The G-Loomis combos on sale at Joe's?

Striper Club · 07-01-2005, 08:11 PM

I was seeing combos between 4-8 weights for sale between $155 and $190--give or take due to memory. It looked like basically a rod/reel and line/backing combo, but considering G-Loomis and their normal price range, I was taken aback. Once again, I am a rank amateur looking for a setup soon, and this looked and felt like somewhat decent gear(I cannot judge fly reels yet).

Is this a buy for less than $200 or are they selling low-quality gear that has a brand name? Worth it? As far as hardware fishing, I am not led by the nose via brand name stuff, but do not know flyfishing that well yet. I do know that Loomis is good stuff, if you don't mind spending the $$$....$180 or so just seemed far-fetched to this flyfishing newbie.

PGJPJ · 07-01-2005, 08:47 PM

I bought my wife one of those 4wt combos at Joe's last Christmas. I'm not much of an expert, but I think it's a fine rod. The reel is OK, but I think as my wife gets better at FF we might get her a better one. Same with the line. Probably fine to learn with, but not the best.

I believe her 4wt cost around $175. I like it. The nice thing about going with a combo is it removes so much of the confusion about what you need.

EugeneFisher · 07-02-2005, 07:39 AM

Here's the scoop w/ those. They are entry level G.Loomis rods, but the reels are plastic and the line is pretty cheap. Great for an entry level setup, but I personally would never own a plastic reel. The prices are normal; most places sell these combos for between $170 and $180.

Abalone · 07-02-2005, 08:01 AM

Yep ! I would agree with Eugenefisher.

If you are looking for Quality then pass on the deal.
Put the $190.OO into a better quality rod and buy a decent reel and line later. You can buy a medalists for around $30.00 and a line for $50.00 the will function well until you win the lottery.

You will get more bang for the buck this way.

I have several rods that I bought with money as the main issue. With all that buying experience I learned one thing.

I don't have a decent trout rod yet.

But now I know what to look for and the next purchase will be the right one.

Anyone looking for a Good 4 wt. fly rod ? Cheap

Big Ben · 07-02-2005, 08:03 AM

For the money, I think you would be better off going to River City and having Don set you up with a rod, reel and Airflo or Wulff line.

The GLoomis reel is pretty crummy and the line is too.

Plus River City will throw in a leader and let you cast a bunch of different rods.

GLoomis rods are excellent though, I own a GLX that I got at RIver City.

Find what you like and don't let a few bucks get between you and a great rod. In the grand scheme of things the money for good gear isn't that substantial since you'll use the rods and reels for many years.

Abalone · 07-02-2005, 08:10 AM

The most important question you should ask is " What are you looking for ? " not the price. If you are serious about taking up fly fishing start off right.

Each rod is made for a specific purpose.
Length, Wt. Action are all things to consider while purchasing a rod.

The LAST thing you want to think about is how it casts.
(I am going to get into trouble for that one )

Typically: Some guy is going to pick up a rod and cast it thinking the easier it is the better. I can cast this rod
90 feet so I think I will buy it.

Well if it cast that easy it is probably a Stiff rod. That will work good in the wind but it's not going to be the best rod for Stillwater as the tip will be Stiff and you will break off a few fish unless you use a heavy leader.
But if you are going to be fishing Below Macs canyon for big Redsides or Steelhead then the Fast action is the rod for you.

Etc. Etc.

You can learn to cast any rod well if you try.

If you are serious about being a fly fisherman then go to a Pro shop. Tell them your budget and what you plan to fish for. They will get you into something right in a price range you can afford.

paulie · 07-02-2005, 01:17 PM

Make sure you tell them what type of fishing you primarily do when you go to the fly shop.

River City is a super place, with great service.

Steve L. · 07-02-2005, 01:33 PM

If you're looking for an outfit to try fly fishing and you're not addicted to it yet this is probably an ok way to go without investing lots of $$. You might also see if Joes still carries the Redfield or Cortland combos. They run about $90 and are probaably better than the G.Loomis. Otherwise, head to one of two good fly shops in the area, River City or Kaufmanns. Either one can set you up without investing a mint. In the course of checking out rods when I first started, the guys at kaufmans had me in the parking lot, teaching me technique as well. Worked for me. I know a lot of guys here like River City, but the three times I've been there I just about had to fake a heart attack to get anyone to talk to me.

Abalone · 07-02-2005, 02:58 PM

If you're looking for an outfit to try fly fishing and you're not addicted to it yet

IS THIS POSSIBLE ?

Hmmmmm I think I will stick with my power bait !

I don't think so.....

Striper Club · 07-02-2005, 05:50 PM

Power Bait? ewwwww no thanks! :P

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I figured they were at the tail end of Loomis' gear and I would do better for the $$$ doing some research.

River City is a good call! They were very helpful to me with all of my questions. I will surely pay them a visit when I am back from NY and have some cash to delve into yet another fishing addiction. With all of the bass, salmon and steelhead gear I own, I may as well at something else eh? :P

As far as a lasting love for bug tossing, I am not too worried--the only type of fishing I do not like is the sedentary/anchor type!

Oh, I had asked the guys at river City last year regarding casting lessons and I look forward to taking a class when I am back in town and settled in at work. Looks like late August maybe, but I can spend my time window shopping until then!

-Rich

nookslayer · 07-05-2005, 04:07 PM

If you're looking at bang for the buck, go see Don like Big Ben said. I have bought a few rods from him and he's always willing to rounds numbers when you purchase the whole deal from him. I would go check out the TFO Lefty Creh Series 1 rods which start around $90, or the Professional Series for aroud $140. These rods are well above their price tag in performance. The Pflugger Medalist would be a decent reel to start with also, cheap and simple. Spend your money on the rod and the line.

mpruet · 07-06-2005, 07:10 AM

Being fairly new to FF, myself, I opted to spend a little more on my equipment so that I wouldn't have to go through the frustration of spending more $$$ when I wanted to upgrade my rod/reel.

I agree with the general sentiment, head over to River City and have them hook you up.