Looking for VERY affordable (Cheap) 0-3 wt rod reel combo

[Nickrp]

Hey all, so I am looking for a 0-3 wt rod, reel and line combo specifically for backpacking in SoCal preferably under 7ft. The deal is i am on a super crazy budget, I am looking to spend no more than 200 (so the TFO is out unfortunately). Does anyone know of a combo that would fit that budget in that wt? (not looking for a tenkara either)

Any help is appreciated.

[L. Ben Doe]

Try this.
http://www.dorber.com/flyrods.html

[fflutterffly]

Once again I'm touting Allenflyfishing.com with affordable reels and rods. i'm very happy with my 5/6 trout series and the 310 Xa rod. Worth every cent.

[The Steady Foot]

I was in the exact same boat a few years ago when I began fly fishing. Budget was my main concern and I also wanted to spend no more than $200. I ended up spending a little more after backing and flyline, got an Echo Carbon 6'6" 3wt. with an inexpensive but pretty decent Okuma SLV 3wt. reel and it was a great choice. Its not super cheap or particularly expensive, and it does cast like a dream. My advice if your budget is a bit flexible is to spend about $225-250 on something you will have and be satisfied with in years to come. I know a few guys who have bought lower end stuff and now wish they would have spent more on better gear as their skill and addiction have progressed. Good luck, please post a follow up review on what you buy, reviews are always good reading.

[WanderingBlues]

Think used!

[PVFlyGuy]

For less than $200, you're going to need to skimp on one or two components of the setup. If you're fishing small waters, in my opinion, you don't really need much of a reel - it's really going to be more of a line holding device than a fish fighting device. So, go cheap on the reel, and save more for the rod... that's what's important for small water.

I built myself a rod for this purpose a few years back, and i love it. I built the Baston RX-6 - a 2 piece, 2 wt, 6'6" rod, and it's perfect for small SoCal waters. I'm not sure if you can find it pre-built, but the blank only cost me $20. I would guess a finished rod would cost ~$100-150.

-JeffW

[hpskiff]

I agree that the reel is by far the least important aspect. Watch for sales - I picked up a 3wt TFO last year for about $80 and Orvis line for as little as $12 (often on sale in the $30 range). Check basspro shop's for a cheap, but functional reel (2 white river models at $39). Basspros dogwood canyon and hobbs creek rods are not bad, but have no warranty. Don't skimp on the line - last year's high end line on sale beats the heck out of this years CHEAP low end line.

[buggravy]

If you end up getting a 1 or 2 wt, I have an Orvis Silver Label WF2, and Orvis Wonderline Advantage WF1. Both are at least a couple years old in terms of shelf life, but have never been used. I'll mail you either free of charge if that helps the cause.

[JGFLYFISH]

Think used!

Agree!

Tons of cool used rods out there, specially glass. No warranty, but if you get it for $40 to $50, you may pay that for shipping on something new that you have broken, and have to ship to the manufacturer anyway.

Reels for 1-3 wt are merely for storage, so you can get some old reel with mucho character for $40 or so.

Line...I read that someone is willing to send you for free...I think you are in business!!

JG

[Sasha]

Think used!

This...


Got quite a few deals on some of my Sage UL rods.

[garypullings]

I have the Reddington CT 2wt and a click 2 reel onit. I live the rod and I know the reel is out of your price range. I have seen some of the smaller white river reels on sale inthe 20-40 range the last few weeks. I think my rod cost me around 120-150.

just ran across this. Check it out.

http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/about/ ... lease.html

[Pete]

Check out the post Wanderingblues posted in the for sale section. $50 + shipping and handling.

Pete