starters budget tackle

[strongbow]

As an old fart that last fished years ago, I want to purchase a 10ft salmon / trout single handed rod, and line.

I don't want to break the bank, Can anyone help?

[woodcockandsewin]

Hi Strongbow,

I would recommend you go to a local tackle shop, with a facility to try before you buy. They will frequently attempt to exceed your budget, but at least you can see what different price ranges get you.

One of the finest anglers I know uses Sportfish own brand single handers, very good value for money, and available as a kit price.

I'm sure Turriff Tackle will do you a good deal...must be closing in on an and of season sale soon.

W&S

[strongbow]

Thanks for that info....
Maybe I was looking for guidance that isn't there and I have to re invent the learning curve for myself, as the number of hits to the question proved little response.
If it any consolation I tried a vision attack arrd£80 which I thought was ok. Then a sharps which was stiff if that is the word to use, but settled on the daiwa.
Maybe time will tell, but I hope things lighten up here for new comers to the forum in the future.
This forum should remember there are some people out there of an elderly age that surf the net who are legitimately looking for advice.
Once again thank you for replying.

[clyde-rod]

The greys grxi is £100. A friend has one and the are very good rods for the money. The scierrs ic3 is also a very good rod that is around £100. Shop around and see what you can find.

Ryan

[billytheghillie]

try a hardy mach trout line you wont regret it

[neptune]

i recently started up again i bought a cheap rod & reel thinking any old one would do after some very helpfull advice from fellow anglers i bought the greys grxi 9`6" 7/8 plus matching reel total cost was 160 pound as this rod suits me well i think it was a good price to pay but as said before try before you buy even if friends etc will let you have a go with thiers it could save alot of expense and frustration by using the wrong rod

[woodcockandsewin]

Strongbow,

I wouldn't take the lack of replies too personally...at the time there was more sport to be had on irrelevant threads!!

Or maybe my response was considered so perfect as to preclude further advice.

Anyhow, I have used my Diawa golf clubs for 17 years now, so you should have a trusty friend there.

Tightlines, and show us how its done.

W&S

[rpsalmon]

Dear stongbow

Whichever rod you get, and a lifetime warranty is certainly a benefit when you are choosing a single handed rod for salmon fishing, I would suggest you get a rod that is at least a medium action (stay away from tip actions or you will break rods and tire yourself) or you will find it quite a strain to deal with larger salmon. Also ensure there is a sufficient extension handle, 4 inches is really a minimum but these can be put on after hooking. If your choice of rods doesn't have an extension handle, see if you can get one with an unscrewable butt cap so that you can buy an extension of sufficient length.

A rod rated for a number 8 line is really the minimum you should consider without significant experience of large fish or salmon in currents. When you go with lower rated rods you have less ability to control a fish during the playing process with the result that it can take a long time to land a fish, in summer and if releasing your catch you could end up releasing a dead fish. I know, because sadly it has happened to me.

[Sloggi]

Don't know what your budget is, but stick to well known makers - Greys has been mentioned above and I have a Greyflex 10' 6" single hander that is pretty good. You can also find decent secondhand rods on Ebay. I agree with rpsalmon that if you are going to fish regularly for salmon, #8 line is a good choice with a single-hander.

I can't recommend a line as I haven't bought a #8 for many years. I think I have a Rio Windcutter 6/7/8 on the Greyflex - it overheads and speys fine.

In terms of a reel, I have a System II which I think is not made now - I may be mistaken and you may get one from the USA. They were/are very good value for money. The Orvis Battenkill is similar and is good value.

If I may be so bold, I would encourage you to look at a short double-hander. I have a B&W Salmo/Sewin 11' 3" DH which is excellent. I think other companies make DHs around 12'. They are easy to overhead and spey cast and provide more flexibility.

Hope you keep us informed about your choice and experiences

[bagoworms]

Dear strongbow,

I would personally recommend anything that had a decent butt section I could comfortably place against my body when playing any salmon since that increases the leverage/control over said fish. Don't know many fishers who don't do that whether it be flee or bait and it also makes "changing arms" easier especially when you are geting tired as well as letting you "work the reel" better. Can't expect to successfuly play too many fish by hand-controlling line as I often see Trout men do therefore "playing off the reel" is the game - also I have had ratchet and disc-drag, can't really tell the difference and ratchet is a whole load cheaper.

Unless you have wrists like A Schwarzenegger then the butt is a definite help. Would therefore advise looking for something more than 11 foot, with a decent butt. In the old days I used a split cane Milbro "sea trout rod" that was about 12 feet long yet was capable of being used single handed (not for too long, 'though) or double handed.

Agree with rps too that a "tippy" rod would work against you, go for something with a little "give" for your own sake as well as landing fish. Also be not afraid of AFTM ratings since they depend, especially when you talk of "speycasting" lines, on the exact amount of belly vs. running lne inside/outside the tip ring. Experimentation and a permanent marker pen will soon sort that out.

Loop (even 'though they carry the expensive cachet) do a basic (is it the grey series?) 12' 3" or thereabouts double hander that could be found on ebay or at a a decent tackle shop at a price that shouldn't break the bank. When you do hook your fish, it'll sem like a travesty if your rod lets you down. As to reels, how many of us regularly see our backing knot zooming out through the top ring?

Any (weight balanced for the rod) reel that holds your chosen line plus a sensible bit of backing should be OK. If you get to the end of that then resort to calling on your particular deity, since divine intervention will be required to land the fish anyway.

For what it is worth...tight lines!

[juststartedagain]

Stongbow,

Once you know what you fancy going for - also worth looking at the ads/catalogues in the various flyfishing related magazines. There are always good deals kicking around ie if you buy particular rod you can get either reel/line thrown in or vastly discounted.

I got a good deal from Harrissportmail on a Diawa 11'3" 8wt with a Shakespeare Summit reel and shakespeare line.

One of the catalogues - cant remember which one - possibly fishtec always has good Greys deals...