at this time I believe that I have a rod & reel that I will use for a long time to come, even if it is just as a second/third system.
I fish for SMB 80% of the time and LMB 20% of the time. Pike happen to eat my files, then so be it. I want to fish for trout, but to get started I wanted to build confidence and therefore target species that I know how to fish with spinning/bait casting gear.
It's a success to say the least. (oh and today I was throwing about 80 foot casts with Jean in the field behind work... we were just goofing around.. when the tailing loop didn't get in the way, I found I could really get this "starter kit" out there... Not that distance is important or a sign of a good caster/rod, just saying the kit is capable...
)
The rod is a Sage Launch, you can find the Launch series on the sage web-site and the combo.. the code is 690 LCH or something along those lines. Comes with everything but tippet and flies... Cost just a bit over $400 after taxes, which was/is a lot for a starter rod, but at this time I believe that I have a rod & reel that I will use for a long time to come, even if it is just as a second/third system.
I fish for SMB 80% of the time and LMB 20% of the time. Pike happen to eat my files, then so be it. I want to fish for trout, but to get started I wanted to build confidence and therefore target species that I know how to fish with spinning/bait casting gear.
It's a success to say the least. (oh and today I was throwing about 80 foot casts with Jean in the field behind work... we were just goofing around.. when the tailing loop didn't get in the way, I found I could really get this "starter kit" out there... Not that distance is important or a sign of a good caster/rod, just saying the kit is capable...
)
-
Hookup
- Silver Participant
- Posts: 795
- Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 8:54 am
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (eh)
I've caught a few already of respectable size, not just .25lb fingerling's... I have a cottage on Black Donald lake, spent a week there about 2 ago, anyhow, used the bait cast and spinning gear to get about 1/2 dozen keepers in the fish box we keep at the dock. Then took the fly out. Foam poppers for top-water fun. Let me tell ya, at this point, unless I'm tube jigging I don't see why I'd pickup the other rods again. (debate not intended)..
The 'biggest' fish I've caught is a 2.5+ lb smallie, and whoa, it was awesome.. I even had an audience on the shore watching "the weird guy in a boat fly fishing..." so I felt pretty proud to produce right in front of them.. lol. I've had a few others of good size, 1-2 lbs each and fighting a fish on the fly "by hand" is awesome.
I totally know what you mean Salar, love the fly fishing! Wish I had done it before.
The 'biggest' fish I've caught is a 2.5+ lb smallie, and whoa, it was awesome.. I even had an audience on the shore watching "the weird guy in a boat fly fishing..." so I felt pretty proud to produce right in front of them.. lol. I've had a few others of good size, 1-2 lbs each and fighting a fish on the fly "by hand" is awesome.
I totally know what you mean Salar, love the fly fishing! Wish I had done it before.