Good beginner fly rod

[ReelThrill]

I am interested in learning how to fly fish and have been looking around online at different rod and reel combos but wanted to get the opinion of the guys in the club who fly fish. Looking for something that won't break the bank but also something that is well built. Mostly interested in catching reds on it but would like something that could be used to target trout as well. Any help, ideas, advice, or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I saw one review online that the Cabelas combo was a good entry level setup but did not know if this was an unbiased opinion. Once again feel free to chime in with any help you can offer.

[snake doctor]

Hey Eric,

I suggest that you go by Uptown Angler and talk to Jen or the guys. You can go to the alley to the side of the building and try a few casts to see if you like the rod, etc.

Fly line is important too. I like the redfish taper line -- loads fast for quick casts when sight fishing.

[yak-aholic]

I would probably go with an 8wt rod and a reel with a good drag system. This may be the one you talk about from Cabela's... Three Forks Combo (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Fishing-Rod-Reel-Combos%7C/pc/104793480/c/104721480/sc/105571980/Cabelas-Three-ForksPrestige-Plus-Fly-Combo-with-Fly-Line/711520.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-fly-fishing-fly-fishing-rod-reel-combos%2F_%2FN-1102570%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105571980%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104721480&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104721480%3Bcat105571980) It'll get the job done and is a great starter rod at a great price, but I wouldn't expect the reel to stand up to salt water for too long.

[fishtaco]

Cabela's has decent starter outfits, you can always find an 8wt on display in the store that will suffice. I'd look for something with a lifetime warranty though, because it will break at some point in time. Usually if a rod comes with a lifetime warranty than it is pretty well built. Look to spend at least $100. I would recommend an 8wt, and make sure the reel has a sealed disc drag and it is corrosion resistant. Look to spend at least $50 on the reel. You don't want to skimp on the line, follow Chuck's advice and get something with that will allow you to make a close, quick, accurate cast. Look to spend at least $50. So for $200 you can have yourself an outfit that is not only a good starter outfit, but will be something you'll have for a long time.

[ReelThrill]

Thanks for the help Chuck, Landon, and Ben. I did some research and decided to go with an Orvis Streamline II. The guys at Orvis in Baton Rouge were very helpful and also suggested a few flies to start out with. I head to the Bahamas on Thursday so I will Get it out on the water very soon. Hopefully I'll have some bonefish and jack photos to show off when I get back.

[snake doctor]

Go get 'em big E.

[marshdaddy]

Thanks for the help Chuck, Landon, and Ben. I did some research and decided to go with an Orvis Streamline II. The guys at Orvis in Baton Rouge were very helpful and also suggested a few flies to start out with. I head to the Bahamas on Thursday so I will Get it out on the water very soon. Hopefully I'll have some bonefish and jack photos to show off when I get back.
Best of luck, Eric.