What is the OBs recommendation for an entry level flyrod setup. I grew up saltwater fishing but recently have been doing more freshwater. Had the opportunity to fly fish a few weeks back and really enjoyed it.

Looks like most recommend a 9' 5wt to start with? Any good beginner setups?

I like an 8' 6" rod, but 9' is fine. My wife just got in to fly fishing a couple of years ago. I bought her this set up, or one really similar:

https://www.orvis.com/product/encounter-fly-rod-outfit/3ASH5363.html?adv=127748&cm_mmc=Google-_-All-_-standardshop-_-CATCHALL_PLA_CVR_BAU_X_G-_-3ASH5363&utm_source=google&utm_medium=standardshop&utm_campaign=CATCHALL_PLA_CVR_BAU_X_G&utm_content=All&utm_term=3ASH5363&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21470421111&gbraid=0AAAAADnb7VG_wtHQ6CVIEnNlR1ygRragb&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof_QBhCgARIsADaMzOdypY3ZoBEj_0dZWlUgWyhraPeMKz_6xFpJVvPjKSDwPUcXJJMqvd0aAnvLEALw_wcB

I started a few years ago. Just been using Redding Wrangler kit since it is easy to pack and was what my first guide recommended I get. Have one for trout and one for salt. Just got back from my first redfish trip. It was a learning experience. Much different than trout. Going on a northern pike trip in a few weeks.

I think the recommendations vary based on the type of fishing you will most commonly be doing.

I am in Katy. I was able to do some trout stream fishing in Broken Bow but am more likely to be either fishing on a pond/lake or on the coast.

Sounds like I would need am 8wt and later get a 5wt for stream or can you use an 8wt for both?
Trying to get an entry level setup before going big. I am seeing fly fishing can get expensive quick and idk if I will notice the difference yet.

Grew up fly fishing. Moved to a Tenkara style rod this year and jury is still out.

Highly recommend you page 87Flyfisher on this forum. He has made his living for many years fly fishing across the country and world. He has forgot more on fly fishing and equipment/gear than most people will ever know about it. A rue wealth of knowledge of everything fly fishing.

Orvis combo is a couple hundred bucks and will get you started and be good enough to use once you get more experienced.

Not for you op but for the more experienced I have some older fenwick glass rods if anyone is interested. Case and sock for most of em. Great condition too!

I agree with dr_boogs...

In Texas, a 7-wt is great for all the larger freshwater species, yet still fun to catch bluegill with.

Size your tippet down for sand bass, trout, bluegill.
Size up for various bass, carp, catfish, drum, redfish & other saltwater.

Add a separate 8-wt setup if you want to mix saltwater in more often. I carry both 7-wt and 8-wt with me on the kayak at all times so I can have different flies or different rigs ready to cast (streamer on one and topwater on the other, or two different streamers)

ENJOY the "healthy" addiction!

7-wt and 8-wt as combos (set up with rod, reel, backing, and line) from Orvis (Encounter or Clearwater), TFO (Black, Pilot, or Dispatch), or Redington (Wrangler or Field Kit) will be great to start with, and you can upgrade later as you add other rods. These combos often come with a case so you never take the reel off the rod, which is very convenient for transport and setup.

They each offer entry-level (lower cost) and mid-level (more expensive for nicer rod/reel). The mid-level will make you happy for many many years.

My recommendation is to buy an extra tip section for each of your rods. This is the one rod piece most likely to be broken (tripping, trees, car doors, and ceiling fans mostly... not fighting a fish). Keep the tip in your rod holder so it is always with you. The spare tip section will keep you fishing when out on a trip.

4 or 5 for fresh, 8+ for salt. A entry to mid level 7wt won't punch through the wind with heavy flies like you'll need on the coast, especially in the hands of an entry to mid level caster. 5wt is plenty for any bass you're likely to catch on a fly
I'm a big fan of Redington for entry level value, but I can't tell a difference between my dad's 4wt crosswater and my son's 4wt aventik (and they are both fine). They are probably made in the same factory along with the maxcatch stuff.

