I’ve been trout fishing for a couple decades but it’s only been the last seven or so years that I’ve developed the never-ending obsession of fly fishing. Why’d I wait so long? Because I thought fly fishing was insanely expensive (it certainly can be) and a complicated bore to learn. I was already catching plenty of backcountry trout with spinning tackle, why bother to take on a costly new method? Made sense to me.
Then I borrowed a buddy’s fly rod and reel, miraculously landed a couple trout on my first time out and suddenly I understood. I often have more fun getting skunked while fly fishing than I do actually catching fish with lures. This is a cliche often spouted by longtime fly fishermen, but it’s totally true.
But even though I was hooked from the get-go after trying fly fishing I was still completely intimidated by the cost and complication of entry. To work around that, I borrowed a page from my spincasting playbook—I bought a sturdy but inexpensive reel to go with a hand-me-down rod and boom, I was in business for less than $80, including fly line and a decent selection of flies.
My inexpensive setup served me well for the first few seasons and I couldn’t be happier. It landed me Montana trout from the Gallatin, plenty of cutthroat trout in the Sierra, and lots of panfish in Marin County lakes.
I bought the Okuma Sierra 4/5 reel for about $40, and for the years I’ve owned it, It has given me no trouble whatsoever. It sports a diecast aluminum frame with a one-way roller bearing and a stainless steel drag system. You can switch quite easily from right to left-handed retrieve in about two minutes. The drag is adjustable, but really you get only “very little drag” or “a whole ton of drag” but really, for a reel of this size, drag isn’t that important. It’s a got a faux-wood grain crank handle which looks pretty cool too. It’s a perfectly simple little reel with very little that can go wrong and I expect it to last many years with no problems.
For the most part, I use this reel on backcountry trips into the high Sierra. I carry it in a beer coozy and occasionally drop it onto granite, pavement, rivers. The trout I’m usually fishing are small—less than two pounds—so my reel is effectively just acting as a line holder. An expensive drag system is great when you’re trying to land eight-pound brownies, but for skittish stream trout, a bulletproof, reliable reel like the Sierra is ideal. Plus, if I somehow drop it into a backcountry lake, impossible to retrieve, it’s no big loss.
Does it feel as good in the hand or as smooth as a $500 reel? I really hope not for the sake of people who spend $500 on reels. I have fished with a few pricey reels and, boy, you sure could adjust the heck out of the drag, I guess. But I didn’t catch many fish with them.
I’ve also fished with people who were sporting shiny, fancy reels and brand new rods, and waders that cost more than my entire fishing kit combined. But they didn’t land any more fish than me and my sub-$80 setup.
That’s not a testament to my superb fishing ability—far from it. It’s merely an anecdote to point out that it’s not the cost of the gear that lands the fish. I waited way too long to dip a toe into fly fishing because I was worried about spending too much money. Turns out, cheapskate fly fishing is not only possible, but the best way to start a debilitating lifelong obsession.
$40ish • BUY
Wanna get into fly fishing on the cheap? Could do worse than these bits of kit
Redington makes some pretty compelling fly-fishing gear at great prices. Their Crosswater Combo comes set up with everything you need: reel, rod, and it’s pre-spooled with good line, all for around $140, depending on the size you choose. • BUY
The reel I bought for my first good piece of fly fishing gear was made by Orvis and I’ve had a soft spot for them ever since. Their slightly above entry-level Battenkill reel is beautifully made and an inexpensive upgrade that will last many, many years.. $98 • BUY
Waders aren’t necessarily mandatory if you’re just getting into fly fishing and want to try it out, but once you know this is something you want to keep doing, they become mandatory in a hurry. Simms makes terrific waders at a range of prices. Their Tributary model, entry level, comes in around $180 for mens and womens. • BUY
Photo: The author in Wyoming with about $150 total in gear. Courtesy Margaret Donoghue.
You should give Tenkara a try!
I have been pretending to be a fly fishermen for about 30 years and the best thing I did was join a local fly fishing club. A good club will have loaner equipment, classes and group outings were you can discover what type of fly fishing you enjoy most. More importantly you’ll learn what different rods feel like how to properly balance line to to your fly rod. It doesn’t matter how much you pay if you can’t match the fly line properly to your fy rod. If you can learn that then whatever you spend will go a lot further in making your experience more fun.
