Help - Expensive 4 or 5 weight Fly Outfit

[Rubberhead*]

So, a guy is retiring at work and some sleuthing says a fly fishing outfit for mountain streams may be a good gift.

The sky is not the limit but I think we can get away with $500 plus or minus $200 if necessary.

So, I hope I can get him something that is beyond just high quality gear...something that moves a little into the arrogant range but is still high quality.

What brand names should I be looking at for the rod and reel. (PS - we don't have time to get a custom built bamboo rod)...

Any help is really appreciated.

[BMAC_ducks]

$500 is gonna be hard with a rep name like Sage, T&T and even Orvis. Im sure there is a beginners kit rod reel combo that Orvis has for around that price and wont be a Cabelas rod.

[BMAC_ducks]

Look into G Loomis rods. Ive got a few old ones not sure if they are worth a damn now adays. IM6 was a great rod.

[Carolina Counsel]

I think you might be able to get into a low end Scott for $750 or so.

[turk]

I just looked at my catalog from The Fly Shop .They carry top end Sage, Scott and R L Winston . They all start around $1,000.

[Hoggin]

An orvis superfine glass rod might be nice. 3 or 4 weight.

[Hoggin]

https://www.orvis.com/product/superf...H5-Family.html

[Palmetto Duck]

Look at Nautilus reels. They’re kind of a newer thing. Come in a lot of catchy colors. You won’t buy any thing near higher end for 500 for both rod and reel. I’d buy a really nice reel. And a small Nautilus would fit that ticket. I think their custom shop is still open you can get it customized. Nautilus XM is size you’re looking for and you can pick color and few other parts colors. Can get engraved as well. You used to could get large drag knob engraved with a logo of some sort too. Go here. Price is right in your wheelhouse. I’d be waaaay happier with this reel than a cheaper combo.
https://www.nautilusreels.com/produc...ilus-x-series/

[Quackhead22]

Reddington Behemoth comes to mind for that price range. I’ve got one in 8wt and it’s been great. It’s on a mid level Reddington rod. I think I’ve got $600 in everything. Fly gear is not cheap. So high end and $500 arent jn the same sentence when talking about a rod and a reel. Also the fly rod is far more important than the reel!


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[Palmetto Bug]

They might not have the high end name recognition but I have some Temple Forks Outfitter rods that I like just as much as my more expensive ones. They are top notch on form, fit and function. For fresh water, I consider the reel something to hold the line while I move to another spot.

[bitesize]

They might not have the high end name recognition but I have some Temple Forks Outfitter rods that I like just as much as my more expensive ones. They are top notch on form, fit and function. For fresh water, I consider the reel something to hold the line while I move to another spot.

TFO rods are good- Gary Loomis was involved after selling GLoomis to Shimano

[skrimp]

I love my TFO's. My 3wt is my go to in the Smokies.

[Shallow Minded]

Nautilus xm and a TFO rod

[Rubberhead*]

I must admit to being taken a little aback with the prices of fly equipment...dang...I'm glad it's company money...

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.

[Rubberhead*]

Oh, any suggestions on whether a 3 weight or a 4 weight? I have no point of reference for this at all.

[boondoggle]

Is he going to blue line for brook trout or fish tail waters?


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[Rubberhead*]

Is he going to blue line for brook trout or fish tail waters?

Judging by your question, I think the answer is probably a 4 weight. He probably fishes for small natives but I'd bet good money he'll venture into release waters too. But, to really find out, I'll probably just have to strike up a conversation see if he volunteers some information.

[TJ_11]

I must admit to being taken a little aback with the prices of fly equipment...dang...I'm glad it's company money...

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.

Great company to work for I see.

[boondoggle]

Poke around about what he already owns and fill an empty niche


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[Two Barrels]

They each have their place. 4wt would be better if using weighted nymphs and small streamers. 3 wt will handle those too, just not as well. Small brookie stream, go 3 wt. 4 wt is just more versatile.

Scott and Winston rods have been some of my favorites. Ross reels as well.