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Fly fishing: Are cheap starter rod kits worth it?
Jun 10, 2021 09:47:15   #
FS Digest
 
Basically I’m experienced in fishing but I’m in college/work part time. So, I unfortunately can’t drop $200 at once right now to get into this hobby. Are those starter rod kits worth it or are they complete junk? Would I be better off buying everything separately? I read that just for the line, backing etc. that will cost $20+.

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by Rocky172

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Jun 10, 2021 15:31:14   #
Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA
 
Your best bet would be to look at a thrift shop or pawn broker. Lawn sales? The problem with those inexpensive starter kits is the line. A good fly line will cost as much as one of those kits. Other than that the rod and reel are alright for learning. However, if you look for previously owned - there are lot of folks out there who paid a bunch of money to get into the sport and then realized it wasn't for them, and would like to get a little back on their investment. Look around.

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Jun 10, 2021 16:27:21   #
fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
 
Spiritof27 has nailed the answer for you on this. The best advice you could ask for. Definitely check out used equipment if you think you'll really take to it. Most of my inventory is used or home made stuff and it all catches fish just fine.

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Jun 11, 2021 09:54:12   #
Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York
 
FS Digest wrote:
Basically I’m experienced in fishing but I’m in college/work part time. So, I unfortunately can’t drop $200 at once right now to get into this hobby. Are those starter rod kits worth it or are they complete junk? Would I be better off buying everything separately? I read that just for the line, backing etc. that will cost $20+.

Get a starter kit from Cabela’s, 4wt. You won’t be disappointed.
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by Rocky172

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Jun 11, 2021 10:39:56   #
nonki521 Loc: el cerrito ca
 
One place to look is specific fly fishing shops that rents fly rod/reels. Most of them sell off their rentals priced accordingly to the wear and tear. They want your return business and should outfit you with reasonable quality equipment.

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Jun 11, 2021 13:19:56   #
trlittle Loc: Chico CA
 
Have you discussed this with your local fly shop. That is the first place that I would start. And maybe they might have a used set up they want to sell

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Jun 11, 2021 13:42:26   #
bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington
 
Go to Craig's list and under wanted and in Sporting, post, "Wanted, fly fishing set up. Poor collage student looking to get into fly fishing. I can't pay much, but that rig you replaced and now gathering dust, will get the love and care it deserves."

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Jun 11, 2021 13:48:37   #
Don Fischer
 
FS Digest wrote:
Basically I’m experienced in fishing but I’m in college/work part time. So, I unfortunately can’t drop $200 at once right now to get into this hobby. Are those starter rod kits worth it or are they complete junk? Would I be better off buying everything separately? I read that just for the line, backing etc. that will cost $20+.

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by Rocky172


How would those cheap starter rods stack up to what you already have! Think about it!

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Jun 11, 2021 13:49:55   #
Don Fischer
 
Spiritof27 wrote:
Your best bet would be to look at a thrift shop or pawn broker. Lawn sales? The problem with those inexpensive starter kits is the line. A good fly line will cost as much as one of those kits. Other than that the rod and reel are alright for learning. However, if you look for previously owned - there are lot of folks out there who paid a bunch of money to get into the sport and then realized it wasn't for them, and would like to get a little back on their investment. Look around.


What do you think might be better. The line he doesn't have or that cheap starter line?

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Jun 11, 2021 15:05:45   #
marshatasa
 
FS Digest wrote:
Basically I’m experienced in fishing but I’m in college/work part time. So, I unfortunately can’t drop $200 at once right now to get into this hobby. Are those starter rod kits worth it or are they complete junk? Would I be better off buying everything separately? I read that just for the line, backing etc. that will cost $20+.

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by Rocky172


I think you may want to concentrate on getting some time and experience on a fly stream, lake or river first, before investing allot of money in gear. There is so much to learn and appreciate about fly fishing. Gear is only one, all though essential, part of the experience. SP is right, you can learn to tie flies, and leaders, read waters, weather, hatches etc. No fly gear is a waste, just a start to a great adventure. You will grow through/out of, your gear and replace it with better equipment as you grow with the sport. You can overcome the shortcomings of gear with skills. If you spend all your time hunting for gear, you probably will not recognize good from poor initially. If you can find an inexpensive, matched rod, and reel (Cabela's) get out on the water and have at it. No gear will compensate for an inability to cast and strip correctly. Good luck...get out and have some fun.

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Jun 11, 2021 16:39:20   #
pinkham42 Loc: Casper, Wyoming
 
Been a While but couldn't help it on this one... 34 yrs Fly Fishing and broke a $450 rod last year. Bought Cortland line, and Leo combo this year, (at Walmart none the less, as the wife wasn't so objective), 8' 5/6 and 9' 7/8 this year for a grand total of 120 bucks. Both are catching fish just like the Orvis I broke. Yes I have the option of using my better reel, but the cheapies are doing as well, and I don't have to worry to much about breaking something expensive. Another point, I'd rather spend $45.00 on a Cortland and find out it's not for me, than blow several hundred on the experiment. A lot of expensive equipment catches more fishermen than Fish!!!

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