Reddit mentions: The best fly fishing equipment

It, of course, depends on your style of fishing as well as budget. I’ve had a great time fishing the Eagle Claw Featherlite in the 3/4wt with a DT line in small streams on the North Shore of Lake Superior and the driftless region. Though it is limited in the variety of water it can fish it’s an extremely inexpensive rod that over performs and I don’t have to worry about babying. For a more lower-medium priced and all-around rod a St. Croix mojo trout or a few of the rods from Echo (ION XL, Carbon XL, and their Base) might be better choice as they are longer and thus more versatile. I haven’t specifically fished either but I have the St. Croix mojo bass for smallmouth in the Mississippi and absolutely love it, it’s light and shoots line like a cannon! With its accolades I can’t imagine the mojo trout to be anything but great; there are also lots of options for lots of applications. To speak on Echo’s I’ve handled their base model in the shop and it was a bit heavy for my tastes; however, I have their ION reel and am a big fan. For an upper-medium tier rod I have a Sage Foundation in a 4wt. While a bit higher priced than the others it performs phenomenally. It is very light weight but can still handle bigger flys than you might expect a 4wt to as well as delicately present dry flys with laser accuracy. At the shop I was within a few inches of hitting a bumble bee at 40-ft and that’s what sold me on it.

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Featherlight-Weight-Yellow/dp/B00019NAOS

https://stcroixrods.com/products/mojo-trout

https://echoflyfishing.com/single-hand-rods-2019/

http://t15440-s23596.mozu.com/product/freshwater/foundation-freshwater

Where are you in PA?

Here's my setup that has worked well for me over the past year or so. (10'6" 3.wt Cortland Competition Nymph Rod, Allen Trout II reel)

(Not my own--maybe a slight personal variation-- but mostly a George Daniels rig set up): Attached to my 5wt fly line (just because, line wt here means nothing) is 15-18' of 20lb blue Stren. My fly line never leaves my reel. In my line holders the whole way is mono-this is important as the weight of my fly line is not pulling my flies up out of the water column (back towards my reel) thanks to gravity. Then 12-16" of yellow 8lb mono. Next is one full segment (I'd say its about 20") of bicolor Umpqua tippet (red first then yellow), followed by a tippet ring. All of that is kept out of the water. That yellow to red to yellow block is my sighter. I watch that like a hawk. From the tippet ring (see GD book for exacts, and don't quote me here) I have a straight shot of 4x tippet of normally around 2-3'. This really depends on water depth and distance fishing, etc etc, to my first weighted fly (Tungsten bead head or lead wrapped body nymph). From the bend of the hook, a lighter, smaller second pattern trailing. (I've seen and heard of success w the flies reversed as well, this is just what's worked for me).

Hope this helps some!

This is the kind of thing you'd be looking for then, this is another of slightly better quality. I don't have that particular rod, but it looks like it has good reviews, and its price is good enough to be decent quality while still being cheap enough to be a starter rod and one you'd take backpacking where there's a chance it could get broken. Fly rods easily go into the $500-$600 range or higher, but that's not necessary for someone just starting out.

this is a shop near me that sells much higher end gear

Stateside you can buy a Redington Classic Trout for between $100-$160
depending on which model you select. The 4pc 9' 4wt rod tube measures 30" OAL, and it is also available in a 6pc model in 3 & 5 wts as well as some shorter models. Pick whatever length/weight suits you. Personally, I believe the 9' 4wt is one of the best rods for the money, and I paid more than that Amazon price. It depends on what you are targeting and what you expect to throw with it. The clue is pretty much in the name. It's a good trout and panfish rod.

What is your budget? Generally a $300 rod will be much better than a $100 rod but go up from there and there are diminishing returns. It will be cheaper to start with a "Ready to fish" outfit.

If I had to pick a beginner setup it would probably be this path setup. Redington is Sage's lower end brand but it is still good stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Redington-Path-Outfit-5WT-Fishing/dp/B00EYJNP7I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473270369&sr=8-1&keywords=redington+fly+rod

If you are going to be fishing for bass that aren't in very shallow water you will probably want to pick up some intermediate or sinking line as well.