I caught my first trout on a fly using a spinning reel and a plastic float but I was hooked, I had very little means then and got me a cheap noodle rod and auto reel with the least expensive line, I did catch some trouties. Later in my life I was able to buy very good gear and it’s lasted me 40 years with great deal of satisfaction. I do own less expensive rods and reels and use them but the thrill of landing a trout on a fly is still a real treat
I’ve been fly fishing and tying my own flies for years and little by little upgrading both reel and rod . The biggest lesson I learned is to buy a rod that has an iron clad warranty at a reasonable repair price . I bought a middle of the road fly rod for just over $500 in a 6wt and loved it but as will happen I snapped it. I contacted the manufacturer and learned that the rod was no longer being offered . Yes they would honor the warranty but I would have to submit $75 for the repair and pay for insurance and shipping both ways . I was outraged . So it sat in my closet for 2 years until I learned of a fly rod repair shop the next town over that could do the job for less . I decided to take it over and get it done and happy that I did as it cost me $14 and it was beautifully repaired . Still fishes the same as the day I bought it . If I should ever buy another rod it will be less than what I paid for the broken rod when it was new . T F O fly rods are great for the money and easy on the repair too . I have 2 Sage and 1 Winston . Great rods but expensive repair if they are no longer in production . My advice , buy a lower priced rod You’ll still have a blast landing a brookie or pan fish for less investment in gear .
Or buy used! When I got into fly fishing, I had a $120 Cabela’s rod/reel combo (worked really well…great quality and value). Two years ago I upgraded, by buying used online. About $250 altogether for an upgraded setup. Is it vastly better than my Cabelas? Probably not. But I have noticed slightly improved casting.
Great article, but I think its not the same case for saltwater anglers, the need for a sealed and corrosive resistant reel is a must, and the winds could range from 15 to 20 on a not so good day, a cheap rod is just not gonna perform in these conditions, specially if you are fighting big fish.
The sealed reels from Piscifun are awesome and a fraction of the price of most sealed drag reels.
I’ve no doubt witnessed the new wader wearing orvis commercial walking in lakes in the Sierras. The last time, I was on an overnight trip near Kaiser Rd fishing with my inexpensive gear that I love, just having fun catching trout using a new spinner on my fly rod. Around 10am I see a few guys walking up and one is wearing waders. He proceeds to get in the water and struggle with getting his line out. This was backcountry entertainment at its finest. After about 5 minutes of untangling and retangling he gets a cast off and proceeds to fall into the water. I was so caught off guard I laughed out loud which quickly alerted them that their comedy of errors was being watched. After dipping the top of the waders in he decided to fish from shore for five more minutes before heading for better water. Back at the trailhead I realized the group was a family and I had attended school and played sports with the boys in school. We had a good laugh and compared notes. I think in the end the beauty of the sport is you can do it how you want. No piece of gear can teach you how to fish and no fly can catch fish if it ain’t in water! Get out there as often as you can with what you can afford. Really great article!
I love the Kaiser Pass area! So random reading someone talking about it on a forum…I had to comment. I grew up fishing that area and one of the few things I miss about CA. Tight lines!
Like all fishing,its the results that counts,not how your gear looks,the fish don’t see the gear.
Totally agree- fly fishing doesn’t have to be expensive. Better yet, ditch the reel. My latest trail-running load-out includes a Tenkara fly rod. No reel, just line and rod. The only way to get any more simple & lightweight would be to catch ’em by hand.
I just purchased a Tenkara and can’t wait to try it out in the Sierra this summer.
Yea a lot of our gear is not very expensive! We are huge outdoors people, and have a lot of outdoor activities that we like to do so we definitely are budget friendly, and we are still successful when we go out and hunt or fish! I also write an outdoor/adventure/lifestyle blog with my fiance it’s http://thehuntbundle.com/
Hi Justin. I agree, I have had a scierra okuma for about 9 years (a 7/8) and I love it, it’s a great wee reel. I use it on small rivers and stillwaters and it has landed me several nice trout already this season (I live and fish in beautiful Scotland). I have mainly bargain gear and while I am no expert I still catch fish. Anyhow, tight lines folks and keep the faith!
The rods are just sticks with guides. If you can cast you can use about any rod for for small stream fishing. A 30 ft cast is plenty. I use a 15 $ crappie reel with clicker drag. It’s light weight . I don’t need backing. Spend your money on good line
I have an okuma 9 wt large arbor and it’s just as good as my orvis. My rods are. St Croix. This article lacks discussing the cost of rod’s, fly lines, waders, etc. I have yet to find inexpensive fly lines.
Bottom line, the fish does not know whether you are wearing a $100 or a $5,000 outfit. They don’t care.
