Fishing tackle is expensive.
Fly fishing is a great sport, but it can be hard to know where to start if you’ve never done it before. All of the gear looks complicated and expensive, so how do you know what’s worth spending money on?
The good news is that fly fishing isn’t as expensive or difficult as many people think. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on top-of-the-line equipment in order to have fun with this hobby. In fact, there are plenty of mid-range options available for those who want to get started without breaking the bank.
One great option that many beginning anglers love is combos like the one we have here from NetAngler. These combos offer everything you need to get started with your new hobby for less than $200, which makes them an incredible value and a perfect way for beginners to get their feet wet with fishing without spending too much money up front.
This article will walk through different fly fishing combos under $200 that beginners should consider investing in when they’re just getting started with this activity. These combos offer everything needed for a day out on the water including an easy way to carry all your gear and even some beginner-friendly flies that will help you catch fish right away!
What is the best fly fishing combo for under $200 for beginners?
Our top pick for the best fly fishing combo is:
✅ This specific fly fishing combo has helped hundreds of fishermen become a pro at fly fishing. Great for beginners!
The best fly fishing combo for beginners depends on what you’re looking for. If you want an easy, beginner-friendly kit that can help you catch some fish right away then the Orvis Encounter Combo is a great choice with plenty of bonuses included making your day more enjoyable.
This fly fishing combo is the perfect way to get all your gear without any of the extra bells and whistles. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, it’s time for an upgrade!
What to look for when choosing fly-fishing combos
When purchasing fly fishing combos there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First, it’s important to know what type of fish you’re going after and the environment where you’ll be fishing. Different types of weather require different gear so make sure that your kit has everything needed depending on the forecast.
- Second, consider how much time will be spent on the water. If you plan to spend more than a few hours in one day, then it may be worth investing in gear that will last longer and give you better results such as fly-fishing rods made out of carbon fiber or graphite.
- Finally, don’t forget about your budget! There are plenty of affordable options available for beginners and experienced fly fishers alike.
Important aspects you should consider when picking a combo are:
- If your primary goal in fishing is catching as many fish as possible then it may be best if that sturdy equipment has a quick setup process so there’s no need to worry about assembling when on the go with limited time waiting for other fishermen at their spot.
- This will help get you longer lasting performance while making sure its hassle free by just pulling out all your gear whenever necessary!
- However, if this takes up too much space or money because they’ll only be used occasionally like during vacations, finding compact storage solutions could be really useful especially since these usually come bundled together saving space and money!
- Cost – When it comes to fishing, one of the least costly starts is through fly-fishing combos.
- There are a number of different combos for sale that are within the lower price range and come with rods, reels, backing lines, leader material, fly floatant, flies and fly boxes.
- Material – What you choose for the material of your fishing rod can be a difficult decision. There are two common options, carbon-graphite fiber or split bamboo rods; each with their own sets of benefits and disadvantages.
- Split bamboo is more traditional in design as well as price tag which may not work if you’re looking to find an inexpensive set up that still has great performance qualities.
- For those who don’t have any preference between one over another, carbon-graphite fibers offer quality at a lower cost while providing all the same features such as being lighter weight than its counterpart while also having faster casting speeds on top end gear that it’s packing some extra punch too!
- Portability – For some people, portability is a concern when they’re using their fly-fishing equipment.
- If you travel with your gear often and need the convenience of being able to carry it in an easy-to grip backpack or suitcase, then consider purchasing a three or four piece rod so that everything can be packed together more compactly.
- Weight – As a fisherman, you want to pick the size rod that best fits your fishing needs. You will need different rods for catching bass and trout in saltwater versus freshwater streams and rivers!
- A 3-4 weight rod: A more light weight rod, the perfect option for catching smaller fish such as native trout in high mountain areas. This will make it easier to reel them in so that you wouldn’t need a heavy duty rod like the five-weight which can be used for small brook trout and other medium sized fish up to 20 inches long.
- A 5-weight rod is great all around because of its versatility; this would work well on small brookies but also larger rainbow trouts!
- The seven-weight isn’t just for salmon either, this strong sturdy pole could catch large rainbows too!
- 8-weight rods are best for salt water fly fishing. They’re used to catch bonefish, which is a type of fish that’s not as heavy and can be easily caught with an 8-pound rod.
- 10 weight rods are stronger because they have the capability to hold heavier fishes like permit, small tarpon or barracuda (which all weigh about 40 pounds).
- 12 weight rods are very strong but often too delicate for light duty work such as catching smaller types of fish in shallow waters.
