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How to Choose a Fly Fishing Setup as a Beginner
Fly Fishing can feel intimidating as a beginner (or even a veteran). There seems to be an endless combination of rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippet, indicators, and gear to choose from, and making one wrong move might feel like a costly mistake.
You also might worry about looking like a dope on the river if you don't choose the fanciest, flashiest setup. Just remember, even if you hit the river with a piece of string tied to a broom handle, no true fisherman will judge you as long as you are there for a good time, and you treat the water and fish with respect.
Still, how do you choose a setup that is right for you?
We believe this comes down to three things: Fish, Feel, and Funds.
Fish: Let's start with the basics: What are you trying to catch?
Do you want to fish for trout? Striped Bass? Bonefish? Carp? Snakehead? Mutant river, three eyed East River monsters?!
Narrow down what you want on the end of your line, and work backwards. It's really that simple.
Take trout for example. If you are fishing in the northeast, or anywhere in the country really, trout can be tackled with a 9' 5wt. rod and a matching reel. Sure, you could get a dedicated streamer rod, or a nymphing setup, or something for dry flies once you become more advanced, but if you are a beginner, you can accomplish all of these tactics on a 9' 5wt.
Same goes for your reel. A 3-5 or 5-6 sized reel will provide more than enough drag and resilience season after season for you to learn the ropes. Once you get more comfortable, feel free to experiment.
Feel: This one is self explanatory. What feels good in your hands?
Fly fishing is very tactile. Everything should move in sync. Your body, the line in the water, the motion of your cast. Part of ensuring that you stay smooth and consistent comes down to finding a set up that feels good to use, and that doesn't always translate to price.
About two months ago, I casted a Winston rod for the first time, and while the craftsmanship was undeniably superior to many rods I've casted before, it simply didn't feel good in my hands. If it doesn't feel good, don't use it.
Part of figuring out what does and doesn't feel comfortable comes down to physically handling and casting a setup, which is why we encourage you to seek out a local fly shop to cast a few options before pulling the trigger on an online purchase. It really does make all the difference.
Reels are similar. Make sure you get a sense of a reel's weight, its drag, how it holds and retrieves line.
Funds: What can you afford, both financially and in skill?
I first started fly fishing as a college student in 2017. Understandably, I wasn't rolling in dough, so my first purchase was the cheapest possible outfit I could find: a L.L. Bean rod and reel combo. It wasn't the prettiest setup in the world, but it was mine, and it worked for what I was trying to do. Namely, learn how to cast and catch fish.
That rod bumped and battered around the trunk of my 2010 Subaru Outback for years before I upgraded, but it did the exact job I intended it to do: It taught me how to fly fish.
While I sport a few more expensive setups today, that rod has a special place in my heart, and I still break it out from time to time on my home river just to remember where I started.
My point is, don't overstretch yourself if you don't have the funds, or skillset, to back it up. Start with something affordable, and work your way up.
Suggestions: At the Compleat Angler, we offer a variety of great starter rods, reels, and full combos for all beginner, just remember what we told you, and feel free to call the shop with any questions! We are here to help.
Freshwater Rods
A true all-around performer with the features and feel associated with rods four times the cost. Bass to browns, bluegill to brookies, the Carbon XL covers it all.
The Vice is a fast-action rod range designed to be accessible to all anglers. It's available in a wide range for specialty sizes for unique applications.
Freshwater Reels
Simple, trouble free, and easily accessible in price-the ultimate in function and simplicity throughout the years. Positive click drag is simple and easy to adjust. The reel is built of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum with an ergonomic Delrin handle and changing from left to right hand retrieve is simple.
Saltwater Rods
Saltwater specific guides, reel seat, and fast enough where it's forgiving for people learning how to cast long.
Saltwater Reels
Liquid S has larger diameters, larger arbors and increased strength-to-weight ratios that come from the unique pocket spar frame and spool design. The arbor shape has been redesigned for cleaner spooling, and the drag knob is now larger.