Best budget fly rod combo

The Best Budget Fly Rod Combo

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Whether you’re looking for your first rod or your fifteenth, a budget fly rod combo can be a great option. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice looking for your first set up, or the seasoned veteran scoping out a deal. Brands are now beginning to aim these at a wide audience, and if you spend a bunch of time researching you can definitely find the best budget fly rod combo! But we’ll help you out with that.

The fact is fly fishing can become an expensive habit in a very short period of time. And if you want to off set the prices of expensive waders, boots, and other gear, then a decently priced fly rod combo is not a bad way to go.

When you’re in the market for your first rod combo, you’ll quickly figure out there isn’t much deviation in size. Many will be between 8.5-9 feet long and either a 5 or a 6wt. That being said, there are always exceptions to the rule. Generally, though, if you want something bigger or smaller, you’ll either have to custom make your set up, or do some digging.

If you’re in a rush and want to save some time then check out the table below for our quick and easy rankings of different fly rod combos.

ComboPro’sCon’sRatingAvailability
Maxcatch Extreme fly-fishing combo kitComes with case and rod sockUn reliable factory tied knots3/5Check the Price at Amazon
Orvis encounter complete 4 pieceComes with Orvis Fly LineFlimsy reel seat4.5/5  Check the Price at Orvis
Piscifun New Fly-Fishing Reel ComboLarge arbor Reduces Line memoryNot a seasoned brand3/5Check the price at Amazon
Reddington Crosswater ComboSeveral weight optionsOnly a 1 year warranty4/5Check the price at Amazon
Reddington Vice ComboComes in different weightspricey4.5/5Check out the price on Amazon
Temple Fork NXT Fly Fishing OutfitLifetime Warrantypricey4.5/5Check out the price on Amazon
Wildwater Deluxe 5/6 WeightFully Loaded with gearNot the best quality rod and reel3.5/5Check out the price at Amazon

The rod weight will always be matched with the proper line size, but on budget combos you will typically not get very high-quality fly line. Which to either a master or a novice can make all the difference. If you find yourself really struggling with casting it might be best to head down to your local fly shop and let them recommend something for you. Decent line can be expensive but it might be the best thing you can use to upgrade a rod.

When purchasing your combo be aware that you can’t always get extra gear with it. Sometimes you’ll get a couple flies, and a fly box. But you’ll mostly have to purchase those separately. Again, there’s always exceptions.

Table of Contents

Best Budget Fly Rod Combos

Maxcatch Extreme Fly-Fishing combo kit

Also coming at under $100 this kit includes a 9’ 5wt rod and reel along with backing, fly line, and leaders. It also comes with a fly box containing 12 flies, and a case.

M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Extreme Fly Fishing Combo Kit 3/5/6/8 Weight, Starter Fly Rod and Reel Outfit, with a Protective Travel Case (8wt 9‘0“ 4pc Rod,7/8 Reel)

Perfect for the brand-new fisherman who needs a few extra pieces of gear to help get started. However, this is most likely a product that the angler will outgrow. Great to learn and figure out fly fishing on, but once the basics are completed you could find yourself becoming frustrated with this combo and move on to something a little bit nicer. Check the Price at Amazon

Pro’sCon’s
Great PriceNot the most durable product
Comes with 12 flies and a caseLine does not have welded Loops

Orvis Encounter Complete 4-piece unit

Overall this is probably the best budget fly rod combo you’ll find for the money. It’s cheap enough you can get into fly fishing without worrying too much about the money, but is a good enough combo that you’ll be able to use it for years to come.

It comes pre spooled with high quality Orvis fly line, which means that will help with some of the casting learning curve.

The rod is also versatile enough that you’ll have the ability to cast dries, nymphs as well as streamers. Perfect for the angler who wants to fish multiple flies on one set up. Check the Price at Orvis

Pro’sCon’s
Best Combo for the moneySlightly more expensive, but a great value
Comes equipped with high quality Orvis Fly Line 

Piscifun New Fly-Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

The cheapest item on this list, the Piscifun comes with all the gear you need to hit the water. Including a fly box lanyard with three different flies inside. From the moment you buy this combo you’ll be ready to head out to the water and begin fishing.