Piscifun. Wanted a reel w blue accents to match my Redington Link. Took a gamble on this Chinese budget friendly reel and was not disappointed. Not the coolest sounding "click" but smooth action/drag and great looking for the money. Got the 7/8 which pairs w my 9ft 5wt well.

Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reels with Cork/Teflon Disc Drag System 5 6 wt Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016Y3CX5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_va8.yb54GV1VG

What kind of budget?

Edit: Echo Base Fly Rod (7'6" 3wt) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4SY5L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_soc3Db8WA5KZ1


Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body 3/4 Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191J5BYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hpc3DbX1VYQW2

I’ve been very happy with this pairing. Not very expensive but works great so far.

I never found a decent one. I felt like they would either never stay extended, or they would get stuck permanently extended and the advantages of a teloscopic were lost. I did get one of these "packable" 4-piece rods from Eagle Claw, and I don't ever imagine I'll own a telescopic again. Fly or spinning, packs small, and stays perfectly when assembled. Definitely the way to go.
https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Pack-Spin-Piece/dp/B0000AUY91

At the risk of sounding like a cheapskate, this is my 3 wt: https://www.amazon.com/Maxcatch-Medium-fast-Premier-Performance-V-Premier/dp/B01N0MK19V/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496808473&sr=8-3&keywords=maxcatch%2Bfly%2Brod&th=1&psc=1.

Honestly, I love it. Use it all the time and have no issues with it. Performs just as well as my more expensive other rods (in higher weights, this is my smallest rod).

I think I saw your last post in the comments you where talking about a clear water also and that is a rod combo I was looking into my self. After reading the comments I started shopping around for a TFO rod and a Lamson reel. I was extremely impressed with the reviews on both of them and completely changed my mind away from the clear water. I found some good deals on Amazon for both and this is basically going to be my next setup.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007NLQM5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410331488&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40#
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A4KNDH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1410331645&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Under $300 as long as you don't get a rod longer than 9'. But hell I'm just one guy.

I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079Z4XNRB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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While it is a very cheap reel, the rod is actually fantastic (I have very little fly experience so take that with a grain of salt). I have a creek right next to work and I can catch sunfish all day on this thing. I am in Oklahoma so I haven't taken it anywhere for trout yet, but I'm sure it will work fine.

Just the rod or the entire outfit? Also, what type of fishing? Bass requires a heavier setup than trout and salt has different hardware requirements.

To keep it simple, I'm going to assume you're in upstate NY, based on your post history, and you're looking for bows, brookies, browns, and smallmouth. This screams 6/7wt to me. I don't have it, but my buddy fishes this in a 6wt for PNW rainbows and cutthroats. Again, get the 7wt for a good mix of finesse for dry flies, and power for poppers and streamers.
Everyone always talks about which rod they think they need, but the line question is just as, if not more important. This Rio Grand line helped take me from a pile on the ground in front of me, to accurate, tight loops when I first was learning how to cast.
The least critical component in your kit is the reel. It exists to hold line, balance the rod, and look good for fish this size. This reel should work out well, however some of their other reels have had issues with drag settings. Personally, I like click and pawl type reels with no drag, which you might be able to pick up relatively cheaply from a pawn shop or craigslist. Should you choose to go that route, I'd look for an older Pflueger Medalist.

There ya go. Fully kitted out in decent, albeit not name brand, gear that should last you until you decide to drop the hammer on something more expensive or specialized.

AMEN! My current setup:

Rod

Reel

$110, I've casted thousands of times and caught hundreds of fish on it. I did splurge (at least to me it was a splurge) on Rio Gold line. Totally worth it, good line is a big deal.

