Is this a decent fly rod and reel for under $50? Mainly doing salt water fly fishing along the coast and flats. I'm a beginner fly fisherman and I've only used spinning rods. I always associated Shakespeare as a good budget option so I was wondering if that applied for fly fishing.
Not sure if I should upgrade the rod to something like wetfly beginner combo for $150 @ Costco or TFO nxt black label for $100
Shakespeare cedar canyon premier fly rod 9' 5wt – $33
Sougayiliang fly reel 5/6 wt – $20
Posted by kororatuck
4 Comments
What coast and what fish?
If you’re fishing saltwater, but not buying gear made for saltwater, you will have to take very good care of it. Or you’ll be buying new stuff more frequently.
Biggest question is what kind of fish you’re going after. I know some guys who throw a 5wt for some smaller salt breathers but I also see folks go for a 8 or 9wt just to have the power to cast in wind and fight a slightly bigger fish.
In terms of gear I think just about any rod and reel combo works whether it’s salt ready or not. The downside to some of those cheaper reels is the drag range. The one I have that’s similar goes from free wheeling bird nest to tuna strength and despite the knob turning 20 clicks, it goes from off to full in about 3. I’m not sure what the rest do.
Be sure to check out Sierra and all the gear deals that happen in the fall (end of trout season). It’s not uncommon to find an 8wt Orvis Clearwater kit for half price.
I think you’ll be struggling and it will not be enjoyable to use this as a salt water set up. Fly fishing is hard enough. Attempting to salt water fly fish with cheap, freshwater tackle will be a nightmare.
There’s also much better options for slightly more money or you can likely find exponentially better gear used for a good price. Even in rural Kentucky, where almost no one fly fishes, I’ve come across good used gear for really cheap.