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Redington Field Kit Reviews

10K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  kigercreek  
#1 Ā·
All the reviews I am seeing on the web for this kit seems to be glowing. Curious if anyone here had tried them out? Link to the Redington Trout Field Kit, which is one one I am looking to get.
 
#2 Ā·
I have not tried one - or any kit for that matter. It seems like a basic setup and one that would get you in the game if that is your interest. I would look around at Echo and TFO if startups are your goal; buying individual items and piecing a setup together is not too difficult and both those have a full range of goodies to choose as well as Redington.
I think the medium fast rod is a good starter and easy to learn on. A reel really is nothing more than line storage until you are getting into the specific larger fish or running fish species [bones, steelhead, tarpon etc] - at which point a drag system comes into play.
I still toss an old glass browning 6 wt with a Scientific Angler System 456 click and pawl reel for bass and large stillwater trout even though I have a large quiver of setups from 3 wt - 12 wt.
Let us know what your plan and experience levels are and maybe there will be more help coming your way.
 
#5 Ā·
I picked up this setup from Amazon for $275. It's my first fly rod so I can't compare it to anything. Actually I did mess around with a real cheap one once about 25 years ago. Just need to figure out how to use it.
 
#7 Ā·
This isn't meant to hijack, as I feel it goes along with 'first fly rods' and learning the basics.

It is interesting that the "10 and 2" are often taught today, while just a few decades back it was "10 and 1". Personally, I have taught a number of people to think "10 and 12" when starting, as when I've had them (not looking) bring the rod back to 1:00, they are often at 2 or lower...and at 2:00 I've seen a couple people have the rod almost horizontal in back! If one tries to stop at the noon position, the rod seems to settle in around the 1 spot, which may be old school, but seems to be a good starting point, especially with moderate action rods. Just my two cents....
 
#8 Ā·
I'll see your hijack @kigercreek and raise you another - the OP never returned so I agree this is all valid for those who are starting....

I think you are correct and agree - and I'll go further in that I believe the change came with the advent of modern materials and super fast rod speed. I checked my source for when I taught myself - a 1979 publication [pictured below] - I got the book from my sister for Christmas. We were at my grandparents where my deceased grandfathers outdoor 'stuff' was. In four inches of snow, I took his flyrod into the backyard, complete with greased line, tied a small snap swivel on the tippet for 'weight' and took the new book opened to the flycasting chapter and did my best.

It reads the cast stroke should be 10-to-12 and never past 1 o'clock position explaining the flex of the rod will take it further - which is why 12 o'clock was prescribed since the flex brings the rod to 1 o'clock. The interesting thing to me is with more modern rods, I tend to drop the rod more [to the 2 o'clock] for general casting and large fly casting because I hit the rod if I don't BUT recognize, each situation can dictate an alteration in technique! Wind, soft water dries, big flies...ad infinitum.

I guess all that to say [and finish up this hijack] - understand the process and go for it! I had to read that chapter numerous times to 'get it' on that cold morning but to this day, not sure I am really anything more than a hack! And BTW - old, dirty, greased lines with snap swivels on cold days laying int he snow - not productive! :ROFLMAO:

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To those still reading - though this book can be had for under $5 used these days and it provided me hours upon hours upon hours of entertainment through the decades, youtube and the like are probably easier - a casting class from a local fly shop will open up the door even wider though.
 
#11 Ā· (Edited)
I'll see your hijack @kigercreek and raise you another - the OP never returned so I agree this is all valid for those who are starting....
I think you're right on this. Note that I did say for "moderate action rods". Faster (read stiffer) fly rods don't exhibit the "over flex" or "drift" which is seen in slower action rods. That said, many of the introductory, less expensive rods appear to be a bit slower, and those are the people who are normally asking for assistance or instruction. IM6 rods are a pleasure to cast, as are the old Fenwick glass rods, and for some even bamboo, all of which require a slower and more abbreviated casting stroke. (Set that metronome to a slower speed...for all you A River Runs Through It fans. :) )
 
#9 Ā·
Thanks for that info. I think I am going to take a class at one of the local shops. Looks like Portland Fly Shop and some options. I'm just down the street from Royal Treatment in West Linn but I don't know if they offer classes or not.

To those still reading - though this book can be had for under $5 used these days and it provided me hours upon hours upon hours of entertainment through the decades, youtube and the like are probably easier - a casting class from a local fly shop will open up the door even wider though.
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#10 Ā·
Thanks for that info. I think I am going to take a class at one of the local shops. Looks like Portland Fly Shop and some options. I'm just down the street from Royal Treatment in West Linn but I don't know if they offer classes or not.
Good calls! Call the shop or stop in since you are close - Joel, Josh or Jen will be able to help out with info as they have done classes in the past; I know Jennifer does spey casting classes. I don't recall anything specific or scheduled for beginner/basics [most places are still treading the personal slow-down separation deal] but they may be forming something. They may also be willing to just get you started with the basics if it is a slower day.
Northwest Flyfishing Outfitters on NE Halsey probably has something as well.
There is also the NW Flyfishing/Tying Expo in Albany in March 2023 - they definitely have all sorts of classes available [sign up early] - as long as you can muddle your way through until March! They should be starting back up after the past years' break(s).