Fly Fishing a Beautiful Small Stream! || $1000 Rod and Reel Combo: Worth the Money?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มี.ค. 2023
- Is spending 1000 dollars on a rod and reel combo worth it? That's a tough question to answer. One thing is for sure... I like the combo. And fly fishing is about having fun.
I think it’s hard to judge what is worth your money and what isn’t. I put a lot of value in the small things when it comes to fishing because I’m fortunate enough to be able to spend a lot of time on the water. So if something is going to make me a more efficient angler then I’m drawn to it, which is really what having this combo does. Having said that I am in no way advocating for anyone, especially newer anglers, to spend anywhere near this amount of money on a rod and reel. If you’ve watched this channel for a while you know that I’ve used everything from Walmart combos, to a literal stick to catch trout. So you certainly don’t need to spend anywhere near this amount of money to catch fish… But for anglers who spend a lot of time on the water you can certainly tell the difference between a cheap and expensive rod and reel combo. Does that make it worth the money when a seasoned angler can also probably catch fish on anything and doesn’t need the expensive rod? That’s a tough question to answer. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Fly fishing is a hobby that can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. But just have fun when you're out there on the water and catch some trout!
Thanks for watching. #outdoors #nature #fishing #troutfishing #flyfishing #adventure #review
In 20 years you will forget what you paid. I bought a Sage RP II 8'6" 5wt Rod in 1983 long with a Hardy LRH Reel. The rod was 325 with the sales tax and the reel ran around 130 dollars. Well here it is in 2023, and I still have and fish with that rod set up.40 years. It was a bunch of money in '83! Things cost these days yes 1000 dollars is a lot of money to spend, do you have to spend that much no, but this is America and you can spend your hard-earned money on anything you like.
Hardy and sage hold their values but not a custom rod or an orvis reel besides the cfo
I still primarily fish Sage LL's
That's another good point!
@@MrTxalusI got a 7'6" Orvis Battenkill Split Bamboo rod my mom gave me for my 16th birthday along with a CFO III reel. The rod is a 6-wt with two tips. The reel was made by hardy for Orvis. I never liked it. I still have it. Value is relative to what somebody will or will not pay. When I bought the sage it was about three weeks' worth of pay that I got as a flight instructor at the time- Soon after I got a job flying Beech 99's it paid better and I was based in the Driftless Area of WI. I fished a lot. Buy good stuff, and take good care of it and you will get a lifetime of joy out of it. The same goes for guns and cookware. I like to buy things just once.
I still fish my sage 366 LL. When I bought it I told the fly shop owner to not tell me how much it cost and to throw away the receipt.
I enjoy watching you and Andrew, especially since I grew up on the East Coast and now live in Colorado.
I have been fly fishing for about 60 years. My first fiberglass fly rod and reel combo cost me about $2. It had a level floating fly line. I taught myself to cast and mend on that rod. In those days, I didn't know anything about leaders or tippet, so I also had a level leader at first, followed by a tapered leader with no tippet. The rod started falling apart, so I bought a new fiberglass rod to replace it. In the 1980s, graphite fly rods started to become popular, so I bought a couple of those for under $100 each. I eventually bought a Sage graphite rod for several hundred dollars. I broke that twice and had it fixed by Sage. That is one advantage of expensive rods - they will be fixed for free if you break them. I currently have 3 rods that were over $1000 each. They are different weights, and each has a reel that was over $300 each.
So why do I use expensive rods and reels? First, I can afford them now. I could catch fish with the less expensive rigs, so there is no need to go broke buying rods, reels, and fly line. Second, the rods are very light, and cast, handle, and fight fish better. The reels have much better drag systems. I used to have to check my drag a lot for fear it would bind when a fish was on. My reels don't have that problem now. I don't need to pull out line to see if it is working right when I hook a fish, I just let the fish run without having to worry. So no, a reel is not just to hold line. Having said that, I never have to worry about fish making a run on my 2 weight rod. The reel for that rod has no drag. But hook into a 24-inch plus brown on 5x tippet using a 4 weight rod, and they are likely to take off so fast you have no time to react. You better hope you weren't snubbing the line to the rod too tight. That's when you need a good reel. If you are streamer fishing, you don't need a light tippet, so you can just muscle the fish in and don't need a good drag, but I mostly fish very small flies on light tippet because trout streams near me have very selective fish.
