doc alden

Here's one from Gander. It comes with level fly line, which isn't ideal, but you can replace it with weight forward line for about $20 if you're not too particular about quality. It's going to be tough to get into the game for under $50 but it can be done. I've had some truly terrible fly rods in my life but I stuck with them and learned. When I finally got some good rods, I was amazed at how well they cast with so little effort. If I had started out with them I probably wouldn't have thought they were very good, making the mistake most people make that it wasn't me, it was my gear. LOL! Learn on the poor stuff. When you can afford to move up to better things I think you'll appreciate them more. But if you can afford better, than don't cheat yourself to save a buck just because you can. Basically, stay within your means, no matter how much or how little you have. No one's going to rely on a fly rod for survival. Grub first, then finesse.

https://www.ganderoutdoors.com/pflueger-fly-combo-kit-634484.html#q=fly%2Brod&lang=default&start=2&cgid=fishing%2Ffishing-rod-reel-combos%2Ffly-fishing-combos

REDNECK Loc: Sanford Florida

Good rod, bass and bream. Or if you're a yankee them other fish.

Salmoneater22 Loc: I live in S.E. Washington state.

Only if you don't like the taste of fish.

REDNECK Loc: Sanford Florida

I took my rod to Alaska and my redneck ways worked.

Gripnriprod Loc: Concepcion Costa Rica

Folks on here only mean well. We all really enjoy the sport and are glad to see others enjoy it too.
The suggestion to look for used gear is good advice. If you connect with someone selling their used equipment, they might be willing to give you a few pointers. Never hurts to ask.
Tight lines.

Salesrep Loc: Maryland

Save your $50.00 until you save another $50.00 then go buy yourself a decent rod.
A decent fly line will cost another $50.00 so you are up to $150.00 already without the reel.

JustRight Loc: Hernando, FL

CBD: you have recd some terrific advice already. I’ll second the motion to find a good used outfit.it’ll be a better use of your half C-note. I snagged a nice Fenwick outfit on EBAY for $40 a while ago. Anyway, you're in good flyrodding country. You might want to drift over to High Ridge Outfitters and BBQ on Hwy 25. No doubt they could help you with tips and info. As others here have indicated, fishing the long rod is a journey [hopefully lifelong], not just a destination. Like CharlieH, I started out with an inexpensive outfit bought in the Base Exchange at Cherry Point in the mid-sixties. Wouldnt trade the memories or the experiences that old rod gave me, and you couldn't fit all the blue-nosed bream i caught on it into a 16’ canoe. Have graduated to better equipment and tying as i became able as a hobbiest, not a purist. Again, as others said, dont get discouraged. I’ll add, keep an open mind...you can pick up a lot of tips talking with others streamside who flyfish.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Craigslist, yes,..eBay, mmmaybe,...Wish.com, possibly, but you will wait awhile for delivery.... but don't forget PAWN SHOPS AND YARD SALES !!

PS.. meeting with a guy, later today to see/buy a TFO w/ a Lamson reel, loaded with Rio for ...$100 ! Craigslist !

JustRight Loc: Hernando, FL

OfferUp in some areas is a decent option, too.

Charlie H Loc: Greer, Arizona

Here’s a short read about
Lefty Kreh, showing just how important expensive equipment is. Pay attention:

“Dropping Jaws”
In the fall of 1965, Bernard "Lefty" Kreh was the newly appointed director of the Metropolitan Miami Fishing Tournament, and he was scheduled to speak at a regular meeting of my fishing club. He was new to the job, unknown to the local fishing community, and anxious to get us all more interested in the tournament.

He began speaking to an obviously uninterested audience. He immediately sensed the need to win over and impress club members, all of whom presumed that their knowledge far exceeded that of the stout, little fella from the Mid-Atlantic. Lefty stopped mid-sentence. The room grew quiet. He stepped from the podium toward a member in the front row who had a fly rod and reel at his side. Lefty asked if he could borrow the rod for a moment. The audience remained silent and curious.

Lefty stripped line from the reel without assembling the two-piece, fiberglass rod. He took the back taper of the fly line in his left hand, the level section of belly in his right hand, and without the rod began to false cast! He fed line through the fingers of his right hand until he held 30 feet or so in the air, and then shot another 30 feet of line which landed in a pile when stopped by the far auditorium wall. It was the perfect combination of man and moment and made us all understand that this right-handed, "Lefty" person had much to teach us.

Thought you might enjoy that.

Steelhead Mickey Loc: NJ

In-Kreh-dible!

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

In my opinion, Mickey's advice is the best you're going to get. Right weight, right size Rod. For starting a decent fiberglass rod will work just fine. Eagle Claw or Fenwick if they are even still on the market. The line too is super important. Don't skimp, do your home work before you buy. For beginning learn nymphs, wet flies and streamers. You can catch fish even with bad casts with those. Check for a local fly fishing club, there maybe an old fart or two who would be happy to set you up and show you the ropes. Come to Cortez and I'll set you up and show you the ropes. That would cost you more than $50 tho.😃

Arizona Loc: Roy, Washington

Walmart has a rod set up that will work for you. Cortland set up rod, 8 ft, 5/6 wt, reel, and line. About 60 bucks. It's a 4 piece rig, set up for back packing, but it works fine, at least the one I have does, got mine at a yard sale for my collection

Jparkerchandler Loc: Columbus, Ohio

If you are looking into brand new gear, you really won’t anything worth your time and effort under $50. You may be able to look into estate sales and or recently ‘retired’ flyers.
If I could recommend something, ORVIS, makes a very decent combo with pole, reel, line and case for around $150. I’m pretty sure you can find it on amazon.

The CDB is Awesome Loc: Marshall, Madison County, North Carolina

Yeah, I'm gonna have to do so saving up.