Recommended start Rod/Reel?

[Double Hall]

I'm sold on the TFO Pro rod, going with a 9ft 9wt, which I think will be a good allaround rod from shore or boat. I'm looking at a reel (still) and not sure to just go cheap for now or what.

The package I'm looking at is with an Okumo Integrity reel. I dont want a piece of garbage, but I'm a weekend warrior and realistically won't be catching lunkers on this setup. I know I want an Intermediate line, and will get a spare spool now so I can add a sinking line later on. http://www.burfish.com/Merchant2/mer...ory_Code=_C9WT

Final question, assuming I ever find a decent reel, is what lines should I stick to. Rod will be about $160, and if possible, I'd love to stick under $200 for a reel and line, and a cheap spare spool.

[Hooper]

Originally Posted by Tuition

I'm sold on the TFO Pro rod, going with a 9ft 9wt, which I think will be a good allaround rod from shore or boat. I'm looking at a reel (still) and not sure to just go cheap for now or what.

The package I'm looking at is with an Okumo Integrity reel. I dont want a piece of garbage, but I'm a weekend warrior and realistically won't be catching lunkers on this setup. I know I want an Intermediate line, and will get a spare spool now so I can add a sinking line later on. http://www.burfish.com/Merchant2/mer...ory_Code=_C9WT

Final question, assuming I ever find a decent reel, is what lines should I stick to. Rod will be about $160, and if possible, I'd love to stick under $200 for a reel and line, and a cheap spare spool.

Try an intermediate weight forward (WF) line, should cover lots of situations, easy to cast, pick up, etc. Just my HO...

[beeges]

Tuition
The day you downsize your equipment because you don't have luck with "big fish" is the day that you will hook a 65lb pig fighting her just long enough to get a glimpse and hating yourself for the next 20-30 years (I have about 15 years of hating myself left).
If you are used to Sage you might have a tuff time settling for some of the less expensive brands mentioned.

[Double Hall]

Originally Posted by beeges

Tuition
The day you downsize your equipment because you don't have luck with "big fish" is the day that you will hook a 65lb pig fighting her just long enough to get a glimpse and hating yourself for the next 20-30 years (I have about 15 years of hating myself left).
If you are used to Sage you might have a tuff time settling for some of the less expensive brands mentioned.

So true. Last weekend I was absolutely slamming fish all morning... just not on a fly rod. I'm going to give the TFO a try, just hoping to match it with a good reel, cheaper than the Orvis battenkill IV. Well over $300 with a 2nd spool.

[beeges]

That sounds like a good decision. I am on the pro/guide team for both Sage and TFO and love the 9-10 weight TFO stuff, but there is nothing like a big fish in the rips burning 100+ yards of backing off your Sage 3500, I love the sound!

[Mr. Sandman]

I picked up a orvis zero gavity rod this spring and like it a lot. (9wt) I keep it in the vehicle and take it out when the conditions are ripe for fly rod ( light winds and fish right on the beach) otherwise it stays in the truck. I hate fighting the elements with fly gear, that is what they make surf rods and 3.5 oz plugs for. I have gotten a few decent bass on them and they seem to hold up OK to the elements.

I only own 4 fly rods/reels, and I am not really a hard core fly guy...the first stick I grab is a 10' surf rod... but I have to say catching albies on fly rods are such a hoot and I think anyone who hooks a good size albi on one gets hooked on flyrodding pretty fast. It is a lot of fun.

[surfflyfish]

If you don't want to break the bank,go with the Orvis Clearwater2 with the battenkill L/A. i broke the rod 3 times and the 3 times Orvis has sent me a brand new rod. that means a lot to me. i like to work the rocks and all 3 times i slipped on the rocks and damaged the rod.within 4 days have a new rod.
Warranty is key.what are you getting with the price you're paying for such rod besides the rod? i bought a Scott,needed repair and i had to pay an arm and a leg to fix it and i said no way.it all depend on how hard you fish.if you fish this fall run hard ,go everywhere,in my opinion orvis is the way to go.there's other rods better,but a UNCONDITIONAL 25 year WARRANTY is hard to find.