Walmart fly rod any good?

[robotek]

OK, So I decided to try fly fishing this year since I inherited a rod and reel. Well the rod is a cheap 30 yr old heavy noodle fiberglass rod. I quickly broke down and bought a redfly fly rod and an okuma reel. The problem is one or more of my kids usually want to fish with me and the fiberglass rod is too heavy and hard for them to use. Being the nice dad that I am, I'm still left fishing with the fiberglass noodle.

To get to the point, I see Walmart has $20 scientific anger graphite rods, and $60 combos with the reel and line. While I don't expect much for $20, they seem a great deal better than my old rod. Would these be any good for my kids (ages 9 to 12)? If you have any experience with the reel and line in the kit, please let me know about that as well.

[wildnative]

That outfit should be fine for someone starting out, especially a kid in that age range. If they decide they like fly fishing you can always upgrade when funds are available.

I fished with an old Browning Siloflex rod between the ages of 21-26. I probably caught more trout on that rod than any other since (of course, I fished every day from sun up to sun down back then). I didn't know the difference between that and a "high" end rod until I was able to buy one and fish with it. I doubt I could ever go back to a rod like that one unless I was forced to, but it worked fine for that time of my fishing life.

[Red.Fly]

The Cabelas web site has redington red.fly combos on sale right now for $99 and just a red.fly rod is $69. The combo is a screaming deal. The rod is usually $99. For some reason I keep an eye on these things....

[Curtis Fry]

I always tell people starting out to just go with what they can afford and if you can afford a $500 outfit make sure you are committed to the investment or just sell the stuff to me at 1/2 price once they tire of it all. Otherwise, go with a WalMart, or whatever rod you can get. I started with a POS rod when I was starting out and I caught a lot of fish on it. In fact, the reel was not removeable, it was such a cool rod.

[kd7mxi]

i had 2 break within 2 minuts of getting on the stream due to overly dry rod that caused brittleness

probably from being kept in the warehouse too long

i have one that is still good after 2 years of constant every other weekend summer use

[Tyson]

That is the rod I use and I have not been disappointed. For the number of fun units per dollar spent, its hard to beat.

[rodrick]

It will work well as one of your still water rods

[Lonnie]

I started with a POS rod when I was starting out and I caught a lot of fish on it. In fact, the reel was not removeable, it was such a cool rod.

Who here didn't start with a POS rod and reel? I'll never forget my first martin reel. That thing would dent if you looked at it crosseyed....

[Wyoming2utah]

DO NOT BUY THAT 30 DOLLAR COMBO...IT IS A REAL PIECE OF JUNK AND WILL NOT DO WHAT YOU WANT!! I have been taking a couple of high school kids out fly fishing the past year or so, and last winter I recommended that they buy this exact outfit...both of their rods broke the first day out and one of the reels broke. So, both kids returned the rods for a replacement...but, both rods broke again on the very next trip. Walmart is also selling an Orvis rod/rell combo for about $110...step up just a bit and buy that one.

[rodrick]

I know of at least 3 guys that fish the rod on stillwaters. They fished it all summer long at most of the So Idaho lakes and have had no problems. Just talked with one of them 5 mimutes ago. Still likes it. But I will say--------- I don't own one.

[cardiac]

That is the rod I use and I have not been disappointed. For the number of fun units per dollar spent, its hard to beat.
Too late, already read it. You related to Eldon?

[cardiac]

i had 2 break within 2 minuts of getting on the stream due to overly dry rod that caused brittleness

probably from being kept in the warehouse too long

i have one that is still good after 2 years of constant every other weekend summer use
Now that I don't understand. How does a graphite rod get overly dry. It makes no sense to me. There's nothing in graphite to dry out.
shazam!

[campfire]

If cost is a big consideration here is another suggestion. Go to Sportsmen's Warehouse and get a WW Griggs 9' 5 wt two piece rod for about $40, an Okuma reel for about $25 ( it is the exact same reel that Cabela's sells under the "Prestege" name) and some Cortland 333 line. The total price will only be a few dollars more than the Wall Mart Combo but I will wager you will be better served.

