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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.
Combo | Pro’s | Con’s | Rating | Availability |
Maxcatch Extreme fly-fishing combo kit | Comes with case and rod sock | Un reliable factory tied knots | 3/5 | Check the Price at Amazon |
Orvis encounter complete 4 piece | Comes with Orvis Fly Line | Flimsy reel seat | 4.5/5 | Check the Price at Orvis |
Piscifun New Fly-Fishing Reel Combo | Large arbor Reduces Line memory | Not a seasoned brand | 3/5 | Check the price at Amazon |
Reddington Crosswater Combo | Several weight options | Only a 1 year warranty | 4/5 | Check the price at Amazon |
Reddington Vice Combo | Comes in different weights | pricey | 4.5/5 | Check out the price on Amazon |
Temple Fork NXT Fly Fishing Outfit | Lifetime Warranty | pricey | 4.5/5 | Check out the price on Amazon |
Wildwater Deluxe 5/6 Weight | Fully Loaded with gear | Not the best quality rod and reel | 3.5/5 | Check 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.
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’s | Con’s |
Great Price | Not the most durable product |
Comes with 12 flies and a case | Line 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’s | Con’s |
Best Combo for the money | Slightly 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.
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’s | Con’s |
Left and right hand compatible | Backing, fly line, and leader knots are not strong. Need to hand tie yourself |
Low Price | Not 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.
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’s | Con’s |
Multiple Weights | Slightly 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.
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’s | Con’s |
Fully loaded with gear | Not the best rod |
Great price for the amount you’re getting | Contained 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.
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’s | Con’s |
Lifetime Warranty | Slightly 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.
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’s | Con’s |
Great rod and reel | Pricey |
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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