That's awesome to hear....yeah I should be getting it this weekend fingers crossed!!!

Just a warning. Fly fishing can be addicting. Where you pull in a 2 pound bass with a baitcaster and the fish comes in like its on a jet ski, with a 6 wt fly rod you have to actually fight the fish. I'm not sure what a 5 lber feels like, but I hope to find out soon. Haven't been up in North Tarrant for several years, but there are probably a lot of public access ponds in the general area that hold bass and sunfish.

I'm sure your going to like the outfit you're getting better than the Encounter. Orvis has some nice rods/reels, but even the Orvis salesmen will warn you against the Encounter.

Good luck!

Thanks for the input....yeah between north Tarrant and south denton areas I think I'm finding a few spots to tinker with!!

Look in to a Redington Vice.

I own the TFO NXT in a 4/5wt. Also bought from Sierra Trading Post.

I absolutely love it. Casts easily for a beginner, as the rod seems to be a slower speed. Upweighted line helps as well.
I literally have zero complaints about the set up.

By upweighted line do you mean using a 6wt line on a 4/5 wt combo? Or a weight forward line? Sorry for the ignorance...just diving into fly fishing!

Correct, Using heavier line than the rod is rated for. You can definitely feel the rod loading easier, which is helpful to the beginning caster. But IMO it makes for a heavy, sloppy cast and saps performance from the rod.

Can't beat the warranty on the TFO rods

I have a 4 TFO rods and you won't be disappointed. Their customer service and warranties are great.