By Justin Lee
Jumping into fly-fishing is intimidating. But once you decide to go for it the choices are overwhelming. There are a lot of low-quality, low-priced options available that are tempting to the pocketbook. However, I recommend avoiding those for several reasons. First, they are heavier than a quality combo. Second, they often are spooled with a fly line like a Slinky. Getting the line to float is challenging and the taper is usually the old DT or double taper. When those combine the rod doesn’t feel correct in your hand and the awkwardness develops poor casting habits. Let’s avoid that by focusing on the best beginner fly-fishing combos for 2023.
So rather than try to save a buck on the combo, pick an entry-level setup from a reputable fly-fishing company. Some of my favorites are Reddington, Orvis, Echo, TFO (Temple Fork Outfitters), and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s. All offer an entry-level product that will not break the bank, and that will help develop good casting techniques. The best beginner fly-fishing combos for 2023 are outfits you can use to get started and quickly find success.
Nothing is as frustrating as trying to learn a new skill and having low-quality equipment, difficulty learning the technique, and no success catching fish. A small investment, in the beginning, helps bring a smile to your face and instills confidence in your mind. Confidence is the x-factor that is a game changer. It has been said countless times that the placement and presentation of the fly are more important than the selection of the fly. And it is next to impossible to put the fly where you want to with a bargain basement rig.
How To Decipher Fly Rod Info
Fly-fishing takes specialized equipment to execute casts correctly. If the rod, line, or fly is incorrect the cast will not be correct. And likely not fool any fish. Fly rods come in different weights and actions, reels come in different sizes and fly line comes in different weights and tapers. A mistake with any one of these can make casting a nightmare. A small investment will pay dividends. Let me give you a tip for reading fly-rod models—in most cases, the numbers are weight, length, and pieces. For example, a fly rod mode 590-4 is 5-weight, 9 feet long, and 4 pieces. Normally the line weight should match the rod weight. For example, a 5-weight line would be correct for a 5-weight rod. One exception is to upsize the line to add weight and make it easier to “load” the rod as seen below with the TFO NXT Black. But for this article let’s focus more on matching up as designed.
For the purposes of this post, I will be specifically reviewing fly-rods for trout fishing in size 5 and usually 9 feet long. Please note that the exact same rod can handle bass, panfish, and many other species as well.
Orvis Encounter
Orvis Encounter is a fantastic setup that deserves to be one of the best beginner fly-fishing combos. It is available in 5 different sizes/weights. Orvis has been around since 1856 and has a great reputation in the fly-fishing community for producing some of the best fly-fishing equipment available. The great thing about the Encounter is that it comes ready to fish. The storage case protects the outfit while stored and traveling. You can select rod action based on the species you are after. The large arbor reel makes managing the line easy. The Encounter is pre-rigged with the backing, weight-forward floating line, and leader on the reel. It really is a ready-to-fish package. And in the hand, this rod feels like it costs way more than the $190.00 price tag. A beginner will be able to feel the rod “load” during the cast. One negative is the reel is plastic-however it has never been a problem for me, and I fished it hard. The second negative is that it does not come with the Orvis 25-year warranty. Bummer. But it has lasted many years for me which is why it is on the list of best beginner fly-fishing combos of 2023.
Redington Crosswater 590-4
Redington Crosswater 590-4 Combo Kit is another solid option for beginners. The combo comes in a protective carry case. So, in this case, the rod is a 5-weight, 9 feet 0 inches, 4-piece rod. Perfect setup for new trout anglers. Crosswater is a medium-fast action meaning the rod flexes more at the tip than in the middle.
When casting it feels different than a standard medium action. Essentially you have a bit more backbone for fighting fish. This rig comes with a plastic reel, backing, and size 5 weight forward floating line from Rio. Cory Bennett at Weavers Tackle Store, Lebanon, Missouri, recommends this combo to new anglers because it comes with a leader already tied on the fly line. All that is left is to tie on a fly and you are ready to fish! For an investment of $199.99, you are outfitted like a seasoned veteran. Reddington Crosswater is a great all-around combo that you can use for more than just trout.
Temple Fork Outfitters NXT Black
Temple Fork Outfitters NXT Black TFO is a “new” company in the world of fly-fishing (only a little over 20 years), but do not overlook them. Designers Gary Loomis (formerly of G. Loomis) and Lefty Kreh are icons in the fishing world and help design world-class products. And at about $174.99 it is easy to break into fly-fishing. The lifetime warranty for an entry-level outfit is a huge benefit. These matte black beauties with cork grips are durable for a lifetime of fishing. Aluminum oxide stripping guides and chrome-impregnated stainless-steel snake guides adorn this work of art. The NXT BLK II reel has a stainless-steel alternating disc drag system for smoothness. This outfit comes with backing, a premium weight forward floating fly line, and a looped leader. The line is upsized (for a 5-weight rod the line is 6-weight) to help the beginning angler feel the rod load during the cast.
White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon Fly Outfit
White River Fly Shop Dogwood Canyon Fly Outfit all-around combo is a great introductory rod and reel built to help beginners learn to cast and find a rhythm. This 4-piece fly rod is graphite for a great feel, especially when the fish are biting softly. The large arbor aluminum reel includes aluminum drag discs for the big ones and can be used as a right- or left-hand retrieve. The outfit comes with backing and a weight-forward floating flyline. All you need is a leader and tippet, and you are ready to go! No case is included at the price point of about $79.99. The outfit comes with a one-year return policy for refunds or exchanges. As a Bass Pro Shops product, you know the customer service is exceptional. This is the most affordable of the combos I have reviewed.
Echo Carbon XL 590
Echo Carbon XL 590 designed by Tim Rajeff and touted to be the perfect trout rod for any fly-fishing method. Whether floating a dry-fly, stripping streamers, or drifting nymphs this outfit will do the job and make it look easy. Known for smooth casting, this fly-rod will land the fly exactly where you, and more importantly the trout, want it. Echo engineered this rod to outperform other fly-rods in this price range. It punches above its weight class. One of my fishing buddies uses his Echo Carbon XL exclusively while chasing trout around southern Missouri. He likes the versatility of being able to change flies and always feels confident in his fly-rod. The rod (model 5-90) is a 5-weight, 4-piece 9-foot rod. A perfect all-purpose rod for catching stocker trout at Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon, MO, or chasing trophies at Lake Taneycomo. The rod has alignment dots which make assembly as simple as possible. It has snake guides with a single foot, cork handle and is matte brown, and comes with a cordura-covered nylon tube. The combo comes “ready to fish” with backing, fly line, and leader already on the Lamson Liquid Reel. All you need is a fly! The combo tips the scale at about $395.00 but for all the extras and the fact that you can literally take it to the stream and start fishing, it is great value.
The bottom line is that any of the best beginner fly-fishing combos of 2023 are a fantastic way to break into fly-fishing. My hope is that whether you choose one of these or something totally different you start casting and learning how to fly-fish. It is addictive. Very addictive. But more importantly, spend time outdoors. Learn to appreciate all the beauty of our planet. And when you catch fish consider yourself lucky and remember how great it felt. Then on those days that you get skunked, and we all have them, find a way to appreciate what you learned. Sometimes you learn more getting skunked than on days that you catch a ton of fish. Good luck to you! I hope my advice helps you and welcome to fly fishing!