Your post is a bit old but thought I’d let you know about max catch. They have tons of inexpensive gear including cheap and from what I’ve heard great fly line. Tight lines friend
Great article, and spot on too. I started fly fishing 35 years ago. Shortly thereafter, I noticed that it was becoming rather gentrified. I ended up quitting in disgust as it was increasingly difficult to avoid being sucked into the Volvo driving $500 rod casting crowd. I’ve recently picked it up again for the sheer joy of it. There is nothing like fooling a wild fish with something you made yourself. And, as the author points out, I am doing it with the same bargain stuff I used back then. Thanks for posting this.
One can appreciate the value of fly fishing on the cheap. I would consider, also, the value of quality, authenticity, connection to nature and so much more. If you’re not going to immerse yourself in all that fly fishing has to offer, if it’s an occasional activity – you’ll enjoy yourself with cheap. If you already do or desire to know the feeling of being connected to nature and yourself, read on…
I totally agree with the author on his comments about enjoying fly fishing even if not catching fish. I know old timers who cut their hooks at the bend so they never catch a fish. There are so many more reasons they are out there, They are connecting, momentarily with fish, with nature, and themselves. Sounds corny but couldn’t be more true. Fly fishing is unique in that you are more connected to what you’re doing than other forms of fishing. How do you achieve this zen place? look for quality, look for you.
What is my quality? One of my favorites is my 10 foot custom made graphite rod that weighs less than your cell phone. Yes, it does cost a few dollars. You’re not going to find a cheap 10 foot rod that weighs less than your cell phone. btw, I also agree with the author on reels. Fly fishing is about being connected. Expensive reels do too much work for you. My view is you should be using your hands to manage a fish. The reel is there just for putting the line when you’re not using it 🙂 It’s enough for me to be able to change spools without hi-tech drag. One caveate as has already been mentioned in a previous posting is saltwater. If you’re fishing saltwater, you need a reel that can handle that.
Bamboo
There is nothing more unique in fly fishing than the craftmenship of a fine bamboo rod made by an expert who only make about a dozen a year. They understand the uniqueness of each peice of bamboo they use and work with it to make perfection. It is truely a work of art. The end product is a rod with action that is like no other rod. My most expensive rod is a ‘boo’ that has had several previous owners and is over 100 years old. Yes, I use it. Yes, I am rewarded every time I use it.
Sylk braided line
Labor of love is a fly fisherman who uses sylk lines. Every time you go fishing, you have to clean and take care of this line. I do not have this patience, but if I could have someone do this for me – I would love to use sylk. So smooth and delicate how it lays on the water.
Flies
Most fly fisherman I know do buy flies but also make their own. I always buy flies from the local shops where I go. They are hand made by the peson I’m buying them from and they know what fly to make for a given day and even time of day. That being said, making your own flies is also part of the overall experience. I am far from a crafty person at making flies but I have learned how successful a simple pattern can be. If you are crafty, like a friend of mine, he makes superior flies of which he always puts his first one of a kind behind glass.
These are my tips. If you choose to immerse yourself, you will find your life for the better body/mind/soul. It is no surprise to me that fly fishing has proven itself to be very successful with such groups as Project Healing Waters, an organization that takes veterans of war and those who suffer PTSD out to the river as well Casting for Recovery, a charity for breast cancer and many other groups.
tightlines to you all,,,
Thanks for taking the time to provide such a detailed response.
I love fly fishing (albeit I’m not that great at it). But once I went Tenkara it was hard to imagine any other way to fish. Simple, simple, simple.
Tenkara is like Tele skiing…completely pointless and should have gone the way of the VCR.
I think you should try Tenkara. It’s worth! I had 2 and I’m very happy with it 🙂
Cheap gear is OK until it isn’t. Saw a fellow show up in Placencia, Belize with a cheap Reddington rod. Hooked a medium barracuda while playing around in town and the rod snapped. Week shot.
When I’m fishing with my cheap gear, the fish don’t seem to know what I’m hiding in my hands. Just the fly in front of them.
Ahhh, but if a better rod or reel is in your budget, and it gives you joy, get it.
Started flyfishing at 18, almost 40 years ago. I have always owned and fished with top end rods. Had to eat ramen in college to do so. Don’t mind scrimping in other areas to fish with fabulous gear.
I started to fly fishing about a years ago. It changed my life!!! And, you are right that inexpensive gears are great too!!!
