I have an old fly rod that I have been enjoying with the little gills when the big green sunfish are not cooperative. It's a 7, so I have been thinking of a five, or even a four.

Looking online, there are so many choices for combo packages. Everyone from Orvis to St Croix to LLbean to Cabelas make combo packages. If possible, I would like to keep under $200.

Any recommendations?

Yeah Cabelas has a lot on sale right now but bad thing about Cabelas is they switch ads very fast ! I have the RLS+FlyCombo in 5wt. I must admit the rod and reel is extremely nice ! It's on sale now for $169.99 . When I bought mine it was $199.99 . But they have several others that are extremely nice also . I have a SAGE VXP 5wt. on the side with no reel but I'm thinking real serious about buying the RLS reel cause it's so nice ! But if you plan to buy at Cabelas I would say don't wait cause prices change quickly !!

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/fl...Y_SEQ_105571980

I did not know St Croix made a combo - I really like their Salt rods and the company in general, so im thinking a combo might be worth a look.

Picked up great online deals from Cabelas... including a Switch Rod for $60 and a 9' 5wt fly rod for ~$25. Not bad. Even "tested" the Switch Rod out and caught several bass this evening! Pictures.

fshng84 I see you have an Echo fly reel on your switch rod. I just bought an Echo Carbon XL 6 wt and Ion reel setup.

The whole setup (rod, reel, backing, fly line, leader) was over $200 but under $300.

Pilothawk,

I bought an Orvis Encounter package (8 wt).

It's not a 5 wt, but I wouldn't recommend buying that combo.

For $20 more you can get an Echo Base setup here
http://reelflyrod.com/Echo-Base-590-4-Fly-Rod-Outfit-5wt-90-4pc-BASE590OUTFIT.htm

It comes with Echo Base rod, Ross Eddy reel, Rio mainstream fly line plus backing and leader..

I bought a 3 wt Base and a 6 wt Echo Carbon XL from there. I didn't buy the combo, I chose an Echo Ion reel for both and better flyine.

Here is a writeup on the echo in Hatchmag website

http://www.hatchmag.com/articles/89-echo-base-turning-heads-dropping-jaws/7713408

I emailed the company with questions and got a quick reply. When I ordered the Carbon XL I had ordered Orvis Access line. I got a call the next day from them and they were out of the Access in 6 wt so upgraded me to Hydros line for free.

Lol... yes, I like Echo Reels. Have the 2/3, 4/5, 6/7, & 8/10... 8/10 works well as the Switch reel.

Thanks to all for your input.

I got impatient and ordered an outfit in 4/5 wt from TFO.

I will report when it arrives. I have been catching the gills on an inexpensive Pfleuger 7 wt. I know this will be a major improvement.

FYI: Switch Rod is working out well. More fish on a Near Deere and Foam Grasshopper! Pictures.