Get and Echo Base Rod https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Base-Fly-Rod-690-4/dp/B00SW20NSC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495477414&sr=1-1&keywords=echo%2Bbase%2Brod&th=1&psc=1 and then a grab a https://www.amazon.com/Waterworks-Lamson-Lamson-Remix-Fly-Reel/dp/B00NO6LHEU?th=1&psc=1

Then grab some Rio line. The Echo rod throws a ton better then a lot of higher priced rods. It was 13th in Yellowstone rod shooting last year and this year dropped down to 23rd. https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gear-review/2017-5-weight-shootout-fly-rod-review-best-5-weight-rod-best-fishing-pole-best-fly-rod-g-loomis-nrx-lp-scott-radian-g-loomis-asquith-t-t-avantt-thomas-and-thomas-avant-edge-by-gary-loomis-orvis-h2-covert-winston-air-sage-x

Plus getting it will still give you room in your budget for top notch line which is going to be the difference maker.

You could check out a super cheap four piece rod on amazon. While not the absolute best quality, it would function just the same.

Here’s an 8’ 4’’ 3 wt rod
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N0MK19V/ref=zg_bs_13362836011_9?ie=UTF8&refRID=SH69DJEQ3RA2NAGZ0QP2&th=1&psc=1

You can get a Lamson Guru on amazon right now for $144. I have the guru 2 which is the same reel with a few upgrades and absolutely live it, caught 7 Harriman Ranch rainbows(these fish are very strong and have lots of room to run) ranging from 16"-22" last week and it performed flawlessly.

Waterworks: Guru 2 Open Reel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GEE2D0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_veDExb3DTSTS1


I just replaced my Temple Fork Outfitters 4wt recently, but for $150, they are very servicable rods.

Temple Fork: Professional Series Fly Rod, TF 05 90-4P 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NLQM5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7fDExbHWJHF0D

Finally, you would also be well served by spending $100 or so for some casting leasons. Nothing beats learning from someone who knows. I never did, until I took a week vacation and has a guide for 5 days and learned more in those 5 days than I learned in my first 5 years.

Edit: the link for the guru is for the guru series 1, size 2...looks confusing

Thanks. Is this the rod. I can't figure out if it's a 3/4 or a 4/5:

Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod, 2 Piece (Yellow, 6-Feet 6-Inch), 4/5 weight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00019NAOS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y4a1xbGHJ6R9D

There's never been a better time to get fairly priced rods small enough for youngsters to get started.

Probably the first one most people would mention is this Featherstick. It's been around for awhile and lot of folks had their introduction on that rod because it's short, light, and inexpensive. It's basically just a thinner, more flexible regular pond rod.

The next step up are generic Asian factory rods from the internet. There's about a thousand companies all selling basically the same product, so it's your choice. Again, anything under 3wt will usually be available in lengths under 7', and these brands will usually be under 75$. Search around mass internet markets like eBay and Amazon and you'll find what you're looking for.

Crazy to think that even 15 years ago a lot of these options didn't even exist.

Yes, but I love this thing: https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Featherlight-Weight-Yellow/dp/B00019NAOS?th=1

You'll look cooler.

Yeah, dawg. $25. Incredible.

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Claw-Featherlight-Weight-Yellow/dp/B00019NAOS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LQ8QRY61M6SG&dchild=1&keywords=eagle+claw+fly+rod&qid=1569529317&s=gateway&sprefix=eagle+cla%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1

rod
+
reel

You'll need backing line, fly line, a tapered leader, and some tippet to rig that all up.

After that, flies, and that's the absolute bare essentials. Should be well under $100 to test the waters.

And once you catch your first fish, you'll need more flies, floatant, splitshot, strike-indicators, 5 different kinds of tippet, weighted forward fly line, forceps, nippers (the sharp ones), a net, waders, boots, sunglasses, those things to hold your sunglasses, a wading staff, four Patagonia hats with trout on them, multiple other rods and reels, spools, a truck, a rod tube holder for the truck, etc ad infinitum...

I was thinking the uglystick or this
M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch 3-12wt Medium-Fast Action Premier Fly Rod-IM8 Carbon Blank for High Performance with AA Cork Grip Hard Chromed Guides and Cordura Tube (V-Premier, 9' 12wt) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAEA3IU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BOxuDbN9EXRXD

After going through amazon there are a lot under $100 for 8wts

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016Y3CX5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510707438&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=piscifun%2Baoka&dpPl=1&dpID=51jCHA6CHbL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1


Here's a reliable inexpensive reel that would do the trick for you.