- Rod length – Rods can really make a difference in how you catch fish. If your goal is to reel them in quickly, then shorter rods will get the job done with less effort which leaves more energy for reeling smaller prey such as trout and catfish.
- Nine feet: Longer rods are better for casting heavy lines or fishing in windy conditions.
- Eight and a half feet: The best length of rod is 8.5 feet because it will work well with most fly-fishing techniques and has the versatility to be used under harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, or winds.
- 8 feet and smaller rods are great for fishing in streams that can be challenging to cast into with a 9 foot rod due to low water volume or close proximity of shoreline
If you won’t be traveling much but still want the ability to grab your tools quickly if needed – such as for last-minute fishing trips around town where space isn’t necessarily all that important–a two piece rod may work better since its simple design makes set up quick and convenient no matter what type of storage bag or case it’s stored in.
Benefits of using a fly-fishing combo:
A fly-fishing combo is an affordable and easy solution for fishing enthusiasts who want to have the convenience of carrying a rod that’s both lightweight and portable. It has many benefits including:
- It can be used in various types of water, whether it’s saltwater or freshwater.
- Versatile – They’re also great because you wouldn’t need multiple pieces when going on different types of outdoor adventures like hiking or camping which would take up more space than necessary.
- Sturdy – You don’t have to worry about breaking them either since they are typically made with strong carbon graphite fibers so they won’t break as easily as other materials such as fiberglass or aluminum would if dropped on the ground from standing height.
- Convenience – The Fly-fishing combo is a convenient and hassle free way to get your fly fishing equipment. These combos come with everything you need for the cost of one simple purchase, which means less time in stores trying to find what works best for you and more time on the water catching fish!
- Cost-effectiveness – You’ll never need to break your budget for quality fly-fishing gear! Fly fishing combos are a great way of getting started, and they’re also cost effective. You can invest in high-quality items without breaking the bank because you will get discounts when buying them as part of a combo.
- Good for beginners – Fly-fishing combos make it easier to get started with the sport. They come with all you need for a successful day on the river, and even include instructions so that you can be prepared before your first cast!
- Matching equipment – Fly-fishing combos can be a great way to ensure you are fishing with an aesthetically pleasing setup. Fly fishermen typically have all their gear from the same company, so your fly rod and reel will both match perfectly while also ensuring that they work well together for highly enjoyable angling sessions!
- Well balanced equipment – Since your equipment will all be pre-selected from one brand, it will be well balanced and function properly. This makes purchasing equipment less stressful since you know that all the equipment you are buying was intended to be used together.
Tips for choosing the best fly fishing combo
If you’re looking for a well-made and affordable fly fishing combo, then consider the following:
- Look at rod lengths to see what will be best suited for your type of fish and terrain.
- Then compare prices per foot which would allow you to find a budget option that is still high quality in terms of craftsmanship
- Choose an appropriate weight depending on where you plan to use it most (e.g., saltwater vs freshwater) as some rods are not strong enough or too heavy duty if they don’t match up with your preference here;
- also look into other elements such as length, power etc. when choosing this factor
- Finally make sure it’s comfortable! You should pick one made with a grip that’s not too large or small, the right length for you (which should be between your chin and nose), as well as lightweight to ensure it doesn’t weigh down on your hands.
What are the best fly fishing combo for under $200
1. Orvis Encounter Combo
Orvis is one of the largest brands in fly-fishing. They have been around for a long time and they offer really quality products at every price range, which makes them an excellent company to buy from! One of their top picks this year is the Orvis Encounter Combo.
The Orvis is the perfect first fly rod. It’s designed to be easy to use and has smooth action, making it great for all-around trout and light bass fishing in small or large streams, ponds, or lakes. This outfit includes the rod, a matching Encounter reel, weight-forward floating line, backing and leader.
If you’re looking for a great rod and reel combo that offers maximum versatility, our Encounter 5-weight Combo is perfect. Alongside this fantastic gear are:
- A large 9′ length to choose from;
- It’s got an arbor spool so it’ll cast with ease – even if the fish aren’t biting!
- A weight-forward floating line both backing and leader included in every package at no additional cost.
- You can be ready to throw just about any lure or fly into your new setup without worrying whether they’ll work on the water surface.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Durability
- Good for many conditions and types of fishing
- Good line control in the 20-60ft casting range
Cons:
- Drag resistance is jumpy at longer ranges
- Struggles with accurate casting in long ranges above 60ft
Bottom Line: You won’t have to spend a lot to get a practical high-performing combination that will help you get comfortable with the techniques of fly fishing. It’s the perfect first fly rod for any angler!