Good read…
5 years ago I picked up a 2pc 5wt Cortland at Wallyworld to use as a beater for bluegills. Slapped an old pfluger medalist on it and 6wt line…
Now the Loomis stays in the tube
I thought the same about the expense. A good Googler can find gear on the cheap. Purchased both the wife and I Cabelas fly combos a couple years ago on a Christmas special. Still have the combos and most importantly still use the combos. Flies are tied at home. Most of the time I wet wade in keens and the wife has marked-down field and stream waders and cabelas boots. Biggest expense I have for a day on the water is for my beer. 🙂
You can use cheaper equipment, I did for years. Problem is when you catch the fish of a life time will it hold up. No. 2 when you are out in no. Canada and you rod gives out I hope you have a little duct tape. Recommend using a durable fly rod irregardless of price.
Just found your site, Awesome! Great article and I could not agree more.
Cheaper does not mean poor depending on the ethos of the company supplying. I founded my company dryflyonline.com for that very reason see our reviews for that customer affirmation
Just a heads up – Backcountry.com has a scientific anglers outfit (Rod/Reel/Line Combo in 2 weights) for $44.99 plus shipping (I presume last years model, add some flys and you get to $50 for free shipping) – hard to beat at that price: https://www.backcountry.com/scientific-anglers-fly-fishing-outfits-fly-rod-4-piece-sas0044?skid=SAS0044-ONECOL-PANS56WTS4PC&ti=UExQIEJyYW5kOlNjaWVudGlmaWMgQW5nbGVycyBSb2QgJiBSZWVsIENvbWJvczoxOjI6MTAwMDAxMzk1X2JjLXJvZC1yZWVsLWNvbWJvcw==
I grabbed the 7/8 wt so I could start carp fishing and also fish through the winter (feel a lot better about breaking a $100 rod that I got for $45)
Very good article about Fly-fishing Gear. you have good described in your site. thank you for sharing with us.
Finished fly fishing after 75 years about ten rods reels flys to go
Some rods second when I purchase them. The fisherman makes the rod after the manufacture has done his best
Chris.
Howdy, The Rio Azul waders are a discontinued model, hence the low price, and there are virtually no sizes available.
Nice article. Sort of like camera equipment – you can spend a fortune, but as the saying goes, the best camera/fly rod is the one you have with you.
There’s a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot
–Steven Wright
Cheap reels are fine and Okuna makes some nice ones no one should sniff at, I have two or three. The more expensivee fly reels have better drags bearings and workmanship for sure, but after 50 years of fly fishing, very few freshwater fish in very few situations, if any ever will see your backing, even some big ones. You will recognise and appreciate a difference between a cheap and better fly rod and fly line way before the reel comes into play.
Great article! Started ff-ing when some one left a fully-equipped vest outside my son’s apartment 20 years ago. Bought an entry-level rig from Bass Pro for $99! (Cringe if you will, but I live in Springfield, MO and it sported an Okuma Sierra reel then bought a Battenkill 7/8)
Fished Ambergris Cay, Belize to “Driftless” WI and many streams in the Ozarks for trout and smallmouth.
I know most of your readers are not entry-level but just noticed BPS/Cabelas has a Fathers Day special for loaded rod, reel, flies, nippers, forceps, fly & gear box, rod tube…$120!
Tight lines!
I’ve had that same Okuma Sierra 5/6 reel for literally over 30 years. It works better than my Sage reel at 6x the price – classic. Now I’ve passed the reel (and it’s Courtland rod) down to my 9 y/o daughter. I fully expect her to get another 30 years out of it…
Here’s another shout out for using a Tenkara rod. Makes fly fishing, simple, easy and fun!
Price is not correlated to usefulness in current flyfishing gear. For many years, higher cost rods were built to be stiffer rods. This has resulted in the current issue that rods no longer go with fly lines such that a 5 weight rod needs a heavier line that is graded as one half to 1 line weights above the rod rating.
Less expensive rods and fly lines actually pair true to their stated size better than the top of the cost products.
As far as actual Trout fishing, the best fishing equipment (not posing equipment) is the lower cost, slower action, shorter loading , true to line rating gear usually sold for around 60-230 for the rod and 30-50 for the line. Those actually work best to actually fish. Temple Fork and Cabellas/Bass Pro brand are champions to look for for function over fashion.
I bought a 3 weight Cabellas rig with rod, real, line for 89$ total last year and it is most true to being a 3 weight that I could find. It is a joy to fish and is exactly what a 3 weight is supposed to be. Ignore cost. Buy function.
Echo makes some nice inexpensive rods too! And some glass rods.
Justin,
My son loves to flyfish and he was wondering if you know where the title photo was taken. Stunningly beautiful!
Thx
I sure do. That’s me at Leigh Lake, Grand Teton National Park.