Decent but inexpensive?

[Reel_Big_Fish]

I'm wondering if someone can point me in the right direction on getting an inexpensive first fly rod setup? I've never fly fished before but would like to learn. I've looked around on different sites, but am still clueless. So any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, :wave:
RBF

[Stew]

Go to River City Fly Shop in Beaverton and they will set you up. It's the best fly shop in the Portland metro area :cheers:

[LunkerFish]

River City is a great shop. :applause: I would also suggest NW Fly Fishing outfitters CLICK HERE (http://www.flyshopnw.com/) There is wide range of options for someone starting out. Anywhere from the $40 discount-chain combo to a much nicer deal from a local fly shop. I suggest you support the local fly shops though.

[Navigator]

Both Stew and Lunker offer good suggestions.

Cortland makes a good starter kit. Can get them at GI Joes for anywhere from around $90 to $130 - rod, reel, line, video, etc. These are good first rods - good enough to be last rods. What I advise folk is to get a quality rod but don't spend more than $200 for everything and as I indicated above, you probably can stay under $150 or even $125. My point is that these rods are good for learning - develop your skills to the point where you know that your equipment is limiting you. Then, if all your kids have graduated from college, upgrade.

Enjoy.

[Big Ben]

Go to River City amd just let them know what you want to spend. Don will put together a nice combo and stand behind whatever he sells ya. I live in Vancouver also and will be glad to give you some casting/fishing help at Klineline if you want it, Ben

[3riversBob]

Meet Stew in his garage.............he has to have something that will work for you. :jester:

Bob :dance:

[Azeal]

First question is, what do you want to fish for with it? That will determine the weight of rod you want, and how good of a reel you need. I'd advise starting with trout, so you'll be looking for a 4 wt or 5 wt rod. Reel isn't really all that important other than wanting something of decent durability (a drag is nice for the Deschutes, but not necessary in most places).

Personally, I'd avoid the "begginer" combo's from Cortland or Scientific Anglers. They work, but the rods tend to be wet noodles and the reels made of plastic. Good enough to learn on, but not something you'll be happy with in two years if you stick with it.

In the $100 to $200 range there are a lot of good options. Temple Fork Outfitters makes a nice entry level rod that starts at $90. St. Croix makes some nice entry level rods to, as does Redington and Echo. For a trout reel, you could save some $$ and go with a good old Pflueger Medalist for under $35. Remember, you also need to buy dacron line "backing" for the reel, and a fly line (the two together will cost you $35-40 as well). Plus leaders, some tippet materiels, and a selection of flies to get started with.

I'll offer my support for Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters. Go there and tell them you don't have much money and you are just getting started. They will hook you up with a nice package for under $200. As I recall, the last time I was in there they had a complete Redington starter combo (5/6 wt rod, reel, line, backing, and a hard case) for $140 bucks on sale.

Also consider taking a class to help you get started. Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters offers some good ones.

[Reel_Big_Fish]

Thanks for all the good info everyone. :cheers: I'm pretty sure I'd be sticking with trout, but who knows maybe a little steelhead action. I've looked at those starter packages at GI Joes, but they just don't "do-it" for me, I don't know why though :shrug:

Thanks for the offer Ben, I may take you up on that once/if I pick one up.

Gary

[Catch 22]

Hmmm. I know where you could get a very nice reel loaded with weight forward line in a 6 weight for a screaming deal. :idea: Perfect for trout on the rivers such as the deschutes and still enough for summer steelhead.
Click Here - G.Loomis Adventure 5 Fly Reel (http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=777875&page=1&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1)

[float2ber]

Greased Line in Vancouver has a deal on TFO (Temple Fork) rods plus reel, line, etc. No tax on packages. TFO makes a very decent rod for the money.

[Reel_Big_Fish]

Thanks Catch22. I saw that listed, however I'm not sure when I want to buy something.

[Ryan Pultz]

WW Grigs makes a nice fly rod it is not a loomis but I have two and love them both. rp