first fly reel

[banders91]

I'm going to buy a fly rod and reel next weekend and have been doing some reading
i am thinking about getting everything separate unless they make a reel already load with line

I just want to know what too look for when buying a fly reel

I'll be small stream trout fishing mostly
I've been looking at St. Croix rods and from what i've read will get a 4 wt
what are somethings to look at when buying a reel and line and backing?

thanks
Brian

[Pikemandu]

One thing i would suggest is maybe moving up to a 5 or 6wt(i use a 5wt), it will help alot when trying to cast streamers and big nymphs such as stones. Look for a reel with a disc drag, they are so much better than the clicker systems. I would also go with a large harbor because the line will be less likely to get the coil memory over time. For small stream fishing a weight forward floating line is the way to go since it really isnt that deep your leader should be long enough to get it to the bottom in most instances. I would suggest getting a second spool with a sink tip line if the water is deeper that 3 feet and the current is fast at points on the streams you fish.

[banders91]

Thanks alot,
I'm looking at probly a 7.5 or 8 foot St. Croix right know
so then i'll go with a 5 wt rod
I like the fact the St. Croix is made in the USA ar there some more good American companies that make rods that are reasonably priced?

As for reels i'd like to keep it under $60 What are some good American made companies for Reels?

Would i be alright to maybe start out with a combo package that is already hooked up?

thanks for your help and advice

Brian

[Pikemandu]

If you live near cincy, bass pro has some hobbs creek combo's that are real nice. I think they are made in usa i do believe bass pro owns the company that makes them. You can get a good combo for about $99 and sometimes cheaper. St. croix is one of the top fly fishing gear companies around but they are also priced that way. If you can afford and want to spend how ever much it is, go for it. I am probably going to get one with in the next year or so.

[HCF]

If your not far from Columbus I'd take a trip over to Mad River outfitter

[banders91]

I go down around Ashland every other weekend, so I'll probly be stopping at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, I'll see what combos they offer, maybe i'll end up piecing together my own combo,
I'd like to know what rob and reel companies are Made in USA
Or i might just order one on-line thru Cabela's
Any more advice would be great

As of now, i'm looking at a 5 wt line 7.8 foot pole, large arbor reel ( what makers? ) 2 piece rod and a reel with disc drag

Anything else?


thanks everyone

Brian

[Shortdrift]

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