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  #1  
Old 03-25-2020, 08:48 PM
tundraltd tundraltd is offline
 
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Default fly rod

Good evening I'm looking for some info on purchasing my first Fly Rod. I'm starting this spring and don't really know where to begin and with the current state of the province and country I figure I may be ordering on line instead of instore, budget is $200 if that's to cheap let me know and I can work on the boss thanks in advance.
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  #2  
Old 03-25-2020, 09:18 PM
Strikemaster Strikemaster is offline
 
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A good size for AB would be a 5 or 6 weight. This would cover most situations for trout in rivers and lakes. TFO make a nice flyrod at a decent price, and I believe they have a lifetime warranty. I would suggest getting something with a lifetime warranty as over the years it will most likely come in handy.
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  #3  
Old 03-25-2020, 11:18 PM
kilgoretrout kilgoretrout is offline
 
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Thumbs up 1st rod

Pop into one of the local shops a base echo kit is around 2 hundred and they will set it up for you along with a bit of free knowledge and the chance to see the rod before you buy.... depending on where you live there's OFF, IronBow , FishTales to name a few..... buy local you won't regret it
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  #4  
Old 03-26-2020, 12:01 AM
haggis57 haggis57 is offline
 
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You can't go wrong with either TFO or the Echo Base package as suggested above. The Echo Base package is right around the $200 - 220 point. TFO warranty replacement is handled in Calgary. At least a couple of the fly shops in Calgary keep replacement tips for the Echo Base rod. My primary stream and lake rods are TFO rods and my backup rod is an Echo Base. The Echo Base has a great action for beginner. I use a 5 wt for most of my stream and river fishing.
Ken
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  #5  
Old 03-26-2020, 09:36 AM
Jason.seaward Jason.seaward is offline
 
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Second what the others have said about the TFO’s and Echo Bases. Good beginner set-ups that do not break the bank and not a huge loss if you decide that fly fishing is not your bag.

There is a TON of info online for beginners to learn about basics and advice to fine tune your fishing set-up to be applicable to where you fish.
Also take the time to learn about fish behaviour and general location, so you don’t waste your time attempting to fish in areas that are bare or inactive (learned that the hard way).

Also, something important that I learned in my early days is to focus on appreciating the opportunity of spending time doing the activity, instead of the results (catching fish). With beginner poor casting and noob errors, my beginner days were frustrating. I had to shift my attitude and expectations a lot. I now have the attitude that any time on the water is a success to be appreciated, regardless of fish numbers.


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  #6  
Old 03-26-2020, 12:46 PM
haggis57 haggis57 is offline
 
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Jason makes excellent points. Considering initial cost, don't hesitate to buy a used TFO or Echo Base. You don't have to show a receipt to get the warranty replacement pieces. I've been fishing for 15 years and 1/2 of my rods (two newest) are an Echo and a TFO from Kijiji.

Jason's suggestion about attitude is absolutely key. With trout fishing, the possibility of getting skunked is always just around the corner!

Ken
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  #7  
Old 03-26-2020, 01:09 PM
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stein stein is offline
 
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get a 4 pc rod 4/5/6 weight

look for weight forward floating line (WFF)

9ft 4x (5lb) tapered leader is good for trout dry fly fishing

ickyflyworks has good dry fly grab pack would get you started

cutthroat streams are great for learning on
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  #8  
Old 03-26-2020, 02:25 PM
boah boah is offline
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http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=370570
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  #9  
Old 03-26-2020, 10:05 PM
Mr Flyguy Mr Flyguy is offline
 
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TFO are junk. Consider the Orvis Clearwater or the Fenwick Aetos, might find them on sale at Fishin Hole or Cabelas.
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  #10  
Old 03-27-2020, 11:03 AM
Jason.seaward Jason.seaward is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Flyguy View Post
TFO are junk. Consider the Orvis Clearwater or the Fenwick Aetos, might find them on sale at Fishin Hole or Cabelas.

Ya, the Fenwick Aetos would be a better pick if he would find it under $200. I had the 9’ 5wt as a back-up. Nice casting rod that did better with a 6wt line.


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  #11  
Old 03-27-2020, 04:23 PM
Wapiti340 Wapiti340 is offline
 
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I’ve seen a few nice Sages come up on kijiji this year.
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  #12  
Old 03-27-2020, 04:39 PM
kilgoretrout kilgoretrout is offline
 
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I think if you read the OP he wants to stay around 200 with reel, options are limited but you never know what might show up used..... of course you need to know what you're looking at ......
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  #13  
Old 03-27-2020, 04:55 PM
cranky cranky is offline
 
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I really like the Orvis Encounter combo. It seems a wee bit slower than some others mentioned above. I found it to cast very effortlessly even with a bum shoulder in comparison to the TFO i had in the same weight.

