I'm ready to get into flyfishing and I think I can pick a good rod (although I'm not sure about length), but what about the reel

[Jim in Mo]

I'm ready to get into flyfishing and I think I can pick a good rod (although I'm not sure about length), but what about the reels. They all look the same to me. Whats a good reel and good price and do they all have the same features?

[Jim in Mo]

Sorry about the avatar, I should have put a fishing pic in there.

[kjflorian]

Rod length might depend on the size of the river your in, I use a 9' rod most of the time, except when I steelhead then it's 10'.

You can get a good reel from Ross. I like the large arbor ones myself. There are plenty to choose from depending on your price range.

[Charley]

You can't go wrong with a Ross reel- they are the best for the money. I also like the Cabelas SLA reels.
A nine foot is a good general rod length. Shorter rods work better on brushy streams.

[Alex Pernice the fly rod winner]

get a 9 foot 5wt (for trout) (8 wt for largemouth) and yes, an Albright is great rod, as is cabelas gear.
Orvis has a setup chart, involving 4 price levles, cheap, middle end, high end, build you're own.

If you need any help, E-mail me at [email protected]

I sell flys so if you need help talk to me.

[buckhunter]

I agree with above. A 9 ft rod in 5-6 weight is a good general purpose rod. They make fast, med and slow action rods. Fast means it bends more at the tip and slow means it will bend down towards the handle. I prefer a fast rod but a slower rod will help protect delicate tippets. I suggest buying a rod at the store as opposed through a catalog. You have to like the feel, the action and the handle prior to dropping big bucks. I have more rods than I can count and regret buying the cheapers one because all they do now is lay aroung my shop. I wish I had went the extra mile years ago and purchased high end and in the long run would have saved money.

Purchasing a rod at a local fly shop will pay big dividends in the long run. You not only buy a rod but years of good advice.

There are a lot of good reels on the market. Depending on the type of fishing you do will depend on the reel. The Orvis Battenkill is a decent reel and has a good drag system and not priced out of this world. Ross makes a good reel also.

Good luck with your fly fishing.

[BamaCreekBum]

I agree with Alex on the rods and i really like the Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor reel. It is a great balance between traditional and large arbor reels. It will only set you back $120

[Jim in Mo]

I really appreciate the answers I received. Here, it is stream, small river fishing for trout.
But, is it the reel or the rod that is most important to start out flyfishing?

[buckhunter]

Rod.

[dukerjj]

i would have to agree the orvis battenkill mid arbor reel and they are dependable and not to bad on price look into it

[Alex Pernice the fly rod winner]

Rod, reels arn't really needed to be nice unless going for a fish that will pull a lot of drag.

[prairieghost]

Jim- for small river, stream trout fishing i go with a 3 or 4 wt. 8 or 8 1/2' rod, nothing bigger. reels aren't as crucial. something with adequate drag. i don't think you need a large arbor in the situation you describe. i'm a temple fork rod fan (not a paid endorsement), so you might look at them.

[ETangler]

9'5wt for rivers and large streams, and 8'4wts for smaller stuff.

[Sportsman Matt]

if you want a decent setup, an 8 foot to 9 foot rod in a 5/6 wt would be ideal, and for the reel, you have many choices. I recommend for top of the line, a Hardy Perfect size 2, or an Orvis CFO II, but for starters, the Pflueger 1594RC (Rim Control) would be perfect.

[rudyglove27]

A 9 ft rod in 5-6 weight is a good general purpose rod!