The popularity of fly fishing has risen in recent years and some sources claim that more than 7.5 million Americans fly fish.

The growth of the pastime means a growth of new fly anglers and what better way to get into fly fishing than with a combo or outfit? Fly fishing combos are great for beginners, providing most, if not all, of the necessary tools of the trade. All the seemingly complex gear in fly fishing can be overwhelming but for those beginning, fly fishing combos simplify the buying process and are a fantastic way to get set up.

What is a Fly Fishing Combo?

Fly fishing combos are a pre-packaged set of a rod, reel, floating fly line, and backing sold as an outfit. They are sold all-together with everything assembled. All you need to do is connect the pieces of the rod together and attach the reel. Then, you’re ready fish!

Some fly fishing combos come with leader and a selection of flies, however this isn’t always the norm. The leader and flies are determined by the types of fish you are targeting and can easily be purchased in addition to the combo.

Most fly fishing combos come with:

• Rod
• Reel
• Floating Fly Line
• Backing
• Rod Tube

(for a more detailed description of fly fishing setups, read our Beginner’s Guide to Fly Fishing Setups)

There are significant advantages for beginners to buying a fly fishing combo as your first setup. Each combo is packaged with matching components, taking the guesswork out of pairing rods, reels, and lines. This simplified process means less time shopping and more time fishing.

Fly fishing combos also can offer significant cost savings, as manufacturers often bundle these items together to save the consumer some dough. Fly fishing can get expensive quickly, and these ready-to-fish combos can save you cash vs buying gear separately. 

The only disadvantage to buying a fly fishing combo is that manufacturers don’t typically include their high-end products in these bundles. You are still getting a very high-quality product with these packages, just not the top-of-the-line fly gear. This probably does not matter to the beginner angler but for those interested in the finest gear, it’s wise to buy parts separately. Both catch fish!

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Fly Fishing Combo

There are several important considerations to make when purchasing a fly fishing combo, namely budget, type of fish you will be targeting, and versatility.

Budget

• Fly fishing combos range from around $100 to $600 dollars, with solid options across the spectrum. With the price, you generally get higher craftsmanship, durability, and lightness of the rod, but not necessarily fish-catching ability. That part is up to you!

Targeted Fish

• The type or types of fish you plan on targeting will determine which weight rod you should purchase. As a general guideline:
  • Best All-Around Freshwater Rod is a 5 Weight
  • Best All Around Saltwater Rod is an 8 Weight
    • You can certainly go up or down a weight size, but this is a great start, especially as a first setup. If you talk to any fly angler fishing freshwater, the vast majority will say that their first setup was a 5 weight.

Versatility

• The versatility of the fly rod is an element taken care of by the manufacturer most of the time. Most fly fishing combos are meant to be as versatile as possible, capable of throwing several different types of flies with ease
  • Most rods in a beginner setup also come in a medium-fast action, allowing more forgiveness in the casting stroke. This is very beneficial to a new angler that is getting accustomed to the fly cast.

Best Fly Fishing Combos for Beginners

In order to create this list, I used my personal favorites from experience, product reviews, and brand reputation. From experience, I’ve found it best to stick with brands with good reputations and as a beginner, Orvis and Redington lead the pack in affordable, quality products. Sage is known for their superb high-end rods and reels, but offer a fantastic beginner setup. Other awesome brands with solid combo options include TFO and Echo.

The following is our list of the best beginner fly rod combos across a variety of price points, all of which are a great way to start your fly fishing journey.

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Best Overall: Orvis Clearwater

The Orvis Clearwater Outfit consistently ranks as the best beginner combos. It combines quality materials at an affordable price and this outfit is well known to be the best integration of the two. I’ve casted with these rods and while it does feel heavier than premium, it performs extremely well especially at its price point. 

The combo comes in several sizes, including 2 lengths of the 5 weight (8’6” and 9’), a 6 weight, an 8 weight, and a 10’ 3 weight for those interested in Euro-Nymphing. The 5 weight in either length would be the perfect beginner setup, go with the 9’ if distance and line mending is important to you and the 8’6” if you want a rod that casts a little more accurately.

For those interested in a beginner saltwater combo, the 8 weight is your go-to. Just be wary that the reel is not sealed, meaning if saltwater enters, it will need to be thoroughly rinsed to prevent corrosion. If you plan on fishing from a boat with this reel, you should be fine with a good rinse of freshwater at the end of the day.

Best Premium: Sage Foundation

If you are looking for the best fly fishing combo, look no further than the Sage Foundation Outfit. Sage is one of the most well respected fly fishing manufacturers out there and this offering is a fantastic combo for those interested in higher-end combos.

Additionally, the Spectrum C Reel is fully sealed for increased durability in the salt, a feature not commonly found in other outfits. 

The one downside is its hefty price tag for beginners, but still provides great value despite being on the higher end. Also, the fast-action rod may be difficult for beginners. Fast action rods typically provide more power and crisp-ness, but are generally less forgiving to the beginner. 

