Salt Water Rod and Reel..... Little help please....

[bbjr10]

I am looking into getting a new Fly rod, reel, line, etc outfit. I live in Jupiter, FL and I go anywhere from the Keys to the beach and intracoastal near me. There are so MANY different rod and reel manufacturers that I am not sure where to begin. I am looking for a 10wt rod and reel. I was looking at a Redington GD or Large Arbor reel. No idea about a rod. I have looked at the SA Mastery Saltwater wf10f fly line and a Cortland Ghost Tip wf10f....
As you can see, there are many different ways that I can go with this. I am only able to afford one outfit, but it will be all saltwater fishing.
I have read through the Cabelas Fly Fishing catalog, that only made me want about 5 or 6 different outfits!!!! That is a problem...
Anyway, any suggestions would be of great help...
Thank you,
Bobby

[Quicksilver]

What will you be fishing for? Are you new to flyfishing, (do you know how to cast, familiar with rod actions)? Do you think you might be getting on an airplane with your next flyrod?

[bbjr10]

I will be fishing for basically ANYTHING that I see or think might be there. I was canoeing in the Loxahatchee River yesterday and saw Tarpon all over the place, There are schools of mackarel and bluefish on the shore and there are always snook...... somewhere!!!!
I am looking for an all around rod and reel and at least one extra spool, maybe for bonefish in the keys/flats. My options are limitless, that is where the problem is, although that is not a problem, is it?!?!?
You see my point. Anyway, I will probably not be travelling and if I do, I can fit a 2 piece into my golf bag or as my carry on. I am assuming that a 2-piece is the best to use. Again, something else that I am not sure of...... AGH! Is there no end to figuring out what type of rod and reel to get.......

[bbjr10]

I am not positive on the action of a rod either. Everyone has told me that the rod is the most important, and not the reel. I have heard to spend money on the rod and save mopney on the reel. AGAIN, another question. Sorry, guys, (and gals), BUT I REALLY thank you ALL for the information that I have received on other posts.

BB

[Quicksilver]

I get the impression this will be your first flyrod. If this is the case you will want to get some advice on casting from a shop or a friend. In the past flyrods that were light with fast actions were rather expensive. Three and four piece flyrods that were light and fast were incredibly expensive. In the last couple of years a number of companies have come out with flyrods that are great products, and at reasonable prices. If I were you I would go to a flyshop and cast a 9 foot 8 weight and a 9 weight. There are a lot of great rods available. I would look at Redington and Templefork Outfitters. Both rods offer lifetime warrenties. If you like the Redington you might want to buy a kit package. They sell the rod, reel, and flyline. If you don't get a kit then a low cost reel would be Scientific Anglers 8/9. Templefork rods are often sold with Okuma reels. I have no first hand knowledge of this product. If you will spend a lot of time fishing out of the canoe then to simulate that I would try some casts sitting in a chair. Just go with the product and rod weight that feels best to you. Don't be afraid to experiment with the flyline. You will be using a floating line. I often go one weight heavier than is recomended with a floating line on my rods. Truth is you could probably use any rod between 6-11 weight, but the 8 or 9 weight will be a good all around choice.

[Quicksilver]

Reviewing your post I see you are looking for a 10 weight. Cast them all first 8, 9, and 10.

[AlderBrookFarm]

Lots of times you can rent rods which gives you a chance to try one on the water. When people go to a fly shop and try rods alot of times they find they handle totally different once they get out on the water. One reason for this is you tend to think harder about your casting when you're in front of the "expert" at the shop. When we went to the Keys this winter I fished with 3 different guides and they all had different rods & reels. Between the three guides I used a Redington 9wt, Sage 9wt, Orvis 9wt(silver label), Thomas & Thomas 12 wt, and an Orvis 10wt that I don't remember what it was. Of the 9 wts I would rank them Sage Redington Orvis. I really didn't care for either of the Orvis rods. It was a nice way to try different rods and reels. I've heard good things about the Templefork rods but haven't seen or tried one. Two friends have tried them and they liked them. The price is right as well.

[PhilDKreal]

Check out the Lamson Velocity reels. I fished one (Velocity 3.5 9W) for bonefish in April and it was outstanding. Took a 6# bone that went seriously into the backing and the reel was very smooth.

I think it goes for around $215.00. Its light, well madeand seems durable.

good luck!

[maxg]

I'd have a look at Old Florida, they have a new rod, IM6 and the Old Florida fly reels are pretty good gear, if you want a 10 weight I'd suggest a OFLA66 to go on the OF 10 weight IM6 rod. These rods are pretty cheap and as I understand it have Sic guides. OF is inPembroke Pines in your home territory. Cheers Max

[bbjr10]

To everyone that assisted me;

Thanks to you all. I decided on a Redington LA 10 wt. It was reconditioned at John B's fly shop in Stuart, FL, aka... thefly shop attached to the Redington factory. It has a larger cork drag that I watched him build into the reel. It has worked great. It also save me some money, which helps right about now!

Thanks again for all of the input,

Bobby Bilbo