new fly rod?

[Andrew Erickson]

Im looking into buying a rod.Im thinking about a 5wt for trout and panfish,Probably spend about 100-150$.Anyone have any ideas about what rod/real i should get?Im still pretty new into the sport but ive done it before so it doesnt have to be a awesome set-up,just better then the crappy one i have now.Thanks

[Quickstrike]

In that price range i would look at TFO. They have signature series combos for under 200$ that come with everything you need to get started. Scott and Winston also have high quality intro level rods for under 200$

[sodajerk]

I second the TFO recommendation. I own two of them, a 3wt and an 8wt, and I like them a lot. Their Signature Series 5wts are $99.95 and their Professional Series 5wts are $139.95-199.95 depending on the model. They also have two different models of reel, the Midge and the Mayfly, for $49.95.

I don't have any experience with TFO reels so I can't vouch for them, but you can't go wrong with the rods. They have a no-fault lifetime warranty on the rods too, so that's also a plus.

St Croix sells 5wts in their Triumph Series for $90-110, but those only have a 5-year warranty. You can make thousands of casts in five years though, and if anything is going to go wrong with the rod, it should show up within that time.

My first fly rod was/is a 5wt Cabela's Genesis that I bought as a complete outfit for $159.95, including rod, reel, line, backing, flies, chest pack, floatant, tapered leaders, etc. Everything you need to fish right away was included. I still use the rod; in fact I'd say I have more fishing hours on that rod than any of the others I own.

[DEADhead]

Quickstrike gave you good advice. I'd skimp on the reel if you're just fishing trout and panfish, it's just there to hold the line anyways. I'd look at the Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) professional rods, I've seen a bunch on sale recently. Otherwise, Redington makes some nice entry rods, the RedFly2 is a good rod or the RS3's which are on clearance. Sage Launch and Winston Ascent are the other entry rods that come in just under $200. I've also heard good reviews of the LL Bean quest models. Basically any of these models with a lifetime guarantee can't be beat.

[WxGuy]

Consider looking around for a St. Croix Avid as well. I've got the old Avid 5wt and I really like it...although I use it primarily for smallmouth or when casting big flies for trout.

[DEADhead]

I totally forgot about the avid rods. good call Randy.

[Duncan7709]

I just got a new avid and it is agreat rod.

[Quickstrike]

I like the avid too, but I would stay away from any lower models. A lifetime warranty is a must when buying a fly rod and now that top brands are introducing entry level rods with lifetime warranties there's really no reason to buy a rod without one.

[Nate McVey]

You can't go wrong with TFO (I have a 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt.), I snapped a tip on my 8 wt. last spring and I had it back within 10 days. Their reels are great, I have the TFO 375 large arbor for steelies, and am very happy. I bought my future brother-in-law one of the TF NXT 4/5 combo packages for Christmas, and for the price (below $200), you get a hard case, 4 pc. rod, reel, backing and weight forward line. Not a bad deal at all. Good luck and let us know what you end up going with