Choosing a fly rod

[BaseballStud20]

So I am taking a fly fishing class at my school and really want to get a rod. My teacher says I should look for something around 8-9 feet. I will be doing mainly trout fishing and was wondering what weight I should get? I would like a decent setup but do not want to spend much over $250 for rod and reel. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[russ]

4wt to 6wt are good for trout. i have a 6wt TFO and like it. cabelas sells rod/reel combos with line and everything for pretty good prices.

[Pathfinder101]

Sportsman's Wharehouse carries WW Grigg flyrods.  I have always built my own rods, but I realized that I needed a 4 piece travel rod and I didn't have time to build one.  I picked one up for $70, and I've got to say, it's a good rod (especially for the price).  I don't think I could build one for that.
The last couple of reels I bought were Okumas.  Great price, and never had a problem with either one. 

[Aneoakleaf]

You will want a good 9 ft rod. You will be able to make the casts you want with it. Get a 5or 6 wt and get a good reel with it (ROSS). If you're going to put out over 100 for it go a little more and get a better rod and get one with a replacement garentee. They break easy! Talk to your grandparents and parents about kicking in some money. Explain to them that it is an investment in the love of your life and how it will keep you out of the bars, off the streets and unwed for years!   :chuckle:Get a G.Loomas, mine has proved to be very tuff. I have a Sage and a couple others but like the Loomas the best. Get a good case with it and treat it like you best friend, because it will be

[Pathfinder101]

 
Great advice...
 But Annie... isn't that an Okuma reel in that picture....?

[Aneoakleaf]

  Oh yeah, but thats not my rod! Smokey stuck it in my mouth! Mine's in the background!!

[Pathfinder101]

St Croix Flyrod?

[walt]

Don't buy yet, I have a bunch of set ups you can try out.  pm me when you are ready to get out.  I also have a few connections and can probably get you a good deal on what ever you decide on. pm sent.

[twisp_river_slayer]

get a 5wt. Its got enough play to have fun with the little guys but enough backbone to land the big ones. I have always bought 2 or piece rods but it depends where you want to take it.

[jackelope]

get a 9' 5 or 6 wt, faster action for multipurpose use around here.  the best money you can spend on a fly rod IMO is temple fork outfitters lefty kreh series rods. go to a shop and cast a few. if you're in spokane look for swede's fly shop. you can try them out there, and al is good people.
reals...orvis battenkill mid arbor is great for the money. you can get a great setup for 250.00

[BaseballStud20]

Yeah that's what my instructor uses, Orvis. He is actually sponsored by Orvis I guess and gets to test out a bunch of their products on the Battenkill River.

[Bscman]

Got a local fly-fishing only lake? Or one that is popular for fly-fishing in general?

When I started out (still learning!) I just hit up the ramp at pass lake and a few others and asked questions. You'll find a LOT of great contacts, and you'll also find about 90% of the people will let you take their rod for a test run....

The best way to learn what you like and what works best for you is to test a bunch out!

I can't comment or recommend any...too new to the sport...but you will soon find that there is no such thing as ONE, all purpose rod...you'll end up with a few..and that isn't a bad thing!

[walt]

 

[fishseeker]

Going to learn to flyfish the year myself. A custom builder from Sacramento built me a rod this year for nuttin,Its a Dan Craft 6or7wt,3piece. Suppose to be pretty good but I couldn't tell you. Got to have someone with the know how try it to see what line wt it wants

[ribka]

Second the TFO rod. Good rod for the orice and a lfe time warranty and great service

I would go with the  6 weight can use for trout bass, steelhead etc.

Orvis reel