Starter combo

[thecameraguy]

What is a good starter combo for saltwater fly fishing? I'm looking for something I can use inshore / near shore that doesn't cost a fortune. I'd like to keep the cost under $100 (realistic?) to see it's for me. As my wife often reminds me...'Just what you need, another hobby and another closet full of stuff"

[tightloop101]

There are several really good outfits that fit the bill. All major manufacturers have kits. I would suggest that you look at a 9' 9wt with a floating line to start with. The floating line will help you cast to begin with, then get yourself an intermediate line and then a 250grain sink tip. You can do that as needed by getting extra spools for the reel. Try to find out when you can try the stick so that you can get some free lessons when trying the rod. Let me know if this is helpful to you.

[ctb]

You might try ebay and look for a used combo. The old St. Croix Pro Graphites are pretty nice.

[dalton]

Its nearly impossible to get a combo for $100. I'm not sure if there are even any reels that are corrosion resistant for under $100, which is crucial for saltwater. I would recomend that you wait and save at least $250+/- to get a decent rod, reel and line. A decent fly line alone costs $35, cheaper lines will be difficult to cast and will break down in saltwater. For around $250, you can get the entry level Temple Fork Outfitters rod (Lefty Kreh Signature Series), $100 reel (Okuma or Orvis saltwater models can be found for around this amount), and fly line and backing. Others would probably recomend that you save up around $400-500 to get a starter combo, which could satisfy you for years to come.

[tightloop101]

I too agree with Dalton. For $250 you can get everything that you need and have it perform the way that it should. It may sound expensive but keep one thing in mind the cost of most middle priced rods is $250 and reels as well. Look at Temple Fork, Cortland, Scientific Anglers etc. They all have outfits that should meet your needs.

[rhahn427]

Watch your sales ........... I bought an 8 wt Reddington at Cabelas last year on a sale for $69 ......... it will handle most of the stuff you will usually get in the bay except for the larger rock .......... I also got some ORVIS Battenkill LA V's for $69 each .......... EBAY has some good deals but like anything ......... you gotta keep your eyes open and ready to pounce on a deal when you find one .........

Good luck in your search ........... oh and BTW ...... there are sometimes some great deals from some of the guys on the Fly fishing board ........