But its hard to ignore TFO warrantee what with them being in Calgary and all.
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  #14  
Old 03-27-2020, 05:44 PM
Wapiti340 Wapiti340 is offline
 
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There are 2 Sages on kijiji right now one for $240 one for $220 he just said he needs to talk to the wife to open up the budget
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  #15  
Old 03-27-2020, 07:55 PM
HowSwedeItIs HowSwedeItIs is offline
 
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You can get a Fenwick Aetos on Amazon for just slightly more than $200. Budget for a quality line, or casting will be so frustrating you won't get enjoy fishing at all
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  #16  
Old 03-27-2020, 08:45 PM
tundraltd tundraltd is offline
 
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Thanks guys lots of great info looks like I’ll be ordering something online and it may go over the budget a little bit better to ask forgiveness than permission thanks for all the help see you on a river or lake this summer cheers TL.
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  #17  
Old 03-27-2020, 10:00 PM
flyrodfisher flyrodfisher is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tundraltd View Post
Good evening I'm looking for some info on purchasing my first Fly Rod. I'm starting this spring and don't really know where to begin and with the current state of the province and country I figure I may be ordering on line instead of instore, budget is $200 if that's to cheap let me know and I can work on the boss thanks in advance.
A few thoughts;
1) If you are not sure that you are going to stick with it...then don't spend a lot of money for gear that will end up sitting in the garage
2) If you are sure....you need to tell us where you normally fish and what you normally fish for...that will help determine what weight rod is best suited for your needs
3) If you are limited on money, don't spend too much on a reel for now
4) If you are limited on money, don't spend too much on a flyline...some of these cost half of what that entry level rod costs...yeah...insane!
5) If you are limited on money...don't forget the other items you may need...waders, boots, vest, flies, consumables, etc.
6) If you do get "hooked"...beware, it will be a never ending pit...more rods, more reels...
7) The entry level rods mentioned are a good place to start...but once you get into it, you will soon find the appeal of the Orvis, Sage, Winstons, Hardy's and the like too hard to resist.

Having said all that, a few comments on the replies so far
1) I agree with Mr. Flyguy...quality of some of the entry level stuff is pretty crappy.
2) I'm not sure what the concern about warranty is? What the heck do you guys do with your tackle...or is it just crappy quality to begin with???
I have a stable of over a dozen high end rods and have NEVER had an issue with any of them. Two of my Orvis rods are 40 years old now...one of which I still fish with regularly....
Same with reels...all original House of Hardys...still going strong.

If you buy quality, it will last. If you don't...you will be buying twice...the choice is yours.

Good luck with your purchase!
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  #18  
Old 03-28-2020, 12:14 AM
Jason.seaward Jason.seaward is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyrodfisher View Post
2) I'm not sure what the concern about warranty is? What the heck do you guys do with your tackle...or is it just crappy quality to begin with???
Lol must be nice to have lived a life with absolutely no accidents.


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  #19  
Old 03-28-2020, 08:46 AM
haggis57 haggis57 is offline
 
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[QUOTE=Jason.seaward;4136104]Lol must be nice to have lived a life with absolutely no accidents.


Exactly! My friend's $400 Hardy handle a car door exactly the same way as my $150 TFO did. **** happens, especially when you're learning.
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  #20  
Old 03-28-2020, 11:16 AM
Mr Flyguy Mr Flyguy is offline
 
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What annoyed me about the one (and only) TFO rod I have is that 2 inches of the top broke off when i was only taking it out of the bag! Didn't bother to send it back so gathers dust as a backup.
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  #21  
Old 03-28-2020, 12:06 PM
SNAPFisher SNAPFisher is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Flyguy View Post
What annoyed me about the one (and only) TFO rod I have is that 2 inches of the top broke off when i was only taking it out of the bag! Didn't bother to send it back so gathers dust as a backup.
You are not the only one. Had my TFO 7 wt. Brand new, never used. Get it setup with sinking line. Head out to a great brookie lake. Go to pull the line out and it snaps in half on the top piece. It is not impossible that I caused it but I remember how the rod got to the lake and no issues, tossed nothing on it. That and I've broken 3 others of the same type of TFO rod. After paying the shipping for the 3rd time, mine now gather dust as well.
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  #22  
Old 03-28-2020, 12:10 PM
Jason.seaward Jason.seaward is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Flyguy View Post
What annoyed me about the one (and only) TFO rod I have is that 2 inches of the top broke off when i was only taking it out of the bag! Didn't bother to send it back so gathers dust as a backup.

