Best Value

[jock]

There are many, myself included who are always looking for the best value, but functional gear. Beginners especially could benefit from the experience of others when it comes to buying suitable tackle at bargain prices. So what would be your best buys for the newbie starting fishing for salmo.

I'll stick my neck out with the following:

Rod: Shakespeare Oracle 3 or 4 piece 14' or 15' Price: £40- £65
Reel: Trion (or President) Price: £50 up
Line: Airflo delta spey Price: £15

I now there are other little extras like waders, and flies etc.
but if we stick to the basic rod, reel and line what would you recommend to the bargain basement beginner.

[madkeen]

A set of polaroid glasses £10

[elwyman]

Jock, I think you'd struggle to beat that combo, a real bargain for just over £100.

[williegunn]

B&W Norway, dearer yes but you will grow out of the Oracle.

[williegunn]

Highly for the money.

[turrifftackle]

There is a vast difference in best value for your buck and best value from your fishing experience (with the kit you use)

Can't argue with the combo above and would only alter the rod to something from say the Daiwa range which would last without looking for an upgrade in a short time.

I am not advocating spending a fortune for a beginner- but you need to match decent kit to their budget and more importantly to the location in which it is to be used.


We need to encourage as many new people into the sport as possible but more importantly we need to keep them.

If the kit for whatever reason does not suit the angler it will land in the back of the cupboard or on e-bay , when for a few pounds more they could have added to their enjoyment and to our ranks.

I often ask "why ? " or the even more stupid question- "what are you going to use it for?" when someone asks for something specific.
This meets with varied looks but just because something has had thousands spent on advertising does not make it right for the individual or the application it is to be bought for.
A bit of dialogue and honest answers from both sides can stop an expensive mistake.

Frank

[jock]

williegunn said:

B&W Norway, dearer yes but you will grow out of the Oracle.

Funny you should say that. I did buy a 14' Oracle first and then a 15' Norway, but not because I grew out of the Oracle. The Oracle I bought as a back up to my 14' Alltmor that kept breaking. I like the Oracle so much I use it rather than risk breaking the Alltmor, which I will now get round to selling...for spares .

I bought the 15' Norway to replace my old 15' C98 which was a cracking rod but very heavy compared to more modern day rods, (even the Norway). I don't regret buying either the Oracle or the Norway.

I bought the Oracle based on a review in T&S. Got it for £40 including postage, brand new from ebay. The Norway I bought having tried a friend's 3 piece version. I have never seen a review of B&W rods in these T&S reviews except once for a 13' parabolic. Every rod review I can remember in T&S in the last few years misses out B&W. Why? Is it because they are not "NEW"?

Anyway I'm happy with my rods. However I'm starting to get worried that I'm turning into a bit of a tackle tart. For years I got buy with 1 salmon rod now I have 3, soon to be 2 after I sell the Alltmor, but then it will probably creep up to 3 again as I look to buy a light 12' or 13'summer rod. I like the feel of the Daiwa SM signature as well as the Guideline Le Cie and Lpx, also the Sharpe's Gordon. Now I will try before I buy. However do any of you know what these rods are like for breakages. My Alltmor experience has left its mark...no longer need the satnav to find the factory in Wishaw

[turrifftackle]

Jock

I think Daiwa got it wrong with the Altmor s- had it right before and since.

Have not heard of any breakages with SM or Le Cie rods but have seen and heard of all the others.
B&W will take all the stick you can give them- have seen people thrash them with no 11 lines with a casting action from 3 o clock to 9 o clock and despite waiting for the bang they survived.
I think they are deemed as old hat and in todays modern tackle fraternity - not deemed very sexy

Frank

[madkeen]

;D

[scotview]

Photo below shows nice October fish caught on my bargain
15' Oracle, (caught on one of my own gold Ally's, mangled)

[shedhed]

An interesting point. I was going to start a thread along the same lines. I am in a similar situation. Novice to salmon fishing but not fly fishing. Again thinking of using the econmical but functional end of the scale to cut my teeth on. My plan was Shakespeare Odyssey 13' and 15' with VK 9/11(I already have) £90 for 2 rods that would meet 95% of UK eventualities.
But I am in the fortunate position where overtime is a plenty a few shifts would allow be to afford a top quality highly recommended rod. OK it may not be a beginners rod, but with time and perseverance would I grow into it?
I know from previous experiences in buying V&F equipment is that within a couple of outings I know what it's limitations were and left wanting better quality, therefore the initial outlay I felt was wasted and could of been put towards better quality in the first place.
So....... Should the initial outlay be value and functional and then upgrade or is it a false economy so spend more as an investment for the long term??

[jock]

shedhed said:

.
So....... Should the initial outlay be value and functional and then upgrade or is it a false economy so spend more as an investment for the long term??

Your money, your decision and choice. However if you are just starting I would buy either the 13' or 15' depending on where you are initially going to be doing most of your fishing. Don't know the Odyssey but the Oracle is a cracker of a rod for the money and you will not go wrong. Then as you try and see more rods in action go for the "better" gear. Of the modern spey rods the Guidelines appear to get rave reviews from users. As WG and others will verify the B&W Norway is a reliable workhorse much loved buy many and then there are......... and on and on it goes. Hence my advice to buy a cheap proven rod the now, until you find your feet on the salmon front.

Line you have, however the one line that is getting the thumbs up from everyone right now is the Monteith, not cheap but covers many situations, maybe WillietheGillie will do you a deal and give me a freebie since I don't have one yet ;D

Reel you probably have as well, if you want to pay an arm and a leg feel free, but the Trion, President are more than up to the job. Old shakey appear to be selling some excellent tackle right now.

Enjoy your salmon fishing

Jock