FS Digest

Hi all,

Looking to get into the hobby after being introduced a little while ago. I’m over in VA looking for a trout rod. I have a few ideas and a few questions, and I’ll leave the table open for recommendations. I was looking at a few Redington rods that fit my price point (~$200), in particular those being the Vice and Classic Trout. I have also been informed of Echo’s Carbon XL, TFO Finesse Trout, and a company referred to me by one of my buddies called Moonshine Rod Company. Think they’re a start-up with some nice blanks but manufacturing is in China. As far as the reel, same budget. Looking at the Redinton Rise, Sage Spectrum C, and the Allen Trout II (Allen being another lesser know company). Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with these products? Any other recommendations with my given budget? Any other tips and things to keep in mind would be greatly appreciated.

Budget is a pretty solid 400 for rod and reel. And I know Orvis could come up but I want something other than that.

Thanks!

edit: cost of line and such outside of said budget

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by Pculli

FS Digest

Check out Fenwick Aetos and Mystic Reaper x. Both good budget rods. Fenwick World Class rods are very nice and on clearance at Amazon. Do have to say that the upgraded Orvis Clearwater setups are very nice. Go cast some rods and have fun.

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by fishnman59

FS Digest

I love the Echo ion xl and carbon xl. Great trout rods, with a great warranty. Pair it with an echo ion or bravo reel. Head out to a fly shop and give it a go.

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by Philx570

FS Digest

I use Maxcatch stuff. They are on amazon but website prices are a bit better. Good for the money have really held together. Right now they have a rod real combo on sale for about $120. Check them out.

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by MrDevin1217

FS Digest

For fishing in VA (Hello fellow Old Dominioneer?) you really can't go wrong with any of the options you listed. I err towards TFO and Orvis generally, but the Redington Vice, Fenwick Aetos, Echo Carbons, etc are all excellent rods in the 5 wt range. For reels, it's even easier because you really just need something that can hold line and stand up to getting hit on some rocks occasionally. Lamson makes a mean cast aluminum reel, the Liquid 2, that comes with spare spools, but most of the companies you've listed also have their 'entry' level reels that are of similar quality.

You can get a killer combo from Maxcatch stuff for relatively cheap. For just starting out, your priorities should be Flies > Line > Rod > Reel.

Given your budget though, I'd probably go with an Orvis Clearwater. I know you said 'Not interested in Orvis'....but there's a reason they're so well regarded. That or a TFO Pro II and a Lamson Liquid 2

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by NoahtheRed

FS Digest

The redington Path is a great starter rod and often comes in a package with a pre-rigged reel. You’d come in under budget and could use that cash towards all of the extra costs that sneak up like flies, tippet, weights, etc. I have a redington hydrogen 5wt which I love but wouldn’t recommend for first rod.

What’s wrong with Orvis? Second the above comment that the Clearwater package is a lot of bang for the buck.

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by dfh3262

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

OK you don't want orvis, but the battenkill reel ( with the click and pawl drag ) is right around $100, it's tough as nails, very simple operation, you can pass it down when you're gone. You're fishing for trout, you don't need much of a drag, that reel's going to hold your line. Spend 300 on the rod. Buy a St. Croix. Their mojo trout 9' 5 wt is $200. Spend the rest on other stuff.

Tanglefoot Loc: Brevard, North Carolina

From the rods you have listed, I’d recommend the Redington Classic Trout. Not sure why you want to start with a 5wt but the classic trout series is an attractive, smooth casting rod.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

I build my own rods, so, know very little about commercial rods. Depending on the type of fishing you are going to do, and the flys that you will be using, you may want to think about a 4#, 9'. But a 5# will do you just fine. A far as the reel, it only a place to store your line when your not using it. Unless you are catching big fish, the drag is not going to be a factor. $100.00 - $150.00 is going to be great plenty. Good Luck & Tight Lines!