I like dr boogs recommendation. Pair it with a redington behemoth or grande, will hold line for you and won't break the bank. Get a quality Scientific Angler line that your local fly shop recommends, depending on what you will be fishing for. Don't skimp on the fly line.

Thank yall for all the advice. Are there brands to avoid altogether?

Welcome to the club. I have too many hobbies, but this one remains at the top. When my body gives out some day for my other hobbies, I will always have fly fishing. So much fun gear, so many beautiful places, so many big ones that get off. Enjoy the ride.

Orvis in the Woodlands and in Houston offers a free Fly Fishing 101 Class.

Mega Lops said:

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None of the brands will matter if you don't get good at casting.

You might not like this idea, but you may want to consider finding a certified fly caster local to you and get some lessons first. The casting instructor will have rods for you to get the feel of if you can tell him your goals.

https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/

Looks like you're in the Houston area, you could go to Bayou City Angler or Gordy & Sons for casting suggestions before investing in a starter set up.

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This.

Pretty sure Marcos Enriquez is still at Gordy and he's one of the best around. He'll take you downstairs to their casting pond and work with you. Great dude.

An 8wt for the salt (reds/drum/specks) is probably the best to start with. As you get better casting and more specialized you may want to go down to a 7 or 6wt. As one of our old OB posters who I haven't seen on here in forever, BKClark, used to say "fly fishing the bay with a 6wt is like dove hunting with a .410." And of course if you're targeting bigger saltwater stuff, especially in Florida, like tarpon or permit you'll want to go up in size. But, I've also caught 20# reds on a 6wt, 50# drum on an 8wt, and 70# tarpon on a 10wt.

In freshwater, an 8wt will be slightly overkill for bass but not crazy. However, a more all-around for Texas for trout in the Guad, bream & bass all over would be a 5wt.

As for specific brands, gear can get expensive with a quickness. If you're just starting out an Orvis Encounter outfit in the appropriate weight is a great place to start without spending a ton. Similarly are the outfits you can get from Redington.

Orvis Encounter outfit

Redington outfits

One of these outfits will handle the vast majority of what you're liable to hook into in Texas waters whether it's freshwater or bays. That being said, before I really started spending money on high-end gear I hooked into a 25# jack crevalle that absolutely burned up a Lamson reel drag and junked the reel which is why all my primary saltwater reels are Tibor now- they're the classic Everglades, Riptide, Gulfstream reels and an original style Backcountry Wide CL- they ain't cheap but they're bulletproof and the drag on a classic Tibor might be the sexiest sound ever.

I liken the first fly rod to buying entry level golf clubs. As in, DONT DO IT. It will work, but it will make your learning process much more frustrating and not give you a clear idea about how it's supposed to go. Spend a couple hundred bucks, DONT GO CHEAP, with quality rod (most important), fly line, and then just get a line holder of a reel.

not sure where you live, but find the local fly shop and go talk to those guys. One of my biggest grips about this sport is the biggest barrier to entry is feeling overwhelmed by the"pros" at the fly shop. I was always worried about looking like a poser. That's on me. Those guys are there to help and love to get people into the sport, especially beginners.

wouldn't be a bad idea to grab a lesson. Get the basics down and then go home and practice practice practice.

Sounds like I need to go to Gordys or the Orvis up in The Woodlands to try some out. Thank yall for all of the suggestions, very much appreciated.

Just remember, it's the Indian and not the arrow. Once you get better and spend more time on the sport, you can upgrade your gear.

TC nailed it. You're in Katy, go see Marcos or one of the guys for a few into lessons. Spend as much on your lessons as on your rod.

Harry Crofton is a certified casting instructor in Houston. I took a lesson from him before I went to Belize. I'd recommend him as well.

FIDO 96 said:

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Sage R8 9' 5wt
Ross Evolution Reel
Simms G3 Waders
Simms guide wading jacket
Fishpond sling bag of various styles (plural)



Spending $4K won't make you fish/cast any better, but you'll catch up to the rest of us who still think it's the arrow.


DS

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Forget Simms. Skwala, Grundens or Sitka waders and jackets.