[chanceb]

If cost is a big consideration here is another suggestion. Go to Sportsmen's Warehouse and get a WW Griggs 9' 5 wt two piece rod for about $40, an Okuma reel for about $25 ( it is the exact same reel that Cabela's sells under the "Prestege" name) and some Cortland 333 line. The total price will only be a few dollars more than the Wall Mart Combo but I will wager you will be better served.
I was in Sportsman's today also noticed that they're caring some new inexpensive rod around $50 that actaully appeared to be quite nice for the price. Sorry, can't remember the brand, but it seemed a step up from the WW Griggs rods.

[Linechucker]

Check out the Cortland outfit at Sportsman's Warehouse. You get a 9' #5 two piece rod, STH MR POP cassette disc drag reel, 444 Classic line, backing leader and DVD for $89.99! Beats that WW Griggs stuff that's out there!

[Improv]

I was in Sportsman's today also noticed that they're caring some new inexpensive rod around $50 that actaully appeared to be quite nice for the price. Sorry, can't remember the brand, but it seemed a step up from the WW Griggs rods.


Don't knock the WW Griggs rod. Have you seen the warranty on that rod? It's as close to "unconditional" as your going to get. And for what, fifty bones? Not bad. I would also second the Okuma Reel.

If not, the WW Griggs, I personally think that St. Croix still has some of the best starting rods that you can get.
I would also further agree that you are not doing yourself any favors by getting started with a POS Wally-World pole (I’m not sure you can call a Wal-Mart pole a rod). You’ll be pleasantly surprised how a good rod and reel can cover up a mountain of mistakes. However a bad rod and reel only exaggerates your inexperience.

[chanceb]

Don't knock the WW Griggs rod. Have you seen the warranty on that rod? It's as close to "unconditional" as your going to get. And for what, fifty bones? Not bad. I would also second the Okuma Reel.

If not, the WW Griggs, I personally think that St. Croix still has some of the best starting rods that you can get.
I would also further agree that you are not doing yourself any favors by getting started with a POS Wally-World pole (I’m not sure you can call a Wal-Mart pole a rod). You’ll be pleasantly surprised how a good rod and reel can cover up a mountain of mistakes. However a bad rod and reel only exaggerates your inexperience.
Yeah, I really wasn't trying to come off critical of the Griggs rods. I'm sure they're great for the money, but the mystery brand's cosmetics did seem of higher quality, is what I was getting at.

[Tyson]

I would also further agree that you are not doing yourself any favors by getting started with a POS Wally-World pole (I’m not sure you can call a Wal-Mart pole a rod).
Hey, come on guys don't knock it without looking at it. I don't know anything about the combo but the Scientific Anglers 9' for $20 isn't that bad. Trust me, I've beached some behemoth whities with it!

[Wyoming2utah]

Hey, come on guys don't knock it without looking at it. I don't know anything about the combo but the Scientific Anglers 9' for $20 isn't that bad. Trust me, I've beached some behemoth whities with it!

That's what I thought too...when I casted the rod, I liked it. My issue was with how easily they broke down. The two beginners that I had buy the rods had them broken on their first outing...and I didn't see any use on their part that warranted a broken rod. I thought maybe they just were unlucky and had lemons, but after they exchanged the broken rods for new ones, the new rods broke the next day (one actually broke on a 14-15 inch brown).

[styan]

Bought a set up similar to these for a backpacking rod about 15 years ago.
Turned out to be my preferred stick on small stuff for a long time. Broke it a couple years ago and Cortland sent a replacement even though the rod was no longer in their product line.
The Crown II reel it came with is in my donation basket for the Lonne/Nova gig.

http://www.cortlandline.com/catalog/G3outfits.html

Prices:
http://www.whetstoneflyfishingoutfitters.com/fly-fishing-gear/fly-fishing-outfits/cat_38.html

[Tyson]

That's what I thought too...when I casted the rod, I liked it. My issue was with how easily they broke down. The two beginners that I had buy the rods had them broken on their first outing...and I didn't see any use on their part that warranted a broken rod. I thought maybe they just were unlucky and had lemons, but after they exchanged the broken rods for new ones, the new rods broke the next day (one actually broke on a 14-15 inch brown).
I did have to replace one when my wife vacuumed up the leader while it was buried in the closet (but that would have snapped any rod tip). For last 5-6 years I've used them to lob some very heavy rigs and have landed legions of 16+ fish, many times in heavy current. As a matter of fact, I have never had a rod break while fishing and except for my ugly stick they have all been the low end.

