Beginner fly rod

[Icefishfun]

I just started tying my own flies but do not have a fly rod (usually use a ultra light) what would be a good fly rod for a young beginner that is not too expensive, possibly less than $125

[Ufatz]

Do not be afraid of buying a nice used fly rod. Check the various auction sites and look for a Fenwick glass rod rated for a 5/6 line. And 8' would be best.

Finding a decent rod should not be hard. You CAN cast a fly line with a broomhandle or a rake.

Get a rod and start practicing. And only worry about making casts accurately and within thirty feet. When you have that down pat I'll show you how to cast with a number two shovel. Or a broom.

Relax. Have fun.

[Fizzle]

Don't be afraid to spend a chunk on a nice rod if you think you'd get your moneys worth out of it over the course of your lifetime (that's how long they last if you're good to them). I grew up in Missoula, MT and Fly fishing is the only form of angling out there. I can't tell you how many people I've known buy a crappy rod, try it out and end up hating fly fishing because of poor performance on the rod's part.

9' rods are generally the golden standard. 8 footers I find take more work to cast as effectively vs a 9 footer. The perfect "starter" rod I'd suggest would be a St. Croix Avid, either a 5wt or 6wt, 9'. Or I guess get a high end used rod. The avid is $290, but it's worth every dollar. Casting it is a dream, it's light and the moderate fast action (vs regular vs you'd get with a cheaper rod) really pays off in that it does a lot more work closing your loops and laying your line for you.

Take my word for it man, buy 1 rod you love and keep it forever. Don't buy an inferior rod and end up enjoying the sport less.

[Fizzle]

Splurge on the rod, and then cheap on the reel if you must. Don't be cheap with fly line either Fly fishing's kinda an expensive sport now that I add my stuff up in my head. I started out with an Avid years ago and it's the only rod I take everywhere with me no matter what I'm fishing.