2. Echo Base Fly Rod Kit
With an Echo Base Fly Reel, you’ll never have to worry about your line getting tangled again. The reel has a built-in drag system that allows for smooth casting without tangles or backlash – even if the line gets wet during use! It’s perfect for beginners because it’s easy to operate and won’t let you down when things get tough out on the water.
Echo Base Weight Forward Floating Line is made from premium materials that make them last longer than other lines on the market today – plus they float better too! You can cast further distances with less effort thanks to this durable line, which comes in 100 yards of 20lb Dacron backing material as well as 9′ 2X leader material at no extra cost! This package includes everything needed for a successful fishing trip – all at one low price point!
The four-weight rod can tackle small to medium sized fish and has a length that will work well with smaller bodies of water, yet still be capable on larger ones too!
Pros:
- Good for all skill levels
- Good for long casts
- Handles well on the water
- Light with a comfortable grip
- Versatility
Cons:
- Adjustments can be difficult
- Not a top-of-the-line reel
Bottom Line: Echo Base Fly Rods are designed for the beginner fisherman who wants to catch more fish. These rods have been tested by experienced anglers, so they know what works and what doesn’t. They’ve combined their knowledge with decades of fly fishing experience to create these high-quality rods that will help you catch more fish than ever before!
3. Redington Path ll Combo
The PATH rods are made with graphite fly and have a medium fast action. They’re perfect for any level of angler, from 6 weight to above. These rods come in half well handles and offer traditional looks as well as used wood reel seats that are perfect for saltwater or freshwater use. CROSSWATER reels offer style and function at an affordable price range; this large arbor allows quick retrieves no matter what the fishing conditions may be!
Pros:
- Fresh and saltwater options
- Good for all skill levels
- Lifetime warranty
- Made from quality materials
- Quality equipment
Cons:
- Fly not is not the best
Bottom Line: Redington products are guaranteed to last a lifetime with their Lifetime Warranty on Rods and 1-year warranty on Reels. Plus, they offer an included Cordura rod tube so you can keep your gear safe when not in use. It doesn’t get much better than that!
4. Wakeman Charter Series Combo
If you’ve never fly fished before, the Wakeman Fly Fishing Kit is for you! It comes with everything you need to get started including rod, reel, line, flies and more. The kit also includes 45 feet of fly line (9 ft nylon 4x tapered leader), 2 dry flies as well as carrying case – it’s easy to see why beginners will find success in becoming better at their craft!
With the price being less than $40, you have nothing to lose.
Pros:
- Comfortable grip
- Extremely affordable
- Great beginner kit
- Rod performs well
Cons:
- It can’t be used in saltwater
- Fly line isn’t the best
- Low-quality reel
Bottom line: If you want to try something new this summer then we recommend giving fly fishing a shot with the Wakeman Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo! You’ll be able to catch some awesome fish while enjoying your favorite hobby. Plus it’s really fun and super relaxing so what are you waiting for?
5. Sougayilang Combo
Looking for a rod and reel combo that will work in both saltwater and freshwater?
The Sougayilang Combo is an affordable option that can be used for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. It comes with 12 fly-fishing flies, aluminum alloy fly-fishing reels, braided loop connectors, a fishing case to carry equipment, fly fishing line, backing line, and tapered leader. This is a quality rod that offers good all-around performance in a variety of conditions.
You won’t find another rod like this one on the market today! It has everything you need to get started with your new hobby or take it up a notch by catching bigger fish. And for less than $100, it’s not going to break the bank either!
Pros:
- Good value
- Includes a lot of extras that other combos don’t offer
- Portability
- Quality rod and reel
Cons:
- Low-quality flies
- Low-quality fly line
Bottom line: Sougayilang’s 9-foot, 4 sided rod is perfect for traveling and gives you the same precision casting experience as your home pole. It’s made of graphite that will never rust or corrode! The cork handle makes sure your arms don’t get tired out from throwing fishing line all day long while not compromising accuracy in any way.
This thing has some serious build quality too with stainless steel guides. Whether battling trout, bass or panfish, these rods will give you an unbeatable catch.The more advanced features include rotary knob system to control the drag system, graphite reel seat, and a 5 year warranty on parts and labor so you can be confident in buying from them!
