Hello,

Does anyone have any experience with the following combo kits in all are priced $150 to $200

TFO NXT 5/6 wt

Cabela RLS+ 6 wt

Echo Base 6 wt

My use for the rod is as a beginner to fly fishing and to target sandbass spawn runs, LLELA , below PK and pond fishing for whatever. But mostly I want to switch from wade fishing spinning gear to fly fishing for sandbass and small strippers below PK.

My only other thought is to upgrade to an Orvis Clearwater rod, Clearwater Reel & line, then use their 20% off credit card to get the price down to $280 ish, but not sure it is worth the extra $100.

-Thoughts ?

-thanks, rob

I dont with those specific combo's, but others will be along shortly, I promise.
Good Luck.

I have both the TFO NXT 5/6 wt and the Cabela RLS+ in a 4 wt. I like both rods the NXT is a bit slower and I like the feel of it a bit better, but both cast just fine. I think the RLS reel is a bit better than the NXT reel. I don't think you would go wrong with either. Both have lifetime warranties, I'd go with whichever would be logistically easier for you to replace in the event of needing something replaced. I don't know anything about the Echo Base.

I have the RLS+ in a 4 wt as well. I replaced the stock Cabela's line with 4 wt Rio Outbound Short and it casts large flies and weighted clousers no problem. I have broken two rod tips and Cabela's replaced the entire combo no questions asked.

Thanks ... Texjbq .. did your NXT

come with the smaller arbor reel



or the newer large arbor reel


The smaller arbor reel combo is $65 dollars less and just wondering if it is worth it.

I may just buy the smaller one as a starter and save the money for other stuff.

-thanks

Yes the smaller arbor reel. I would save the money. Unless you fishing saltwater or chasing big carp, I feel the reel is just a line holder for most freshwater fishing.

Agreed. I have the same set-up. Bought my NXT combo for $99. Came with the small arbor (old NXT) reel. I've only caught two fish using it. The rest of the time I am able to manage the line with my hands.

I really do love the NXT rod though.

Yeah, I just ordered the 5/6 ... I figure for $99 you can't really go wrong and it will give me something to practice with until I learn more.

now just waiting for it to get here

I think you made a good choice. I think $99 is a great deal on this setup. I bought one of these for my wife a few years ago and paid a lot more than that for it.

For reference, the kit comes with a 5 wt rod and a 6 wt line. Uplining this way helps the rod to load at shorter distances and this can be beneficial when learning to cast. Later, if you decide the rod is too slow, you can switch to a 5 wt line. I like the blanks they use in the NXT rods and I enjoy fishing with them.

Congratulations on the new rod!

SKOTF..I'm not trying to be cute just looking for clarification on the 4 wt Rio Short. I wanted one for my 6 wt and in searching the Rio website find the smallest ROS to be an 8wt. So the question is where did you get the 4 wt line? If you can send a link that would be great. Tks

Zip, now you have me thinking. I may have Rio Grand, as the line color changes from pale green to yellow at the back taper. My son runs Outbound Short and the color changes from moss to ivory at the running line.

It looks like the smallest Outbound Short is 5wt. Which may be why I'm looking at Grand on my 4wt reel.

Nonetheless both are great lines, the Grand is a full weight heavier and both load the rod similarly.

Here's a link to some RIO FLY LINES : http://www.reelflyrod.com/RIO-FLY-LINES_c401.htm

I have a Cabelas' RLS+ Combo , I really like it . 5-wt 9' . I like the combo , it's med action . I agree tho you might want to upgrade the line to a better line like RIO Grand for example .
RLS+ Combo


The RLS+ Reel tho is a great reel . Good quality Machined Aluminum . It's on sale right now under $100.00 .
Cabelas RLS+ Reel

However I am getting spoiled on my SAGE VXP with a Orvis Access Mid-Arbor reel . The Access is no longer available but the new Battenkill is a very nice reel also .
Orvis Battenkill

Rod is Fast Action , 5-wt , 9' also . This is really a great rod especially with windy spells . Takes a little getting use to but one you pick it up it's hard to switch to the Cabelas' . But honestly tho , the Cabelas RLS+ combo is very nice for the price !!

SAGE VXP Rod