Used to fly fish a little about 25 years ago….small streams in TX.

Haven't been since.

Now I live about 5 hours away from NM fly fishing waters…8ish from Colorado waters.

Since I'm "close" now, want to get back into it.

Looking for a nice set up to fish those waters…less than $1000, all in…preferably closer to $600 or so.

Would appreciate any recommendations.

Gunny456 said:

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Page 87Flyfisher here on the OB. He and his wife have forgot more about fly fishing than most will ever know. Highly qualified to recommend everything fly fishing.

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Appreciate it.

Always enjoy reading your posts.

Much obliged. He definitely is the guy to talk too. Hopefully he sees this and will respond.
Good luck sir.

echo is another good rod thats inexpensive.

look on facebook as you can find plenty of good rods for cheap.

look up fintek fly fishing on facebook. he is in frisco and i have bought several rods from him.

he has a nice sage foundation 9' 5 wt.

Sage pulse $350

Have you joined the local flyfishing club there? It's likely there are a few guys in the club who have gear they are willing to sell. They'd also have some great recommendations for the area, both in terms of gear and fishing opportunities.

I only use my 5wts for bass fishing, much prefer 4wt for trout. Have had great experience with Redington products but the orvis Clearwater is probably worth the money if you can swing it

Fly Fishing Rods

I've got a couple of Moonshine rods and a few Orvis. Either are great in my opinion. Get the least expensive reel you can find. Never had a reason to spend money on a high-end reel.

This is what I would do...do some research and find the most seasoned guide on the body of water you think you will most likely frequent the most. Book a half day trip with him, use his gear, and ask him his recommendation with your price point. He might have something gently used or know a fellow guide who has something gently used. He is going to want to help you out because they like to grow their client base...and I think it's really hard to get good at catching fish on the fly without some initial help from a guide.

Second Echo....but I've had a few Orvis Clearwater and Recons over the years. Good enough rods to learn and grow. Invest in a good line, reel not so important. And have fun!

Recommend the Orvis Recon 9.5, 5 weight
Great versatile rod for the main waters or a 9 ft 4 wt if your fishing more skinny water and streams.

Thx too all!

I'll throw my advice out there as well. Buy a used rod and reel. I almost exclusively buy used and have never had an issue with anything I've bought. You can buy higher end stuff that in a lot of cases, has barely been used. For trout fishing, the reel often doesn't matter much, if at all. I like to buy classic click/pawl reels that hold up as cool antique items that still function. I love the Hardy lightweight series for a good deal in your budget. Abel makes amazing long lasting reels as well that you can find deals on used.

For rods, you can find Scott, Winston, Sage, and others for great prices on eBay or fishing forums. I love fiberglass for trout fishing and always have an eye out for used Scott, Winston and custom makers rods on EBay. If you are interested in this route let me know what type of rod and reel you are looking for and I can send you some good options on used markets.

If you do want to buy new, all the advice above is sound. Spend more on the rod and fly line than the reel though. In all honesty I'd spend more time researching the fly line than anything else, haha.