Budget Fly Fishing

[Tardevil]

By Phillip Potter, AKA TarDevil

Fly fishing has garnered the image of an elitist sport, reserved for the privileged with means and time to burn. The words "fly fishing" typically conjure images of gents and ladies resplendent in the latest attire and equipment from the top shelves of the Orvis warehouse, deftly casting immaculately crafted imitations under directions from reputable well-paid guides to hungry rising trout. Fishing done, they are helicoptered to fine lodging where the evening dialog is enhanced by plush surroundings and ...

[BasserDrew]

What a great article, Tardevil.  A lot of the same can be said for spin fisherman as well.  Do you need a $300 reel to catch fish, NO! 

[Boyscout]

Excellent stuff, TD.

[AllRiversSouth]

Great article and I totally agree TarDevil! I have a couple of 10' crappie rods for spider rigging that cost me around $20 each. I got to thinking about how they looked alot like a fly rod and decided to put a 6wt line on and give them a try. To my suprise, I could shoot 50' of line! For a someone just learning the fundamentals of fly casting, it would be difficult to distinguish the difference between a $60 and a $600 rod other than its weight.

For those starting out, as a general rule, I recommend more emphasis on quality line. As their technique progresses I put more emphasis on the rod. When their ability progresses even more, I still put emphasis on the rod over the reel. The reel merely holds line and does nothing to improve the cast other than ballance the rod.

[crawdadcraig]

I've always looked at expensive fly rods like driving a Jaguar down the interstate. Do you need a Jaguar to drive cross country? No, but it's sure a lot more fun and pleasureable with one. A Chevy will get the job done. Plus as stated before, if your casting skills are not above par, the quality advantages of high end gear will be lost on you. As your skills improve, so should your tackle.

[FlySlingerCole]

crawdadcraig said:

I\'ve always looked at expensive fly rods like driving a Jaguar down the interstate. Do you need a Jaguar to drive cross country? No, but it\'s sure a lot more fun and pleasureable with one. A Chevy will get the job done. Plus as stated before, if your casting skills are not above par, the quality advantages of high end gear will be lost on you. As your skills improve, so should your tackle.

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Sir, I could not agree with you more. For the beginner to the sport, TFO makes a heck of a fly rod!

[fishtaco]

Agreed. Two of my favorite rods can be had for under $50, the Eagle Claw Granger and the Cabela's Three Forks. Pair either of those up with an entry level reel from Ross, like a Flystart or Flywater ,and you're looking at a decent combo for the price. Line is probably the one area I would splurge in, but even good line can be found on sale at times for ~$30.

[walrus60]

I agree. As a reformed golfer i know that many times the best or most expensive equipment is wasted on the the non  pro. When I started Fly fishing a few years ago  I got sticker shock at first. I bought a BPS white River rod and hit the Davidson with a guide learned alot and caught many Trout. Then I went to the Show in Charlotte and cast some upscale rods.  I did not have enough skill  to see a big difference. Espically in the streams in NC 30 feet is a long cast sometiimes After more research I found that many of the same blanks for the high end stuff are private labled for some of the larger stores. I have a Salt water rod from BPS that is built on a Loomis blank. Less than $80.00  Spend your money on a good line and go Fish. It is pretty hard no matter  what your equipment. BTW I am in no way saying don't buy SAGE or the like I am just saying that you can enjoy the sport without a stimlus package from the Government.