HI! i have a martin fly rod, it was like $20 and its [censored], want to know if there's any good beginner fly rod that's like an 8 weight that wont break the bank.

Take a look at TFO. They have 2 8wts in the $170 range. Whatever you get, go to a fly shop and try them out if at all possible. Also check in to casting instructions while there.

What was wrong with the Martin and what was its weight and length?

What is the beginner fishing for?

Why an 8wt for a beginner?

The martin reel doesnt works and its low quality. and an 8wt for reds and stripers

TFO has superceded the Pro II rods with the Pro III. Sierra Trading has Pro II rods new for $120 to 130. I bought a 9 ft 8 wt for $129.99 and free shipping. FYI IslandJim

What does not work on the Martin Reel?

If it is the one I am thinking, it is a 6wt 8ft fiberglass rod/reel combo with a 6wt level line fly line.

It's uses the old school click-pawl drag... a "clicker" but the spool can be palmed to add drag.

I have one... other than getting used the the click-pawl drag and upgrading the flyline it should handle reds and stripers. But, would prefer a longer rod... 9ft or more.

Had a question asked by someone several years back... who mentioned they wanted one rod for Bass and Bluegill and the occasional trip to the Coast for Reds.

Here is the link to the reply provided... What is the Best Setup for a Beginner.... #flyfishing

For the rod mentioned in the reply, it is a Redington but any of the above suggestions apply. Also, I have retired the rod, and and do use a TFO II 6wt for Trout and Stripers.

this is it https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rim-Control-Pre-spooled-6-Weight-Assortment/dp/B0012OSVM2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=martin+fly+rod+and+reel+combo&qid=1668127851&sprefix=martin+fl%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-3 and the drag doesnt wor

I have that one... it's the old school click-pawl drag that Martin uses for their single-action reels. There is no drag; just the click-pawl to keep the reel from over-running. If you need to apply drag, palm the spool. It has a rimless spool. Have a video series on the Martin Combo.

Here is one of the videos in that series; about a minute into the video, I explain the click-pawl.



Also, here is the link to the series playlist that demos the combo "Getting Started Fly Fishing - $33 Amazon Challenge".

I still have the combo; I use it as a backup rod/reel but you can see in the video background that I have lots of backup rods. More an excuse to buy another rod and reel. Would suggest keeping the Martin as a backup and pickup a combo as others suggested in this thread.

Good Luck!

Typically, I use 6/7 wt graphite 8’6” Browning or Eagle Claw rods in my freshwater fishing. For big freshwater fish and in saltwater I use Ugly Stik Big Water fly rods. They are inexpensive, and like their casting and spinning rods, they are almost impossible to break. They are not the best choice for finesse fishing. If you want to throw big flies and catch massive fish then they are great.

The TFO Pro II rods that are currently on clearance are good beginner rods at a good price. As mentioned, Sierra Trading Post still has some and some fly shops still have them, but they are disappearing fast. You will not regret moving away from your current rod.

The reel will be your biggest challenge if you are planning to use it in salt for Redfish. True saltwater reels are not cheap. Many people will start with general purpose reel and then clean them extremely well after each saltwater use. Like everything else used in the salt, corrosion is the risk.

Be sure to get a decent fly line. You don't have to get the most expensive fly line, but get a good one.

Good luck!

Go to eBay. Find a Sage Pulse 8. It is literally a minor step down from their Sage One or X. If you think you’re gonna dig fly fishing, do it. Worth every penny.