6. KastKing Anglers of Honor Fly Fishing Rods & Combos
The KastKing Anglers of Honor fly combo is a true performance rod. It’s made from high modulus material with medum fast action and comes in 4 pc sets for every type of fishing, including delicate dry flies or streamers!
We’ve used only the finest CNC aluminum reel seats and stainless stripping to create these rods that are perfect for you no matter what your style may be.
This rod comes with many features including a five-weight rod that is nine feet in length. It also includes a 20 lb Dacron fly line, CNC machined aluminum fly reel, travel case, weight-forward floating line. The combo offers plenty of value and can be used right when you take it out of the box!
Pros:
- Affordable
- It comes with backing and fly line
- Quality rod and reel
- Supports a good cause (part of each sale is donated to veterans)
Cons:
- It can’t be used in saltwater
- Fly line doesn’t perform the best
Bottom line: The American flag is printed on the case and your new fly rod will be protected while you travel. This one-of-a-kind reel comes with graphite disc drag, preloaded 20lb dacron backing line, a matching 4 pc set of CNC machined aluminum fly reels in 3/4″, 5/6″ or 7/8″. Take them out and fish as soon as they are taken from their protective storage cases!
7. NetAngler Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Our 4-piece carbon fiber rods are super light weight and easy to take around with no chance of getting tired. We also include a reel that has preinstalled line so it is set up right out of the box.
This package includes everything else needed: tackle bag, vest kit complete with tools and flies as well as an extra bonus piece in our Rod Tip Kit which will help your cast be more accurate every time without having to fumble through pieces at the end each use like some other kits do!
This combo also includes 16 flies, tacklebox, carrying bag – all at an affordable price!
Pros:
- Good value
- Great design
- Great rod and reel
- Lightweight and convenient
- Portability
Cons:
- It can’t be used in saltwater
- Low-quality flies
Bottom line: You’ll never get tired carrying this rod around because it’s so lightweight. Plus, there’s no need to worry about forgetting anything because all of your needs are included in this kit – including fly fishing gear and even a special tip kit that helps make casting easier than ever before!
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or already experienced – this is the perfect rod for anyone who loves fly fishing.
8. MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Extreme Fly Fishing Combo Kit
TheMAXIMUMCATCH has pure IM7 24T plus 30T carbon fiber rod is the first of its kind. It has a 5-layer construction with mixed carbon fibers including reinforced muscle for at least a 20% increase in strength.
The reel is pre-spooled with backing, weight forward floating line, and tapered leader. The aluminum lightweight reel comes with an extremely smooth disc drag system that allows you to fight fish without tangles or breakage. This fishing combo also includes a cordura tube case that holds your rods securely while traveling or storing them at home!
Pros:
- Good value
- Lifetime repair warranty
- Rod has good performance
Cons:
- Reel doesn’t perform the best
Bottom line: You can’t find another fishing rod like it on the market today! With just one hand, you can easily reach content at the top of the screen without adjusting your grip or switching hands.
You’ll also receive 12 hand-tied lures, an aluminum large arbor reel with line, backing and leaders preloaded, carrying case, line nipper, neoprene reel cover, and retractor with this combo package. Coming with a lot of extras, this combo is definitely the best investment for anyone looking to get started.
Final thoughts
Fly fishing can be a great hobby for those who are just getting started. In this article, we outline some of the best fly-fishing combos under $200 and explain how you should choose which one is right for your needs by considering these key points:
- Amount of use: How often will you be fly-fishing?
- Budget: How much money would you like to spend on a combo set up before deciding if it’s worth upgrading later down the line?
- Conditions: What type of water am I going to fish in (i.e., streams or lakes)? Some rods are better for freshwater, while others are better for saltwater. If you will be fishing in a variety of conditions, there are also versatile options available.
- Travel: Do you need your gear to be portable? Where will I do most my fly-fishing?
- Type of fish: What is the main species and size of fish you will be targeting? Bigger fish will require a heavier weighted rod and reel.
- Features: Which features matter more than others when looking at different models and styles e.g., drag systems, weight ratio between rod/reel etc.?
If you are a beginner angler, you know that buying fishing gear can be expensive. You have to buy rods and reels, lures, and other accessories on top of the basic necessities like fishing lines and hooks.
One thing is for sure: there’s no need to break your bank account trying out fly-fishing! With this article, we hope to help newbies find an affordable setup so they don’t get discouraged by high prices when just starting out in this wonderful hobby.
Fly-fishing can be a great pastime for those who want low stress with high reward (see what I did there?). A lot of people think it’s intimidating at first but after learning how easy it really is – anyone can do it!