OK, OK. Can someone recommend a good starter fly set up?

[ATheall]

I need another expensive hobby like a hole in the head. Need a recommendation for a rod, reel, line and a couple or three flies to start with. Don't want to break the bank but am willing to pay enough to I wouldn't outgrow it by the time I have my "sea legs".

[bostoned]

Well, i can only speak from experience but I have a couple Temple Fork Outfitter fly rods that are really well made, the company stands behind their products 100% and they come with a lifetime warranty.

There is a fly shop in worcester, ma that has a demo sale every year. He lists what is available on his site and you can call and buy over the phone or ask for him to hold you a couple and you can go in and cast them to see what you like or don't like. I have picked up 2 TFO rods from him and purchased a Teton Tioga reel too. Nice guy, very knowledgable.

Also, I don't have any rods from LL Bean but I've looked at them in the store and they look like they are pretty nice rods. And LL Bean always stands behind their stuff 100%.

Reels, I have lamson radius, teton tioga and tibor. They are all good reels. Just need to decide what you want to spend. The Lamson Radius is a great reel that I've caught many stripers on with no problems and they are on clearance around on the internet so you could pick one up for about $120.

Lines, that depends on what conditions you'll be fishing and what you'll be fishing for. I have RIO, Scientific Angler, Airflo and Orvis lines. I like the RIO and Airflo the best for me.

Flies, hard to really recommend only 3. Depends on where and when you'll be fishing and what you'll be fishing for. Best bet is to go into your local shop and talk to the store owner. They won't steer you wrong b/c they want you to be successful so you'll become a new customer.

Hope this helps some.

[cchobot]

I think Izzyshaw will get in on this one soon. I'll chip in my $0.02. The Echo 2 line of fly rods is really really really nice for the price. I don't know that there's a better for-the-money rod out there. If they're a little too steep, I'd look at the echo Ion.

The reels I'd look at would be the nautilus series or if your'e looking to save a little $ maybe a Bauer.

Where will you be fishing? That'll make the difference between going w/ an 8wt or 10wt.

[Jackbass]

I don't own anything on the Edges list. I don't want to recommend something not on there. That Being said I know TFO makes nice rods. If I were you I would start with a ten weight it will be a bit more versatile over the course of your salt water fly career. and other weights as the addiction grows. I now own everything from 10 down to 5 weight minus an 8 wt. A bit extreme but that is how fisherman do it.

[cchobot]

For awhile it was VERY difficult to find a Tioga, Pete's telling me there might be some hope now, that's great news, as Bostoned mentioned, excellent reel for the money.

[cchobot]

Originally Posted by Jackbass

I don't own anything on the Edges list. I don't want to recommend something not on there. That Being said I know TFO makes nice rods. If I were you I would start with a ten weight it will be a bit more versatile over the course of your salt water fly career. and other weights as the addiction grows. I now own everything from 10 down to 5 weight minus an 8 wt. A bit extreme but that is how fisherman do it.

Guys, open forum here, don't worry about making suggestions for things we don't have, usually we can always order it up anyway, and if it's a good product, chances are we should have it ... We appreciate the looking out, but what's best for the members here is best for The Edge, so have at it

[Jackbass]

Also don't forget to pick up a clouser helmet for rookie casting protection. just kidding

[cchobot]

Originally Posted by Jackbass

Also don't forget to pick up a clouser helmet for rookie casting protection. just kidding

"Clouser Helmet" <------ See THAT'S what I'm talking about definitely something we should carry

[cchobot]

I'm finding it's hard to make recommendations without sounding like I'm trying to sell stuff, but honestly, one nice thing about the echo 2 for a beginner is it comes with two tips with different actions, if it's your first rod it might allow you a rod that will perform well under a greater range of conditions.

Also, it should be noted, not if but WHEN one breaks the tip, you've got a backup to save the day.

[Jackbass]

Originally Posted by cchobot

Guys, open forum here, don't worry about making suggestions for things we don't have, usually we can always order it up anyway, and if it's a good product, chances are we should have it ... We appreciate the looking out, but what's best for the members here is best for The Edge, so have at it

I would look at the rods from Albright, inexpensive and a lot of rod for the money. Nice way to get your feet wet. I have 2 RPLX in 10 wt and 9wt and an Albright 10 WT not enough difference IMHO to warrant the additional 400 dollars. I would also reccomend looking at the Sage 1600 series reels for a little under 200 dollars you will get into a nice large arbor reel.

TFO does make nice stuff though, And the Edge has good pricing on their rods.