In recent times fly fishing has blown up across outdoor media, I guarantee you’ve seen a variety of Instagram photos and Youtube videos featuring some of the biggest tarpon along with some of the tiniest trout all being caught with fly tackle.
When you see this media and some of the brands of gear they use you’re inclined to give it a shot yourself right up until you see the price tag on that boutique carbon fiber rod paired with, what should be, a solid gold reel.
Well, I am here to tell you that there is quality fly fishing gear that is also affordable for the beginner fly fisherman. Many fly rod manufacturers are now offering entry level combo kits that include everything you need to catch a fish on the fly right out of the box.
This post will break down my recommendations for the best fly rod combo for beginners with a budget in mind. Whether you plan to wet your line in a trickling mountain brook or on a crystal blue flat off The Keys, I will help you find the right gear to land your first fish on the fly.
Understanding Fly Rods and Reels
Before you choose a combo you’ll want to have a good idea of what you’ll be fishing for and where you’ll be fishing for it. These two parameters will greatly affect the length and weight of the fly rod and reel you choose.
A great all-around option for beginner freshwater fly fishing is the 9’ 5wt combo. This size rod and reel can be used on cold water streams for trout as well as lakes and rivers for bass and panfish.
To go after larger fish you’ll want to go with a 9’ 8wt combo, this combo will be able to handle most inshore saltwater species, like redfish or bonefish, and give you a better chance at landing hard-fighting freshwater fish like hybrid striped bass.
You can change the length of your rod to get more distance in your cast or make it easier to cast in tight spaces like an overgrown mountain stream. You can also vary the weights of your line to change the presentation of your flies or increase the amount of fight you feel from smaller fish.
My Top Pick For Best Fly Rod Combo
Maxcatch Extreme Fly Fishing Combo Kit
This is the most affordable combo I have found that also features a wide selection of weights and lengths. With a very affordable price, a disc drag large arbor aluminum reel, quality 4 pc rod, and a one-year rod warranty along with lifetime repair warranty this is an amazing deal!
Once you receive this combo all you need to do is attach the reel to the reel seat, put the rod together, feed the line through the guides and you’re ready to tie on a fly and go fishing. You also have the ability to swap the retrieval on the reel for left-handed casters.
One other perk of this package is that it includes some great accessories. The rod tube that comes with this package is lightweight but offers superior protection for your rod while traveling. Included is a neoprene reel cover to protect your reel while transporting from truck to boat and back. To top it all off you’ll receive a waterproof fly box stocked with some flies that are perfect for catching some panfish or a trout, a nifty line tool with a retractable tether, and a Maxcatch branded hat.
Best Budget-Friendly Options
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
This package is similar in quality and design to the Maxcatch but includes a couple of upgrades and an interesting guarantee. With this rod and reel combo, you’ll receive a pair of forceps and a rod tube with an extra storage pocket for gear on the side. Sougayilang promises that if you ask for their help with a product issue they will help you solve it within 24hrs. I also like that this same package is available in 5 weight and 8 weight.
Wild Water Fly Fishing Deluxe Starter Package
This package has similar specs to the rods and reel we’ve already gone over but with a few bonuses. You’ll receive a few more bits of tackle, some extra tools, and an upgraded rod tube that can actually hold your fly box as well. Included in the extra tackle are 18 flies including some Chernobyl Ant flies. You also get some forceps, some spare leaders, and a spool of tippet material.
Check it out on Amazon
Best Mid-Range Combos
Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit
This beginner fly fishing outfit is backed by the Orvis brand name. Anyone who has had any interest in fly fishing has probably heard of Orvis, they have been around for a long time and are now applying that knowledge to present you with some “affordable awesomeness” as they describe it.
One unique feature of this outfit is that it comes in a 5-weight 8’ 6” length package. This makes for a smaller and more maneuverable rod when fishing in tight quarters. You also have the peace of mind of Orvis’s lifetime warranty.
Redington Path Fly Rod Combo Kit
This is another solid brand name option offered by Redington. This combo offers a few unique options regarding weight and length that I like including a 4-weight option for those of you specializing in smaller fish species as well as a dedicated saltwater-ready 8-weight option.
One of my favorite features offered in this package is the alignment dots that are printed on the rod. These dots make it so you know that your rod is always in perfect alignment when you install all four sections.
Get Out There And Fish
To get the most out of any of these combos you’ll want to get out and practice casting. Watch this video to get started learning the basics of casting a fly rod. I encourage you to then take your new rod and reel out on the water.
Whether you fish a farm pond or tropical saltwater flat the more experience you get presenting your flies to fish, the more you will learn about how they react, take the fly, and how you need to fight them with this unique tackle.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your fly fishing success story or give us your opinion on the combos we recommend. Tight lines and good luck!