[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen getting into the sport of fly fishing, the nomenclature and the potential costs of gear can be intimidating. For those who feel this way, an entry level outfit can be a perfect way of simplifying the purchase of gear as well as a good way of avoiding laying out too much money on a sport that may or may not be a perfect fit for the individual. Here are 5 great options for anglers just getting into the sport. These companies have good reputations and their entry level outfits are quality built and won’t break the bank.
Orvis Clearwater – Whether you are interested in freshwater ($198), saltwater ($229) or spey casting ($349), Orvis has you covered with the Clearwater series. There are dozens of Clearwater models to choose from, all with a 25 year warranty including accidental breakage. This makes it an appealing choice for many anglers.
Jeff Vanuga acquired from NRCS.
Redington Crosswater – Available with 2 piece ($139) or 4 piece rods ($149), the medium-fast Redington Crosswater outfits cast like a higher priced rod. Equipped with a 1 year warranty, these outfits will get you on the water fishing with a rod that you will not outgrow in a hurry.
Redington Crosswater combo.
KastKing Emergence – This outfit ($129) includes just about everything you’d need to hit the water: a 4 piece graphite fly rod, aluminum fly reel, fly line and backing, forceps, a dozen flies, a protective travel case, and more accessories. KastKing offers this outfit in line weights 4, 5, 6, and 8 (all are 4 pieces and and all are 9 feet long except the 8’6″ #4 weight). KastKing rods are covered by a limited lifetime, total peace of mind warranty against the workmanship and materials of the rod for the original owner.
KastKing Emergence combo. Photo by Shane Coovert.
Cabela’s Synch Fly Combo – Components for the Synch ($149) include aluminum machined reel seat, chromed snake guides, zirconium-ring stripping guides, stainless steel tip top and AA-grade cork handle. Large-arbor reel, Scientific Angler floating line and rod case included. Cabela’s-brand merchandise is guaranteed for the life of the product against defects in workmanship under normal wear and tear conditions.
Echo Base Kit – Tim Rajeff designed the Base Kit ($169-$179) for a wide range of anglers. He incorporates a medium fast action that is forgiving to cast yet maintains ample power. The Base Kit comes complete with a Base rod, durable composite Base reel and high-performance fly line. Echo Lifetime Warranty on Base rod. They will repair or replace damaged and defective rods for the lifetime of the original owner for a $35 repair fee. 12 month limited warranty on Base Reel.
These five entry level outfits are a great way to break into the sport with quality crafted products that have companies behind them that will back the products and provide quality customer service. That is a reassuring feeling in a sport where breakages and accidents can occur. If you fall in love with the sport you will consider upgrading but not out of necessity. Check out the links to the sites for these outfits to learn more about the outfits, the companies that build them and the other fine products that they offer.
