I am planning a trip to Colorado (was going in April now postponed due to virus) and will be doing some trout fishing while I am there. If I like it I will be doing it a few times a year. The rod and reel set up will be just for trout fishing as I still love bass fishing with traditional set ups and baits. I have been researching rods and reels and have come up with two set ups that should work pretty good. The Orvis Clearwater 9’ 5weight rod with the Orvis hydros 3-5 reel for combo price of $313 or the Redington Classic trout 9’ 5 weight rod with the Redington rise 5/6 reel for $263. Both combos get good reviews on the rods and reels. I would like y’all’s advice on a good beginners set up. If you think a different rod or reel would be better let me know cause I want to make this trip a great experience.

Assuming shipping isn't a problem, you might look up the Maxcatch Farglory. Their reels are cheap and decent as well. I've fished many years with an 8wt. and a 5 wt., but the Farglory 4 wt. has interior sections that can be added or removed. So it can be a 9.5 ft to 11 ft. 11 ft is for Euro nymphing. I've found, at 9.5, it throws a yarn indicator with small flies really well. Not do as well with dry flies, but it's decent.

Either one will work just fine. I'd recommend the Redington and use the money you save to get some really good flyline because that's where you'll really notice a difference.

I agree with FWB. Both outfits will probably be fine. I haven't cast either, but both rods are listed as med action, which might help with the learning curve on casting. 5 wt reels for trout are just line holders IMO, so use the savings on a decent fly line. I'm in Arlington. You are welcome to cast my rods to get a feel. Most of my rods are Sage fast action, but it might help in your decision.

Thank y’all for the information I really appreciate it. BoPro thank you for the offer but it looks like I asked a day late and now we are sheltering in place.

Thanks everyone I ordered the Redington setup with rio gold line.

I don't think you will have any regrets over your choice. Good choice in line too.

Larry

Good deal. That'll work. Rio Gold is an nice line for throwing dries, and droppers.

Do you just use 20lbs braid for the backer or do you use Dacron? I am going to get fluorocarbon and mono leader with the same material for a tippet. Should I get a size stronger leader than the tippet to hopefully only loose the tippet and flies and not the leader?

Dacron is fine, and due to its' larger diameter will fill the spool with less line, but still give you plenty of backing. And I would answer yes to your second question.

Larry

Thanks Canoeman.

One last question should get me started. Do you use fluorocarbon leader and tippet for sub surface presentations and mono for top water or do you just use mono for all presentations?

I've never felt that fluorocarbon offered me any advantage over mono.

Larry

Sounds good to me. Flouro is expensive.

I would stay with mono leader. It looks like you have a good setup. Good luck on your trip and let us know how you do.