rod and reel setup

[pflyer]

You'll get lots of differing opinions...

I just bought a killer setup for under 200.00:

TFO Lefty Kreh Pro Special 4pc 5wt rod (on sale for 79.00 at Bass Pro).
Okuma SLV 4/5 Reel (Ebay - 50.00 plus free shipping)
Cabela's backing (8.00)
Cabela's Prestige Plus WF5F Line (45.00)

It's an outstanding rig...I love it.

I have "high dollar rig" also:

Guideline 4pc 6wt rod (525.00)
Lamson Konic reel (130.00)
unknown backing
Scientific Anglers Mastery Series WF6F (75.00)

I bought the "high dollar rig" several years ago in Spokane. I had more money than sense at the time. Knowing what I know now, I would have spent less than half that on a TFO setup. I have to say though, the Konic reel is super nice, I will probably buy one for my 5wt some day.

[colonelmeyer]

First fish on my 9' Pro Series. Kentucky bass on chartreuse Clouser minnow at Giles Conrad Park in Boone county. The rod casts like a dream. Best hundred bucks I ever spent. Recommend it to anyone who must get a lot of bang for their buck. Also scientific Anglers makes a 'headstart' line that I have been using on most of rods since I found it. It has a bit of extra weight and should help mitigate some of the problems associated with novice casting. I like it because I mostly fish short casts, so it helps me load the rod more efficiently with a short line.

[DJD]

This is the year I start fly fishing and will get a setup soon. The TFO rods seem like about what I want.....

[DavidsonDuke]

My two cents:

Rod: There's a significant difference in feel in a $50 rod and a $200 rod. Better rods are worth the money (up to a point). so my 6 weight I use on the cumberrland is a very nice Orvis. My 4 wt travel rod I use for panfish and such is not that great, but gets the job done.

Line: I've also found that really nice flylines really cast longer and better. I'm partial to Rio. On the other hand, I just spent the day fishing yesterday on some mountain streams in NC and never had to make one long cast. So, it depends on use. But a $75 Rio WF is a LOT better casting than a $25 generic fly line.

Reels: If your fishing for bonefish in the keys, or steelhead in Michigan, having a good real with a good drag really matters. But for most of us, the reel is more of a line holder than a reel. And even though I use it to reel in fish at times, the thumb drag works pretty well; that is, my thumb or palm on the rim of the reel. Therefore, for most of us, the cheapest fly reel you can find will probably work just fine. If you need to change spools, then choosing a reel where you can buy extra spools is helpful. The reel I use on my 4 wt is a mostly plastic Cabelas. I have a really nice redington reel for my 10 wt, although I hardly ever have a chance to use it.

Knots: Learn surgeon's knot and surgeon's loop.