# 12 Fly Rod Starter Kits

Fly Rod Starter kits, the "Costco sample tray" of fly fishing

Fly rod starter kits are perfect for beginners who want to dive into the art of fly fishing, or learn to cast a fly rod, without breaking the bank. At the shop we have several models that start around the two hundred dollar mark, and they are aimed at the person who wants to “dip” their toes into the fly fishing world without breaking the bank, similar to the "Costco sample tray", where you can sample the goods.

There is a large choice of commercially available starter kits, and most of these packages provide the essential tools needed to start casting and catching fish. Typically, a starter fly rod kit includes a fly rod ranging from 71/2 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 through social media posts. I see a reoccurring post that I'm 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 on Amazon or Walmart, or the local tackle shop.

The question is always, “is this kit worth it"? what kit do I need? will this be the right kit for me”?. If you’ve searched for the basic gear on Amazon, for fly-fishing kits, you’ve probably been bombarded with a bunch packages, and numbers and specifications that make no sense, right now. 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 tailor the 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. I believe this is the crucial question 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 more delicate presentation, smaller flies and therefore smaller hooks, lighter tippets.

In contrast if you decide that you will be mainly targeting Bass in ponds. Then you want to have a heavier 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 enough 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, but closer to a “Honda Civic”, you know your first car, it wasn’t sexy, but it got you from point “A” to “B”. 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 just fine for the intended purpose.

More things to consider, does the kit have any accessories? Some 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 that day comes and  “you 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 very 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 very different to each individual.

Number three: Most shops that are worth their “Salt” will let you demo cast 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 casters cast the same way. You will need to find the rod that is right for you, the rod that has the feel and action you are looking for, is it suitable for your target species, is in your price point, and does it have a comprehensive warranty.

If all these criteria are met then you may just have 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.

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

Gary, AKA LaMachine