First fly rod advice

[LongviewLonghorn]

I moved to Longview last year, and really want to take advantage of the great fly fishing opportunities in SW Alberta. I just need to buy a fly rod and gear, and am looking for some advice on what is a good economical all-around rod for a beginner, suitable weight, etc, for the type of fish I will encounter in local streams and lakes. Can a used set-up be good to start?

I'm also interested in random wisdom some of you veterans have (you know, like where your honey hole is :))

[jts1]

I think you will find that most will say TFO 5 or 6wt. I have posted this about 3 times today but BPS has a 4 piece TFO 6wt with a reel for 179.00. You get a lifetime warrenty no questions asked. The shop is right in Calgary so no mailing off the rod and waiting for it to return. Just walk in and get a new piece. As for locations try having a look at my Google Fishing Map.

[tacklerunner]

Found this one too:

http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/fly-fishing/rod-reel-combos/tfo-lefty-kreh-signature-series-i-outfit/prod131957.html

Really can't go wrong. TFO is going through some changes and their pricing has dropped. Comes with a quality reel and fly line.

In order of importance:
1. rod
2. fly line
3. reel

Good fly line is critical.

The Oldman river, Highwood and Crowsnest are all within and hour or so for you and are good trout fisheries.

Here's another link to give you an idea of what's working on the rivers.

http://www.countrypleasures.com/river_reports.htm

For buying flies, click on IckyFlyWork ad at the top of the page ^^^ and you'll get a discount and free shipping within a week usually.

[tbone616]

TFO is a good fit but Redington also makes some nice beginner outfits. Have had very good experiences with Redington.

http://www.redington.com/outfits/crosswater

http://www.redington.com/outfits/pursuit

As well Costco has a decent Amundson beginner set up.

http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10341935&search=fly+fishing&Mo=3&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=fly+fishing&Ntt=fly+fishing&No=3&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

[commieboy]

If you want to spend a bit more than a beginner's set up, the TFO BVK is an amazing rod for the price (about $280), and I have heard really great things about the Winston Passport series (available from the Bow River Troutfitters - downtown Calgary)

But the combo that was mentioned by jts1 above (Basspro - Professional series TFO rod, Hobbs Creek reel and generic line for $180) is a nice set up as well. I have this combo in a 3 weight and it's been great, but I upgraded the line to the cortland 333 for another $30. Have caught many fish on this set up.

This rod is medium action, so you get to "feel" the line more easily than on a fast action. Much easier to learn the dynamics of casting.

http://templeforkoutfitters.ca/fly-rods/5-professional

[LongviewLonghorn]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Does anyone know if prices at smaller shops like Country Pleasures or Fish Tales are comparable to the bigger stores like Wholesale or BPS?

[ÜberFly]

Would you buy a car from Walmart?! Hit one of the fly specialty shops like Fishtales, Country Pleasures, Bowriver Troutfitters or Southbow (Talk to Sean at FTs, Brent @ CPs, Chris @ BRTF or Mike @ SBs)

x2 on the Redingtons as well as the BVK.

P

[slingshotz]

If you are a Costco member or know anyone that is, their online site has some really nice starter packages from Amundson which is out of BC. They make some awesome gear that I'd say is on par or better than TFO. I have a TFO rod matched with an Amundson reel that I have zero complaints about).

http://www.costco.ca/Common/Category.aspx?whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|111|22211|22229&N=4011457&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=22229&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&hierPath=111*22211*22229*&topnav=
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=10341748&whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|111|22211|22229&N=4011457&Mo=15&No=14&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=22229&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&Sp=C&hierPath=111*22211*22229*&topnav=