Corpusfishing.com

[Anderson]

Hi everyone,

I am Jim and I am new here and fly fishing is new to me. I've been fishing several times already with my friends and I believe that's something I'd like to do in future. Now, i was wondering, whether it is a good idea to buy a complete starter kit and then perhaps add some things I need. Or it is better to pick everything separately paying attention at the brand, specs, etc.? I was looking at these 2 kits thinking that they may be a good thing to start with:
Wright & McGill
Piscifun New Fly Fishing Rod Reel Combo Fly Fishing $100
Which kit you think is better? Maybe any other recommendations? Or it's still better to pick everything separately? Any comments/opinions are appreciated!

[bulldog1935]

a 5/6-wt combo is a good river and lake rod, and a good weight to learn on, but a bit on the lightweight side for facing coast wind (works on a calm day).
it would be a good rod to take to the ponds for winter put-and-take trout, a good panfish rod, and a good rod to take to the Guadalupe tailwater.

I began Many years ago with a $90 Orvis green mountain kit that came with a Martin reel and 7-1/2' glass 6-wt. Still great tackle (caught 1000 white bass on that rod).

I recommend a 7-wt for inshore fly fishing.
The Cabelas CGR 7/8 glass rod would be a nice tool for learning how to cast and fish - you feel the rod load better than with a longer stiff graphite rod, and the whole casting process is slowed down a bit.
It would be a good redfish/spec rod, and a good bass rod.
A couple of other forums to meet inshore (and all water) fly fishers:
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=20
http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/

here's a recent report on the CGR and redfish
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=248090

Cabelas offers the CGR in a combo for $130, and has the 7/8 stock
https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-CGR-WIND-RIVER-COMBO/2665565.uts
Along the way, you might pick up a spare spool and a better fly line, like a 7-wt. Rio Redfish line, or maybe an intermediate sinking line (slime line) for blind-fishing tide passes.

If you really like this sport, you may eventually get around to taking 100-y-o 3-wt to the mountains, or even pick up an old Fisher bluewater rod.


Here's a Fisher 8-wt I use for quick casts to fish sign in skinny water.
Second cast of the morning in the back of Allyn's Lake. The first cast was a bigger spec that tore the hook out on her second run.

We shuttled kayaks across the big bay in the power boat.

We left my dad drift-fishing St. Joe shore - he never gets out of the boat.

[Anderson]

Nice, thanks for replying, man! I appreciate the pics which made me believe I am on the right track... I realize that practice matters a lot, so I am not expecting results like yours right away....