Hope this helps
Getting new gear is so exciting. Of course you can catch fish with lower end and middle of the road stuff. But if really nice gear gets you out fishing more, then it is most certainly worth the money 💰. Godspeed boys!!!
Thanks for the insight Jon. In my opinion, unless like yourself and others that do this as a profession, I cannot justify expensive equipment. I have always fished with cheaper equipment, as I do it more for recreation. As much as I admire some of the expensive rods and reels, I will always use equipment within my paygrade. Sadly, in my country the exchange rate is always the major factor 😢
Liked your summary at the end. I fish as much as possible, and definitely would like the quality of life features that higher end gear can provide. That said my most expensive combo is around 400 dollars, and I'm not going to spend more anytime soon as I am raising three kids on just my income. Maybe when they are out of the house I will treat myself to a super high end setup, but hard to justify right now.
Completely understand! I think it's almost always hard to justify unless you have expendable income OR you fish for a living (to some degree)
Great video and information! As a novice/amateur fly fisher myself, I went with expensive setup 'If you got em, smoke em'. I have no regrets and over time I will appreciate the quality and durability of both my rod and reel. Currently have a 9'ft 5wt setup, about to drop $$$ on a 9' 8wt setup for salmon, steelhead etc. I would much rather start out with the best I can get than have to upgrade several times. Understand not all can do that.
Kelly gallop said the same thing in one of his recent videos. He thinks thousand dollars Fly rods are BS because technology is so advanced most three and $400 Rods have the same technology! Thanks for your channel!
That's definitely true to some degree! Thanks for watching
Thanks a bunch !!! A lot of guys my age have a $100K sports car in the garage. I don’t, but I do have some expensive fly rods and reels just because I enjoy high end combos. I feel like some folks and other fishermen think I’m crazy for buying these types of expensive products. I can just tell this sometimes. I tell them that the fish have no idea the cost of your equipment and most of the time , the more expensive equipment doesn’t always help you catch fish. Sometimes in a few rare cases, it can help. Like, in a euro rig, rod recovery rate can matter and sometimes you have to pay more for a quick responsive blank. I say, fish what makes you enjoy the sport no matter what others think or say. Again, thanks!!!!!
Couldn't agree more!! Thanks for watching!
Haha, that was crazy at 8:00! Great video, brother! Beautiful rainbows 🙂✌️🎣
I had been fishing for years with a combo my brother and dad had given me as some of there hand-me-downs. Recently I bought the reel you had in this video and a syndicate p2 pipeline pro for euro nymphing. It ran me around $700 total. The accuracy of the cast, balance of the rod, and ability to fight a fish is amazing compared to my old rod. Now, let me be clear I caught fish on both! However, it is a lot more fun and less frustrating in some ways on the better equipment. Thanks for the good videos!
That's exactly how I feel. Honestly it's not that I need it, I think it just makes it more enjoyable for me to fish. But I would never tell someone they needed gear this expensive
Started off nymph fishing with an Echo Shadow II 10' 2 weight. It's a nice rod for the price point for someone getting into Euro nymphing. I moved up to the Orvis 11' 3 weight Blackout rod, and it's night and day tossing nymphs. You can feel the difference, and it handles large and small fish with ease. Again, I'm not saying spending a grand on rod is everyone's cup of tea. But there are differences, and if you fish hard, you should have equipment that lasts.
I have been flyfishing for over 30 years and recently retired. Up until a year ago or so I had primarily used an old Redington classic 5wt or a Sage RPL 490 that I bought used, online, 30 years ago fro $200. Earlier this year I bartered for a $500 small creek rod and splurged on a Ross Colorado for it and got another $500 rod as part of a flyfishing trip. I really enjoy the nicer gear and can appreciate the quality . My primary reservation is that while I, and it seems most that have responded, can now afford what would by many be considered mid-range rods, when I first started spending several hundred on a fly rod would have been financially irresponsible. If the "charge what the market will bear" cliche is accurate, I feat that expensive rods will price out many that would like to flyfish but won't be able to afford to do so. Thankfully, the performance of the lower cost rods has improved significantly but I still wonder if flyfishing is becoming even more of a rich mans sport.
Interesting subject.
