Fly rod, reel and line:

 

When it is time to purchase a fly rod and other necessary gear, there are some very important things to know and it can be very confusing for a beginner. The most important and necessary equipment is a properly setup rod, reel and fly line. I mention all three of these things together because all three need to work together...in fact, they need to be "matched". When I say "match", I do not mean color coordinated. I mean that the weight (wt) of the rod (typically 2 wt. to 14 wt.) must closely match that of the fly line (also typically 2 wt. to 14 wt.). The reel too has a weight (wt) associated with it (typically 4-5 or 7-8).

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Just know for now that "matching" the "weight" (wt.) of the rod, fly line and reel are very important...not just for the beginner, for all fly fishers. Like fly lines, weight is also closely associated with fly rods. All fly rods are designed and manufactured to cast a specific weight fly line ...so a 5 wt. fly rod is designed to be used with a 5 wt. fly line. This can vary by a line size in some instances but it is a very good rule of thumb. Matching the weight of the rod and fly line is most crucial. As you will learn when starting to cast, if the weight of the rod does not closely match that of the fly line, it becomes more difficult to get the fly rod to "load". You can think of "loading" as making the fly rod bend during the casting stroke. All fly rods are designed to properly load when the rod weight closely matches that of the fly line. If they do not closely match, fly casting is much more difficult. In fly casting, you always want the rod to do as much of the "work" as possible. When a fly rod "loads" (bends), it stores energy that is released as the rod straightens and this energy is your friend.

 

As I mentioned above, fly rods and lines are rated from 2 w.t to 14 wt. The smaller weights are for smaller streams and smaller fish and the larger weights are for bigger water and fish. A 12 weight is a typical rod for fish like tarpon and other fish that weigh upwards of 50 pounds.

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In will just briefly mention fly lines. In recent years, fly line manufacturers have made a generally confusing mess of what used to be pretty simple. Without getting into all of the specifics, Fly lines can generally be divided into three types...floating, sinking and intermediate. Floating lines float, sinking lines sink and intermediate lines (not too common) have a "neutral" buoyancy. Fly lines are typically 90 - 105 feet in length and come in many colors. In recent years, all of the manufacturers have created fly lines with different tapers and they call them things like "Bass Taper"...supposedly this has a taper that is helpful when casting large wind resistant bass poppers, etc. There are now many "specialty" lines that have created the "confusing mess" I referred to above. For a beginner, I would suggest a floating line with a weight forward (WF) taper. Do not buy a cheap fly line.

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So, what should you buy? Most knowledgeable fly fishers would recommend a 5 or 6 wt. rod for a beginner...I agree. This is the most common size for most fishing situations for trout, bass and panfish up to several pounds. As you start to look around to buy equipment, you will quickly see that it is possible...actually easy to spend over $2,000 for just a rod, reel and fly line. Happily, that is not necessary although I do recommend that you purchase the highest quality you can afford. My first recommendation if cost is an issue is to purchase a combo starter kit with a rod, reel, fly line with backing from a company that really knows fly fishing. This will virtually guarantee you that the rod is properly matched with the fly line and reel and ready to cast. A few of the sources I can name with some confidence are Orvis (Encounter Outfit $169+), Reddington (Crosswater Combo $169), Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO NXT Black Label Kits $219), Echo (Base Fly Rod Kit $179). I know there are other less expensive choices and a google search will find them. I am hesitant to recommend them as I know nothing about these companies, their background or lack of background in fly fishing, etc. The really inexpensive ones are made in China and quality can always be an issue. Also, try to find one that comes with some sort of warranty. 

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If you prefer to purchase items separately and you have a limited budget, the place to "go cheap" would be on the reel as it is effectively just a place to store the fly line. This, however, changes as you start to fish for larger species and need the advantage of a good "drag" system.