by Rob DeVore

Created on: September 28, 2009   Last Updated: September 30, 2009

One of the first things that people interested in fly fishing say when looking at their first set of gear is "high cost". This is true to some extent. The quality gear makers can run you up over $600.00 just for starters but that doesn't mean there isn't another way to get you the gear to get started. There are a lot of unknowns to the novice fly angler...."will I be able to do it"...."will I like it". I don't blame anyone on a budget for thinking this way. It's a whole new world of terminology, jargon, and equipment. One way to get these questions answered would be to visit your local fly shop. A lot of shops offer lessons that include the use of their gear at a nominal price. Some shops even offer a discount on new gear if you enroll in a class.

Here are 4 good options to get you started fly fishing without breaking the bank:

Temple Fork Outfitters - http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/outfits/nxt.html
Temple Fork Outfitters or TFO offer quality rod and reel combos that won't kill your bank account. An 8 weight NTX outfit comes complete with 9 ' 4 piece rod, large arbor aluminum reel, floating fly line, backing, tapered leader and rod and reel case for $209.95. This also includes TFO's policy of if the rod gets broken.....not matter how, send the rod and a check for $25.00 and they'll fix it or replace it, no questions asked. The main reason that I don't own one at the moment is, I couldn't find a way to order from them, or very many sites online who offered the same deal. Pretty much everything you'll need to get started except a fly box and flies.

Okuma Infusion -
http://www.flyshack.com/DisplayItem.aspx?ItemID=2362 9
This package includes a 9' 4 piece 8 weight rod, large arbor Okuma reel spooled with weight forward floating line (WF8F), backing and leader for $119.00 delivered. The first thing i noticed after unwrapping this outfit was that the leader needed to go bye bye first thing. I've got no use for a 1 lb test tippet 'round here. I have 2 of these set ups but have to mention that both rods were snapped by hanging a backcast on a tree and having the rods both break in the same spot on the forecast.....I don't think this is a defect as it happens with other rods as well. No rod case, but does come with a rod sock.

Pflueger Trion -
http://www.wflies.com/combo.html
John and the fine folks at wflies.com have a really nice Pflueger Trion rod and reel combo online. Includes 9' 2 piece 9 weight rod and Trion reel. (I've recently ordered a 12 weight Trion reel from them for the fly rod that i'm building) for $169.99. Combo comes with a case and you can have it spooled with line and backing for $32.99. I can vouch for the rod because I'm currently using one with an Okuma reel. I prefer 4 piece rods but can safely say that the rod is of the best quality, loads well, and is very comfortable to cast....even on all day trips. The service from wflies.com is fantastic and very fast (my rod arrived in 2 days).

Wild Waters Fly Fishing - https://www.wildwaterflyfishing.com/Home_Page.html is another great value. For $189.00, you can get a 4 piece 8 weight custom made rod and reel, 150 yards of dacron backing, weight forward floating line and a rod sock and case. A great part of this deal and similar to TFO is the $35.00 warrantee. If you break it, send $35.00 to Wild Waters along with the rod, and they'll fix it.

So there you have it.....if you're looking for something new to obsess about, this sport will soon assimilate you.....

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