I’ve just bought a full cage SA System2 6/7 with spare spool for £30. Will it add to my ‘fly cred’? Nope. Will it do the job? Does it fit my budget? Yep! Do the fish give a xxxx? Nop!😂😂
Have you watched Kelly Galloup’s vid about expensive rods? I’m with him, £250 max unless it’s custom. I briefly owned a Greys Steamflex Euro-rod. £200ish matt textured finish that mono didn’t stick to. Made in the Far East (like most rods & blanks). Did the fish care? Nope!
If you have the money and/or the ‘need’ for expensive kit go for it. But it’s the experience, knowledge and understanding on the reel end that counts.🤔😉😎
First, the explanation of why perfectly justified you buying it John textured rod, closed reel for monofilament, love it! For any who see this comment, I'm sure there's a combo for $300-$500 you may be able to achieve. Lastly I have one question... Where's the net from I know you said months ago Brook trout handle and all but I'm in the market and would love to know. Thanks for everything brother!
It's a net made by catch cam nets!! They're an awesome local company.
John, I agree about your analysis about hte reel and the rod. The rod seems a little stiff at first sight though. I prefer 'soft' rods in these circummstances. But I do believe the money for this rod and reel is pretty well spended.
It had a super subtle / flexible tip section but quickly became more stiff as it went down the rod. which I liked. I wanted to be able to turn the heads of some big fish when necessary.
Such big fish in such a small stream! Crazy! $1,000 bucks for me is overkill. But I am looking for a new wet line and I am due for a new reel and rod so thanks for posting and giving us your honest opinion.
Like the new setup, can't go wrong with Orvis or Adams :) Enjoyed
It's all so wonderful.. Thanks for the info on the rod/reel.
Thanks for sharing another great video---you guys are the best----I have been watching your series streamer videos and finished the last one last night. I'm impressed with the size browns you and Andrew land using the trailer-hook streamers. I've landed numerous Spotted Bass on my home waters using that streamer type.
In one of the videos, you mentioned wanting to fish some new streams in other states. Two of the best in Tennessee are the Clinch and Caney Fork. I have fly fished the Caney and landed several 20" plus browns. I have not floated the Clinch, but I know the leading guide who has helped his clients land several big browns there. I would love to see you guys fish both tail races using the type streamers you use on your home streams.
Keep producing fantastic videos. I look forward to viewing every video!!
Thank you for the kind words!
I started with an 8ft 5WT $50 combo, I now have a $350 plus combo in a 3 WT, it feels like a 700 dollar set up to me🤣 Great video man, nice combo, looks sick.
Same! just got a 3 wt that was a little over 400 and wow what a difference! Also i think everyone should start on a cheap combo because it'll make you really appreciate a good rod and reel!
The spool tolerance, rod finish and reel seat are very real considerations. Since I build rods I will incorporate those features when I build a Euro Nymph rod. I think I would look for a alternative as far as the reel but the spool tolerance is very critical so that could be well worth the money. Good equipment is always more pleasant to fish with but I’m sure I could match the rod for several hundred less dollars.
I believe it, I'm sure these rods (even the most expensive) could be matched for far less than they cost in the fly shop. The mark up alone I'm sure is insane.
Thank you so much for sharing!!
great content, i have several 1000 plus rigs, and yes they are worth it in my opinion
Gorgeous combo and really pretty fish you cought there 😀
Thank you!
Thanks, I did not know that! Appreciate the info.
I myself just got another rod setup and am anxious to see what it will do, I only spent about 650 but if it can do everything that I want it to do then it will be money well spent. It's not about the amount of money it's about what you like and want because ultimately you aren't going to take that money with you when you die so enjoy your hard earned money and never let anyone tell you anything different
Couldn't agree more!
i started with a cheap 5 wt combo, but last year upgraded to a 3 wt glass setup that all in cost me about $500. it is perfect for throwing dries at small stream brookies which is what I really love and the difference in performance is night and day, it was worth it.
yeah my brookie combo at the moment would run about that as well.
If it makes you happy and you feel confident it's worth it, for me I'm happy with cheap gear, I fish some rough spots, I wouldn't feel comfortable walking through the bush with 1000$ worth of equipment let alone using it to actually fish. I fish 4 different sizes of rods depending on what I'm doing and I doubt all my rods reels and lines combined even total 1000$.