Piscifun Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Fly Fishing Complete 5/6 Starter Package Fly Fishing kit for Beginners

It also features a mid-arbor design that allows for quick line pickup when reeling in and will help reduce line memory as well. This reel comes all loaded up with fly line, backing and leader so you can unwrap and head to the river. Check the price at Amazon

Pro’sCon’s
Left and right hand compatibleBacking, fly line, and leader knots are not strong. Need to hand tie yourself
Low PriceNot a seasoned brand

Reddington Crosswater Combo

This medium fast action rod is available in 2pc and 4pc combos. This setup is pre-spooled with a solid fly line, the Rio Mainstream Weight Forward. It also comes with a rod sock and rod tube perfect for transporting to your next big trip.

Redington Fly Fishing Combo Kit 590-4 Crosswater Outfit with Crosswater Reel 5 Wt 9-Foot 4pc

It is available in an 8.5’ 6wt and 9’ with a 5,6,8wt. Allowing you the versatility to go and attack bigger fish and throw heavier flies with a heavier rod. If you ever decide to upgrade to something else, this becomes the perfect backup rod to use. Or if you selected 8.5’ and upgraded to a 9’ you can break out the smaller one when out fishing small ponds or creeks.

This rod is a great value and can be used for years to come. Check the price at Trouts.com.

Pro’sCon’s
Multiple WeightsSlightly higher price
Spooled with good Rio line 

Wildwater Deluxe 5/6 weight

 There are always exceptions to the rules and the Wildwater is it. This outfit comes just about fully stocked with all of the gear that you could possibly need to start up fly fishing. You’re loaded with forceps, nippers, retractable zingers, tippet, flies, and fly box. The only thing missing is a net.

If you’re brand new and overwhelmed by all of the gear needed then this is the combo for you. Not only are you getting a perfect set up of gear, but the fly rod also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot, 4-Piece, 5/6 Weight Fly Rod Complete Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Package

The rod itself is not up to snuff with some of the nicer combos and if you grow to love the sport, you’ll eventually outgrow the rod. However, it makes for a perfect backup or a second rod that you can use to loan out to friends and family.

If your looking in terms of sheer number of items provided this is the best item on this list for the price.  Check out the price at Amazon

Pro’sCon’s
Fully loaded with gearNot the best rod
Great price for the amount you’re gettingContained flies can fall apart quickly

Temple Fork NXT Fly Fishing Outfit

The most expensive item on our list, but it’s a good one. The Temple Fork comes equipped with a quality reel and a solid medium action rod that is perfect for the novice or experienced angler.

TFO BVK Fly Rod Outfit (5wt, 9'0", 4pc) w/Lamson Remix Fly Reel

It’s also equipped with a great rod and reel case for travelling and you also will find a lifetime warranty to go with your outfit. Check out the price on Amazon

Pro’sCon’s
Lifetime WarrantySlightly more expensive than other intro combos
Great outfit for the price 

Reddington Vice Combo

The vice differs from the pack slightly in that it comes with a fast action rod as opposed to a medium. Despite the action it’s still a solid set up for a beginner, and this would be the perfect stepping stone for someone who is finally comfortable casting a fly rod.

Redington Fly Fishing Combo Kit 890-4 Vice Outfit with I.D Reel 8 Wt 9-Foot 4pc

Again, this is a little bit pricier but it is a fantastic combo that you can purchase if you want to start with something a little nicer, or to move up in gear. Check out the price on Amazon

Pro’sCon’s
Great rod and reelPricey
Comes in different sizes 

Conclusion on the best budget fly rod combo you should buy

A fly rod combo is the perfect set up for someone who is either new to fishing or is making the transition from a spinning rod. It comes ready to go and the only thought an angler needs to have is what weight do I need and how long does it need to be.

After that everything else on the rod is taken care of. From the backing, to the line and leader. Occasionally you’ll find an outfit that comes with few flies and maybe some extra items will be thrown in, and those can be perfect when starting out. But overtime you’ll want to select your own flies that pertain exactly to the water that you’re fishing.

Unfortunately, combos still have a stigma around them, and that should be cast aside. You can find great outfits for an even greater price and you’ll also be able to use them for years to come. Hopefully after reading this you ‘re now armed to go out and find yourself the best budget fly rod combo.

If you found this article to contain helpful information for you to decide which fly fishing combo to purchase, make sure to comment below, give us a like, and share it with your fishing buddies!

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