I have had a few accidents with rods that did not result in a break until late. The accident might cause a slight crack, that leads to a break later. I had this happen to my favourite Sage (Z-Axis). The warranty repair is now expensive, based on being an old rod. Luckily, based on my rod building experience, I fixed the issue myself and the rod is now solid.
Happens to the best of rods and best of fly fishers. No one is immune to accidents and potential rod issues.


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  #23  
Old 03-28-2020, 12:21 PM
Jason.seaward Jason.seaward is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SNAPFisher View Post
You are not the only one. Had my TFO 7 wt. Brand new, never used. Get it setup with sinking line. Head out to a great brookie lake. Go to pull the line out and it snaps in half on the top piece. It is not impossible that I caused it but I remember how the rod got to the lake and no issues, tossed nothing on it. That and I've broken 3 others of the same type of TFO rod. After paying the shipping for the 3rd time, mine now gather dust as well.

Ya, that seems more manufacturing than user error or accident.


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  #24  
Old 03-28-2020, 01:29 PM
LJalberta LJalberta is offline
 
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I picked up an Aetos on sale for under $200. I'm really happy with it, but I don't have a ton of fly fishing experience. Only going on 3 years fly fishing now.

I've also used the Echo Base which also seems like a pretty killer deal for under $200.
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  #25  
Old 03-28-2020, 01:59 PM
rmatei rmatei is offline
 
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Over 50 years of slinging a fly rod and have used them all, from Cherrywood to expensive sage's and Loomis. You will be happy with an Echo base 5wt for a rod and just about any reel would do, would suggest a Lamson Liquid as a reasonable choice. Wait for the Fishing hole spring sale and you should be able to get the rod for under $90 and a Liquid for under a $100. Don't be sucked into spending big bucks by anyone.
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  #26  
Old 03-28-2020, 05:37 PM
boah boah is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Flyguy View Post
What annoyed me about the one (and only) TFO rod I have is that 2 inches of the top broke off when i was only taking it out of the bag! Didn't bother to send it back so gathers dust as a backup.
If you want the storage space, I’ll take it off your hands.
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  #27  
Old 03-28-2020, 05:41 PM
flyrodfisher flyrodfisher is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boah View Post
If you want the storage space, I’ll take it off your hands.
Actually...I think giving it to the original poster, tundraltd would be a be a much better idea.
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  #28  
Old 03-29-2020, 04:39 PM
boah boah is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyrodfisher View Post
Actually...I think giving it to the original poster, tundraltd would be a be a much better idea.
That would be a great idea!!
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  #29  
Old 03-29-2020, 05:10 PM
commieboy commieboy is offline
 
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I have a few TFOs, a couple Sages, an Orvis and a couple Winstons. The only rods that gave me problems were one each of the Orris and Winston. My TFOs are the cheapest by far and have stood up to an enormous amount of abuse. I bought my BVKs on the advice of several local guides. They liked them for performance vs cost. My first real rod was a TFO Lefty Kreh signature series. $150 about years ago, constant use, and only this year a guide busted off. Pretty good considering TFO is "junk".
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  #30  
Old 03-29-2020, 05:18 PM
Bigwoodsman Bigwoodsman is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyrodfisher View Post
A few thoughts;
1) If you are not sure that you are going to stick with it...then don't spend a lot of money for gear that will end up sitting in the garage
2) If you are sure....you need to tell us where you normally fish and what you normally fish for...that will help determine what weight rod is best suited for your needs
3) If you are limited on money, don't spend too much on a reel for now
4) If you are limited on money, don't spend too much on a flyline...some of these cost half of what that entry level rod costs...yeah...insane!
5) If you are limited on money...don't forget the other items you may need...waders, boots, vest, flies, consumables, etc.
6) If you do get "hooked"...beware, it will be a never ending pit...more rods, more reels...
7) The entry level rods mentioned are a good place to start...but once you get into it, you will soon find the appeal of the Orvis, Sage, Winstons, Hardy's and the like too hard to resist.

Having said all that, a few comments on the replies so far
1) I agree with Mr. Flyguy...quality of some of the entry level stuff is pretty crappy.
2) I'm not sure what the concern about warranty is? What the heck do you guys do with your tackle...or is it just crappy quality to begin with???
I have a stable of over a dozen high end rods and have NEVER had an issue with any of them. Two of my Orvis rods are 40 years old now...one of which I still fish with regularly....
Same with reels...all original House of Hardys...still going strong.

If you buy quality, it will last. If you don't...you will be buying twice...the choice is yours.

Good luck with your purchase!
This is great advice. Best I’ve read on this thread.

Go to Cabelas and get a combo fly set up. They are on sale quite often. By yourself a dozen dry flies a box a vest some Ginko a pair of cheap waders and go have fun. If you shop right you can get all of that for 200.00-225.00. Go have fun. It’ll get expensive if you get addicted like the rest of us.

BW
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