I agree 100%. To each their own, we are all free to enjoy life how we choose & for some, $ is no object. I also fish areas where there is too much opportunity to break a rod. IMO there certainly are advantages to higher end equipment, as long as you have the skill & experience to use it. Its rare if I’m not using my custom 5’8” 4wt, my most expensive rod regardless of fishing type. Cost me about $200 ten years ago. Been worth every penny, but I also catch plenty of fish on budget gear too. 👍🏻
@@Shane.sBeard People might say "don't set up your rod until your at the creek and you don't have to worry" which makes sense sometimes but my creeks aren't very walkable I have to tuck in and out of the bush, climbing banks and hills and rocks and log jams from the river logging days and all kinds of stuff I wouldn't feel comfortable dragging anything too expensive through.
I have a 7'6 3wt that turned out to be my favourite rod, its about 60$ made by Maxcatch, and was my 1st fly rod if it breaks I'll gladly buy a new one. All my rods are Maxcatch but my others are their high end rods($200-$300), they're a china company but they've treated me very very well, I've even used their warranty with no issues for a broken tip section. and I recently ordered a 7wt for steelhead fishing the rod I ordered was 80$ but wasn't in stock in 7wt, so they sent me a rod thats over 200 on the site as a replacement.
But ya the point is use whatever is in your personal budget and makes you feel confident. 100% of fishing is just being out there and wetting a line.
The green CTS rod/Ross reel I have is roughly that much. Again it's about fun! There's a few subtleties that are really nice with an expensive setup, but at the end of the day you're not going to catch more fish. So long as buying something like that doesn't take food off your table or away from bills and it's worth it to you then go for it! Nothing like breaking in a new setup too! 😁
That is solid advice. As an intermediate level angler I just want something that is decent and not sure I am good enough to notice the difference between my 200 dollar rod and a premium one.
@@daveschlom4033 A good line will enhance your experience way before a rod does!
@@FirstCastMedia True!
Couldn't agree more! That's exactly what I was trying to get across in this video. You won't catch more fish because the fish surely don't care how much money you spent. It's really up to you and your own preferences
Nice vid. What landing net do you like? Looks like yours has a nice long handle. Trying to find a not too expensive nice net
Last year I got my first high end Syndicate Reaver rod....and then I got the Sage ESN this year for the real. The Reaver was the first one I ever saw with an eyelet closer to the handle. Most of them actually are farther up. I have quite a few Euro rods. The Adam's kept it close as well. The Adam's looks like a great rod. I have caught tons of Trout with non expensive rods...but I do like the 11ft 2wt Reaver. Tightlines!
I looked at the syndicate hard... but I knew a lot of people who had it and wanted to have something a little different.
@@hardmanfishing ..its unique. I see that Tactical Fly Fisher carries them both. I bought mine used from a friend and actually fished with his a little before I had the opportunity to buy it. Adam's looks like a great choice.
I've got fly reels from Lamson Lightspeed down to Dragonfly which the spool fall's off occasionally. I agree the reel is just a place to store line while it's spool is rolling around in the bottom of the boat. I have a couple of Frankenstein Rods made from different manufacturers and weights. Funny thing that the worst outfits I have catch the biggest trout. Big like 10lbs. I don't scrimp in Fly Lines and find Airflo the smoothest. Anyways it is nice to have Quality equipment.
That last catch? DUDE, what can I say here that I haven't said before? 🤔 Hmm...not really sure on that one....but dang, whata catch. It had some SHOULDERS on it for sure!😮 As for the "tight lining" or "Euro-nymphing," isn't it the heavier line that you use to cast with? Or, are these types of fly fishing more for tight quarters/"bow and arrow technique" types of fishing? Just curious. 🤔 Either way, great vid as always man and plz keep em comin my friend. Peace ✌😎
Enjoying your videos, just started watching them. What brand of nets are you using? Looks like they work well! Thanks
Catch cam nets! They're an awesome local company!
Fantastic rod for rivers. Personally, I’d prefer a 7’ 3 wt for the water in this video
I'm the same way , I like quality don't care about cost. We that like high end rods and reels could have spent a whole lot more by being a drug addict, but instead a fishing addiction is my vise.
What type of flies do you recommend for small streams like that
I bought a $450 Orvis combo and I would never pay anything more than that. I love it and use it for many different things.
