[Jeff Studebaker]

I picked up fly fishing this year and now I'm totally hooked.

At first, I didn't know how much I was going to dig slingin' bugs, so the first rod I bought was an $85 Okuma Tempest 5wt rod/reel/line combo. It worked fine, but the better I got, the more it felt like I was waving around a caveman's club. It was clunky, it rattled, and when two inches of the tip snapped off, the action was actually improved.

Today I was at a local pawn shop and spied a Sage FLi 590-4 in perfect condition, with tube, for $150.

I didn't buy it, and forced myself to walk out the door. I got all the way home and found myself looking at FLi reviews on the internet. I couldn't stand it. I jumped back in the car and drove through a rapidly increasing snowfall, back to the shop.

I knew I wouldn't want to touch my Okuma rod if I bought the Sage, so I traded it in for $40 towards the Sage. Too dark now, but you can bet tomorrow morning I'll be practice-casting out in the snow.

Sorry to bore you guys, but I just had to crow.

 

[Kent Lufkin]

Good for you for realizing that better gear makes casting easier and fishing more pleasurable. This thread should serve as an illustration to others who try to get into our sport for as little money as possible. Buying cheap gear first is largely a waste of money. As someone here says regularly. 'Get the crying over with sooner instead of later.'

Also good for you for realizing that you don't have to buy brand-new gear. I don't remember what Sage sold the FLis for new, but it was probably a lot closer to $300 than $150. Used gear is just as good as new; most makers will repair it, some under warranty, some for a nominal charge; and it's often priced at 50¢ or so on the dollar or even less.

K

 

[Jeff Studebaker]

Thanks. It's just a beautiful rod, and I couldn't be more pleased about my early Christmas gift...to myself.

Not catching fish is a whole lot more fun with good equipment.

 

[Richard Torres]

You won't be dissapointed for the price.
I purchased one this summer and I have thouroughly enjoyed it so far.
Good luck with yours!

Richard

 

[hendersonbaylocal]

I have a 6 wt FLI that I really like. Congrats on the purchase.

 

[James Waggoner]

A 6wt FLi is the only single hander I have left, I bought a nice trout size switch, but never could bring myself to get rid of that rod.

So what are your plans for a reel?

James

 

[dryflylarry]

It's pretty kool to see someone get excited about fly fishing. I wish you all the best in your adventures. I have had a lot, but not enough yet! Good for you.

 

[Banff Visitor]

Good for you, thats great! What I think is more amazing is that you got $40 for your Okuma with 2" broken off the top! Now that is a real deal.
Well done. Enjoy your new rod!
Mike

 

[Jeff Studebaker]

So what are your plans for a reel?

James

I mostly fish Western WA lakes, so I don't need much reel. I've got the reel off the old Okuma rod loaded with SA intermediate sink, and a large-arbor Okuma SLV 45 reel for my floating line.

 

[Jeff Studebaker]

What I think is more amazing is that you got $40 for your Okuma with 2" broken off the top!
Mike

Must have been my expert repair job (the original cap guide and a tube of super glue). ;-)

 

[nb_ken]

I'm sorry to hear this, man. I want to scream, "STOP, NOW," but it's probably too late. Hardware store rod. Pawn shop rod. Next thing you know you'll be hanging out in a fly shop, "just to see what they got." And that reel that's fine today -- well...

Let me give you a glimpse at your future. Every spare hour at home will be spent reading books, magazines, the internet about fly fishing. Every spare nickel will go towards rods, reels, waders, flies, feathers, fur, hooks and stuff you don't even know about yet. You'll be gone every weekend and every weekday you can manage. Your family will tire of it quickly (but will tell themselves that it's better than if he was just out drinking.) You'll learn to speak a little Latin and that's good because you'll begin to forget how to hold a conversation with people who don't fly fish.

Damn that pawnshop rod.

 

[Kent Lufkin]

. . . Let me give you a glimpse at your future. Every spare hour at home will be spent reading books, magazines, the internet about fly fishing. Every spare nickel will go towards rods, reels, waders, flies, feathers, fur, hooks and stuff you don't even know about yet. You'll be gone every weekend and every weekday you can manage. Your family will tire of it quickly (but will tell themselves that it's better than if he was just out drinking.) You'll learn to speak a little Latin and that's good because you'll begin to forget how to hold a conversation with people who don't fly fish.

Hahaha! Too true!

K

 

[yellowlab]

I'm sorry to hear this, man. I want to scream, "STOP, NOW," but it's probably too late. Hardware store rod. Pawn shop rod. Next thing you know you'll be hanging out in a fly shop, "just to see what they got." And that reel that's fine today -- well...

Let me give you a glimpse at your future. Every spare hour at home will be spent reading books, magazines, the internet about fly fishing. Every spare nickel will go towards rods, reels, waders, flies, feathers, fur, hooks and stuff you don't even know about yet. You'll be gone every weekend and every weekday you can manage. Your family will tire of it quickly (but will tell themselves that it's better than if he was just out drinking.) You'll learn to speak a little Latin and that's good because you'll begin to forget how to hold a conversation with people who don't fly fish.

Damn that pawnshop rod.

HAHA! Nice reply

 

[Jason Shutt]

My first non-beginner Sage is the same one you got, a 590-4. Love it!! Love it so much I bought a 790-4. Can't beat the prices these days.

 

[Porter]

I'm sorry to hear this, man. I want to scream, "STOP, NOW," but it's probably too late. Hardware store rod. Pawn shop rod. Next thing you know you'll be hanging out in a fly shop, "just to see what they got." And that reel that's fine today -- well...

Let me give you a glimpse at your future. Every spare hour at home will be spent reading books, magazines, the internet about fly fishing. Every spare nickel will go towards rods, reels, waders, flies, feathers, fur, hooks and stuff you don't even know about yet. You'll be gone every weekend and every weekday you can manage. Your family will tire of it quickly (but will tell themselves that it's better than if he was just out drinking.) You'll learn to speak a little Latin and that's good because you'll begin to forget how to hold a conversation with people who don't fly fish.

Damn that pawnshop rod.

Who me? funny, yet so true. :ray1:

 

[Jeff Studebaker]

Thanks for the (hilarious) warning, nb_ken. Afraid it's far too late. I'm already exhibiting advanced symptoms.

 

[Old Man]

I have a Sage rod and I'm not to impressed with it. I only use it when I'm in the mood to use a six weight. I spend more time with My two TFO rods.

But to me a fly rod is just a tool to get the line out. I don't care who makes it.

Jim

 

[Richard E]

Not catching fish is a whole lot more fun with good equipment.

Oh, man! I think you just cranked out the quote of the year!

 

[Nick Clayton]

Not catching fish is a whole lot more fun with good equipment.

Perhaps, but catching fish with cheap equipment is damn sure funner than catching no fish with good equipment.

 

[Mumbles]

Been a long time since I've had a bad time fishing, catching or not.