Oh yea, big difference. Orvis sells inexpensive rigs for around $100US. the rig is a basic set up for normal size 7, (like pH scale). It's basically a trout set up. Choosing flies (bait) is another world, which we won't go too deeply into here and now but it comes with a beginners assortment of flies to help you off on the right foot. It comes with a 9'2" rod, "cheap" but serviceable reel, already set up with floating line. The first one broke on the 2nd day. It happened again but they had no trouble replacing it until I was "satisfied". I'll say for me, it was a bit frustrating but I'm sticking in there with Orvis because they kept their word and they paid for all the shipping except the first time. I take my set up to the local park and practice my casting on the lawn. We have a great deal of interest in FF and have public casting pools in the park, if you want to get great advice, this is the place. Some of the instructors have won world class casting awards and are great and generous folks with info and ideas: also provide fly tying lessons. Get a rod and get into it. Like anything, you have to practice, so get into it and enjoy yourself. I wish you the best of Good luck. Now go fishin'!

Some great ideas from everybody. I, at least, got a chuckle from everybody; good fun for all ages, sexes and interests (mostly fishing though)! (I might could snag a fish with a fly swatter, that would be different, eh?)

You guys/gals will probably think I'm completely nuts but I do think that there are creatures out there, other "hominids" which either we know nothing about or are criticized for thinking that Sasquatchs are out there, living their live quite well on their own, without anything of ours. I am one of those "believers". It's not a question of "believing" in them. There is DNA from them and they are, questionably, a hominid, or some form of modern ape. The topic is gaining credence from scientific backgrounds. There is a Ph.D named Jeff Meldrum, at Idaho State, who has over 200 footprints; plaster castings of them. There are films and many testimonies from average, every-day people, like you and me. I could go on but I'm tired of typing. Try to keep an open mind. Look around on YT and you'll find videos for days. And you won't believe your eyes! Maybe some of you will take a look or two. We're not all conspiracy nuts, you know.

Almost "Crappy" like but you're right, a wild colored blue gill. It does have wild colors, doesn't it?

If you're talkin about a rod n reel set up for $600, you must have a much better union than I do! Sheesh, I figure a good dedicated "catfish rig" should set me back no more than
$150. Absolutely past the limit! If you guys are that rich, I'm in the wrong place.
Ta Ta, y'all!

Sounds like you need a guide. I'm all the way over here in the Pacific but, from some of the YT videos I've seen, that a guide would work with you and be your answer! (btw, I hear they're NOT cheap but there are some good ones available, so good luck with that.) That's the best I can offer you.

I'm new here and glad to find you all. I've been out in all kinds of weather and the biggest thing I have come away with, regarding clothing, is to LAYER. Yup, layer your clothing so that taking off, or putting on, one piece will give you the comfort you desire. And, if not, then add something, like a sweater. Comfort is where you find it, more correctly, YOU make it happen. That's it. Simple is not always easy. Just a reminder and good luck all!