What net do you use I love it
I have spent a untold amount of money on a large amount of fishing rods and reels. One thing I see in expensive Rod's is the increased accuracy in small stream fishing. On bigger water that's not quite as important. Secondly in big game saltwater fishing expensive rod's have more power which means more control. I taught flyfishing schools for years, the most interesting thing I learned is identical rod's from the same manufacturer can vary greatly. Case in point, 2 brothers came to my school with identical rod's. One rod was good the other was awful. I could hold both rod's in one hand and wave them and the difference in one rod's dampening and the other rod continuing to oscillate was obvious. Always buy the best rod you can afford but any rod can catch fish at anytime. As my fishing buddy David Dauber always said, "The fish are in the water." Just my 2 cents on the subject.
If I bought that Combo I would most likely step on it the first day out. Pretty looking though.
Did they offer you a drink when you walked in?🙏🏼
nice setup. you deserve it!
What is that net holder ? On your belt
What waders are you wearing?
I mean your content is good man. I enjoy it and am subscribed. BUT, the whole $1,000 rod thing is just dumb.
Can catch them with a stick, a hook and line. It’s like this imo; you can drive to Walmart in a beater or a new beamer. Both get you same place, one with more performance and comfort.
I think people should look at their personal situation and buy a rod that works for them across all of the variables. Ie skill and finances.
If someone’s new and struggling to buy an intro combo, probably not a good idea to stretch it and buy a 1k rod, obviously.
But, if someone new without financial restrictions, kind of like who cares. If they buy a 1k rod it may be just that persons standard.
That all said, can’t wait until the next video brother
Can't imagine fly fishing without cork in my hand :-) How does the grip feel?
I like it, and I had a buddy of mine try it and say he liked it a lot as well. It's different but feels nice.
If this is your passion by the best you can afford good tools make it easier and more enjoyable Tight lines
I still use my cabelas 7'6'' 3 wt that was my first trout fly rod and it still catches fish
Orvis made Cabela's rod's to start with now they are made in China
I’ve got a fly rod that’s a little less pricey than this and I’ve never fly fished before 😂 my grandpa gave it to me bc I’ve been wanting to get into it.
Where are you fishing at ?
Did you get a new camera?
There's a big difference to me in cheaper gear to a bit more expensive gear and if you use it a lot it's a no brainer to me to pay up a bit more and get some better stuff and better warranty. Good gear will last soo much longer than cheap gear.
That's also a very real factor! For example I got an extra section of rod for every piece other than the butt section. So if I were to break this rod I already have a spare. Which is huge! Thanks for watching
So what was the combo?
You did not say the length or weight of your rod what do you use ?
I thought he said a 10-foot 2 weight. You would use that on a small stream where there is room to cast. A much shorter 2 weight rod may be needed if there are lots of low tree branches. I have a 7-foot 2 weight for those conditions.
If you want it, it’s worth it! 😎
Is that a euro rod ?
If people will pay it, technically it's worth it. But as much as I love fly fishing, that $1000 can go alot farther elsewhere for me.
An Escalade rides better than a pack mule. Better gear is smoother stronger and beautiful. Thank God we fishing
I’m a musician and I carve
The tools matter to the arts creator. It feels better
Why would you ever need a 1000$ set up for that kind of fishing? You could litterly do the same job with a long stick, nylon line and a fly. I have done it so I know. I use a 250$ setup for searun Browns here in sweden and it does the job perfect both on the coastline and in the rivers.
Lol ppl always gets raped. Orvis hydros euro cost 279$ 700$ custom rod? Doesn’t look like it to me. Unless builder used high-end blanks. Better have a damn good warranty like them big manufacturers cause rods break one way or another
If my expensive rods break, the manufacturer will fix or replace it for free. It's something to consider.
@@johnt1877 which manufacturer replaces rods for free anymore?
You could have spent twice as much or half as much and been able to catch fish. You could also tell time with a $10 watch or. $10k watch. Does the extra money bring you more enjoyment of the time you spend fishing? That’s the bottom line.
Yes, because a good rig becomes an extension of your body. If you play golf, do you need good clubs, or do you enjoy playing more with them? My guess is they are both more enjoyable and make your game better. Fly fishing can be as expensive as golf, or it can be done on a shoestring budget.
$1,000 for a flyrod? It will only help with convincing everyone else that you're a fool. What's important in fly fishing is how often you actually go fly fishing. No rod is going to make you a better fly fisherman. Only time on the stream can do that.
I don’t think he claimed it made him a better fisherman. ..and it was $1000 for the rod and reel.