With this combo, you will get a very high performing rod with a sleek look. It is available in 4 through 8 weights, all coming in at the standard 9’.

I’ve casted this rod and was amazed at the lightness and power of the rod, not being able to tell the difference between the Foundation and Sage’s ultra-premium fly rods. If you are looking for the best of the best fly fishing combo, the Sage Foundation is your pick.

Best Budget: Redington Crosswater

The Redington Crosswater was my first fly rod and I loved it. While it is not the crispest rod I’ve used, it was perfect as a beginner. The medium-fast action was very forgiving for a novice and I was able to make fishable casts in no time. 

While you are not getting state-of-the-art designs with this setup, it’s perfect for the new fly angler. The entry-level price is ideal for someone who wants to explore fly fishing, but doesn’t want to invest a big financial commitment to the pastime. 

The Redington Crosswater combo is the best budget-friendly fly fishing combo. You’ll be getting a great value, a rod that is suitable for the novice caster, and while the components are not made for heavy duty use for large fish, this outfit will handle any trout, bass, or panfish with ease.

Available in 5, 6, and 8 weight.

Also as a bonus, if you get the 8-weight, the reel comes sealed to help protect it against the salty elements.

Best Mid-Priced: Redington Vice

The Redington Vice is a step up from the Redington Crosswater, with a bump up in quality components while maintaining excellent value. Plus, it looks sick.

I’ve never personally fished a Redington Vice, but the consistent positive reviews out there are hard to ignore. Customers love the high-end feel and looks of the rod and the adjustability of the ID reel that is included. Keep in mind the ID reel is not sealed, so be careful of any water (especially the salty kind) entering the gear system.

Available in 4 weight through 8 weight.

Other Great Picks: Orvis Encounter

The Orvis Encounter Outfit is advertised as “affordable awesomeness” which I have found to be true. The Encounter fly rod is great for those starting out, the medium action of the rod really allows you to feel the weight of the line during the cast.

The downside to this setup is the plastic reel. It is great for smaller fish, but could fall apart with use or if you hook into a beast. The setup is priced at a more entry-level point and you’ll be getting a solid quality setup, but not quite as good as the ever-popular Orvis Clearwater.

Similar to the Redington Crosswater, the Orvis Encounter combo is great for anyone wanting to get into fly fishing, but doesn’t want to spend a huge chunk of cash.

The Encounter Reel is not sealed, so make sure to give it a thorough rinse after each use!

Maintaining and Caring for Your Fly Fishing Combo

Maintaining and caring for your fly fishing combo is vital for making sure the setup lasts and performs to its best ability. If you’re anything like me, you’ll get attached to your gear and will treat it like the son or daughter you never had!

The combos mentioned above are built for durability but it’s still best to practice proper maintenance. You will inevitably upgrade your gear, so establishing maintenance routines will not only help your current gear continually perform, but also will help you down the line if you end up choosing gear that can last you a lifetime.

The unfortunate truth is that rods, reels, and lines break, especially if they’re not properly cared for. Follow these tips to maximize the longevity and performance of your gear.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Fly Fishing Combo

• Keep your gear protected when traveling
  • Most of the combos come with a protective case, make sure you use it!
• Rinse your reel with freshwater
  • Vital if used in the salt.
  • Avoid high pressure when rinsing. This can cause dirt/grime/salt to be pounded into the rod and reel. A gentle flow of water is all you need!
• Avoid dunking your reel in water
  • Yes, we’re fishing and your gear is going to get wet. Try not to submerge your reel in the water for long periods of time. The oils in the gear may wash away faster and you might invite dirt and crud into the system.
• When not in use, loosen the drag
  • Having the drag down tight can cause unnecessary pressure and wear and tear on your reel when it sits for long periods of time.
• Clean your fly line
  • Depending on how and where you fish, dirt and grime can build up on the fly line quickly.
  • Clean your fly line every 3-4 outings. This is key to keeping your fly line durable and performing at it’s best!

Conclusion

Fly fishing combos are perfect for beginner anglers. They come ready to fish and simplify the buying process. Simply pick an outfit out, grab a leader and some flies and you’re ready to fish!

Excellent combos are available across a large range of prices. I would not recommend going super cheap as many of these combos are known to break quickly and simply not perform. It would be tragic if one quit fly fishing because their rod, reel, or fly line broke upon hooking their first fish!

When buying a fly fishing combo, keep in mind these factors:

• Price
  • Great combos are available beginning at $100
• Targeted Fish
  • If you’re fishing freshwater, start with a 5 weight
  • If you’re fishing saltwater, start with an 8 weight
• Versatility
  • Most combos come with a beginner-friendly medium-fast action, capable of throwing dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Make sure your combo comes with the appropriate action!

Your first combo is your first step to becoming hooked on fly fishing for life!