But it sounds like your Walmart does carry lemons.

Steve, my first ever was Cortland/Crown combo 18 years ago. I still use the rod. The reel I beat to death so I replaced it with an old Pflueger medalist. Now its my designated traditional setup and I use the Wallyworld for chuck n' duck.

[styan]

Steve, my first ever was Cortland/Crown combo 18 years ago.
Probably the same rig....I've been here 11 years...might be 18-20 yrs ago..
GRL1000 or something like that.

On edit: (GRF)

And....I remember now....they replaced it with the same rod a GRF1000 BUT they replaced a 4 wt with a 6 wt.....I stand self-corrected.

[Tyson]

Probably the same rig....I've been here 11 years...might be 18-20 yrs ago..
GRL1000 or something like that.

On edit: (GRF)

And....I remember now....they replaced it with the same rod a GRF1000 BUT they replaced a 4 wt with a 6 wt.....I stand self-corrected.
Mine is the GRF1000 6 wt.

[cardiac]

Check out the Cortland outfit at Sportsman's Warehouse. You get a 9' #5 two piece rod, STH MR POP cassette disc drag reel, 444 Classic line, backing leader and DVD for $89.99! Beats that WW Griggs stuff that's out there!
Buddy- that you?
that STH reel alone retails for $79 right?

[ravenscry34]

Robotek,

I've had this rod ever since I started flyfishing. I believe I bought it at wal-mart in a kit or something to that extent. I'd be willing to give it to you for free since I don't use it any more. It is an older rod but it still in alright condition. Give a holler if your interested.

Jacob.

[feathersand fur]

i hesitate to even ask what you guys think of TFO flyrods...........anybody?

[Lewiskm3]

I was in a financial pinch a couple of years ago, and had to go with the WW Briggs/Okuma combo for a while. I was actually surprised how balanced it felt in hand, and I could cast surprisingly smooth with it. It's not what I fish with now, but it really is not a bad way to go. Now, it's time to go chase some native Brookies in Shenandoah NP, so have a nice day.

[FishOn!]

i hesitate to even ask what you guys think of TFO flyrods...........anybody?

I got a Lefty Kreh signature series ($90 at Cabelas) and it came with a nice sleeve, a nice alumminum real seat, and has a lifetime warranty...its a medium-fast action 5 wt and I love it...as others have given me this advice I will pass it on...get a rod with a lifetime warranty and it will pay for itself if you happen to break it. I love my rod and I think I might go with TFO again when I upgrade someday.

[dixieonthefly]

I started out on a walmart special flyrod and reel combo I bought back in 1995. I think it cost me around 50 bucks. I used it for everything and gave it a beating. The reel eventually crapped out on me, but the rod is fine. I've only recently retired it this year in favor of a St. Croix I found on sale.

[Ridges]

Probably the same rig....I've been here 11 years...might be 18-20 yrs ago..
GRL1000 or something like that.

On edit: (GRF)


My wife bought me one of those GRF Combos from Angler's Inn in Sugarhouse back in the early 90's (before she was my wife). The reel was pretty much a POS that I gave away years ago, but I still have the rod. I often leave more expensive rods home and use the old 5wt 8.5 foot GRF1000 as my back-up when I go on trips. I've landed plenty of Salmon and big Trout on it, and the only problem I've ever had is an eyelet that popped out. It's definitely not the prettiest, smoothest casting or most expensive rod I own... but I suspect I'll be pretty damn heart broken when it finally breaks. That old rod represents some good memories for me. I'd recommend it to anyone.

[robotek]

ravenscry34 - I'm trying to contact. It looks like your settings don't allow a PM or email. At least I can't get it to work for me. I would love to take you up on that offer. (801)915-0592

thanks.

My thanks go out to everyone else for your advise as well.

[crimedog]

My first rod was a Scientific Angler 9' 6wt combo that I still fish with today. I have bought a nice smaller wt rod and reel but I still use that as my big rod when needed. It should be just fine.

[skighhigh]

Who here didn't start with a POS rod and reel?....


My POS was a SouthBend #359-9 cane rod. It fishes somewhere between a 5 and 6 wt, and a Rainbow No.71 for the reel. The whole thing might of cost my dads uncle about $30 to $50 way back when. Currently I think the Rod is going for about $250. Haven't found a price on the reel yet.