#12 Fly Rod Starter Kits or Combo Kits

Fly Rod Starter kits,

"Fly rod starter kits or combo kits" are perfect for beginners who want to dive into the art of fly fishing, or learning to cast a fly rod, without breaking the bank. These comprehensive packages provide most of the essential tools needed to start casting and catching fish. Typically, a starter fly rod kit includes a lightweight fly rod ranging from 7 to 9 feet in length, a matching reel, pre-spooled with backing, fly line, and leader. Some of these kits also offer a selection of flies, and accessories such as fly boxes and line cutters. They are designed to be user-friendly and affordable, allowing aspiring anglers to explore the joy of fly fishing without breaking the bank or compromising on quality.

As I read social media posts. I see a reoccurring post that I am going to address. The question I see over and over. For people wanting to learn how to fly fish they ask about starter combo kits that you see online or Walmart, or your local sporting goods store. The question is always, “is this kit worth it? What kit do I need? Will this be the right kit for me”?

If you have searched for the basic gear of fly-fishing, you’ve probably been bombarded with a bunch of numbers and specifications that make no sense. Does weight (wt.) tell me how heavy a fishing rod is, or how heavy a fish I can land? Perhaps a little bit of both? Does it matter if my line is orange, green, or yellow? 

But don’t panic! Fly fishing gear is incredibly specialized by intended use. Since there are thousands of species of fish and likewise thousands of places you can fish for them, manufacturers have tailored their features and their kits to meet as many individual needs as possible. But I’m here to help you: it doesn’t have to be complicated to start. 

I'm going to answer these question in several parts. If you are a new fly fisherman or just learning how to cast, and you are considering buying a starter kit? There are a few questions you need to ask yourself first before you can decide as to your first starter kit.

What is the target species I'm going after? Am I going after Trout, Panfish, Bass, Saltwater species. I believe this is one of the most important questions to start with. There are countless species of fish that you can target with a fly rod, deciding what you are going to fish for can be dictated by several factors, for example: where you live, are there lakes or ponds in your area? or rivers. Do you live near the Salt water, or near a harbor, do you travel for work and see water around your areas of travel?

Let’s say for example you have decided that you are going to target mainly Trout in rivers. I don't think your starter kit should be heavier than a 5/6-weight rod reel combo, (my prior articles discussed the weight of the line in relation to the weight of the rod) The fact is Trout fishing requires lighter lines, a Small delicate presentation, smaller flies and therefore smaller hooks, lighter tippets. If you were to use a heavier rod like a 7 or 8 weight, more suited for Bass, this rod could be too stiff, the presentation would be splashy and loud on the water, and you could pull the fly out or break the line.

In contrast you have decided that you will be mainly targeting Bass in ponds. Then you want to have a rod more like a 7 or 8 weight. When you are Bass fishing your flies will be much larger, and have more bulk, your presentation is not as important as it is in while Trout fishing. Heavy lines are better suited to throwing bigger or bulky flies that you will use more often while Bass fishing, also when you hook a Bass, your rod will need to have enough Horsepower to handle these powerful fish.

Next up is the price point. The price you are willing to pay is something you need to consider before you make your purchase. Buy something that is in your budget that will allow you to start out, learn the basic skills needed to become a proficient fly fisherman, decide if fly fishing is something you want to pursue. Just because one kit is more expensive that another does not always make it better. A starter kit should be adequate to allow you to learn the basics of casting, and at the same time push you to improve your skills, and most importantly allow you to catch a fish. After all this is the reason we want to fish.

Keep in mind with these starter kits you are looking at to buy are not the Ferrari of fly rods. Most of the starter kits will come with more of a “learner permit” type of rod. I personally own several of these rods that I mainly use as my teaching rods. I can teach a student how to cast, how to catch fish, and they work simply fine for the intended purpose. As you go up in price you will notice that materials fit and finish sensitivity and overall weight will all change according to the price tag.

More things to consider, does the kit have accessories that you might need? Most kits will contain the basics of a Fly rod, reel, backing, and fly line, and even a leader to get things started. Some of the kits include things such as line cutters, Forceps, small fly box, or a rod storage tube. These are the little things that could make one kit better than a competitor’s kit, some of the kits I have seen even include a net.

The next factor to look for when you're buying your first starter kit, Is the warranty, does the rod come with a warranty? If the rod comes with a warranty, look at the terms and conditions. Is it one-year parts and labor? Is it unlimited? Where do you send it back to be repaired? How much is the cost of a warranty? These are important issues. So, when the day comes that you do, and I say “do break your rod” you can get your equipment repaired and back in your hand as soon as possible.

let’s fast forward +/-2 years or less, and you have absolutely worn out your starter combo kit. You have accumulated a vast amount of tackle, Flies, and other miscellaneous gear, but you feel it’s now time to move up to your next level of fly rod. Over the past months of fly fishing, your casting has greatly improved, you’re catching more fish than when you first began, your skills are developing, you have gained more knowledge, you generally feel amazingly comfortable when you go out on the water.

Now that you can identify the types of waters and species you are pursuing on a regular basis you should have a better understanding of your next rod will most likely need to deliver. This is where people get bogged down. We have all heard the term “paralysis by analysis”? You read ever article ever written on the subject, your friends have told you 20 different rods to buy, read every on-line review, heck even your dog has weighed in, you are still not able to decide. Not to fear there is a place that may solve what troubles you, it is called, “A fly Shop.” The reason for a Fly Shop is as follows:

Number one: you can speak to people who have experience casting different rods, answer questions. You can tell the store clerk that you are most interested in Tarpon, Bass, Trout, Pike, whatever you like to chase. This will allow the clerk more information about which type or rod manufacture that most suits your needs, and possible narrow down your search.

Number two: you can put your hands on the rod and see if it feels natural to you. Some rods I have tried just don’t feel right in my hand. My hands are different than your hands, so the same rod may feel quite different to each individual.

Number three: Most shops will let you do a demo cast of the rod you are contemplating. You can feel for yourself if this rod feels good for you and only you.

I think number three could be the most important on the list. Not all people cast the same way. You will need to find the rod that is right for you, has the feel and action you are looking for, is suitable for your target species, is in your price point, and has a comprehensive warranty.

If all these criteria are met then you may have just found your next rod.

It is my most sincere hope that some of this information will be helpful in your search in purchasing your own fly rod reel combo kit.

Cheers

Gary, AKA LaMachine

Again, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me.