I want to get into fly fishing and I have two graphite baitcast fishing rods and two baitcast reels that I would like to trade for a fly rod and reel. I'm looking for a beginner/entry level set up.


reels: Quantum IR3 and Ambassadeur TC36

Rods: 6'6''All Star WR1 and 6'6''Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series
pics

Your walking a fine edge, my friend. Are you sure you want to do this?
















HEHE.

an entry level rod and reel combo will run you around $30 or so at wal-mart or academy. Its worth it to see if your going to stick to the sport. You can always upgrade later

You did not just say that... A walmart starter kit... an academy starter kit?

Thats like handing a kid a .410 shotgun and expecting them not to get board because they cant shoot a dove...

Spend a little.. say $150 minimum that will get you a TFO rod, a crappy reel and maybe spend a little bit more on a good line... and you have a set up that will last you a while from beginner to " I know how to cast" level.

Friends dont let friends cast [censored].

If you arent sure you want to get into fly fishing, borrow someone's equipment.. Once you are sure spend a little and get a nice set up.

Lines make or break a rod. There have been plenty of rods I thought where [censored].. Until I changed out the lines and now I love them.

I second the "get good line" idea. After casting with the green licorice I asked my friends in PA and was told to just break down and buy Orvis line. The first time I casted with it I thought to myself, "Damn I'm thmooth." (you have to say that with your Beavis voice)

buy the cheap one. excellent advice

NE Tarrant County? Buzz on over to Cabelas and ask them to let you test cast a few. There are some nice entry level outfits that will get you going. Name a price and ask them to help you pick the best one to suit your needs.

dietdrpepper,
There is so much variety in what you could trade for, that it would be hard to quantify if you are making a good trade or not. If I were you it would make better sense to keep your baitcasters, and just fork out $100 and buy some basic fly fishing gear. You can get a decent beginners's setup at BPS or Cabelas for that range I bet, or at Academy pick up a rod, reel, line, etc, for about the same total.
Some people are real picky with their gear. I am not. And I catch LOTS of fish with cheaper gear, and get the fly where it needs to go.

I just think you are better off either keeping your gear, or selling it on the trading post, or Craigs List, and using the money to get some gear. Then you know what you are getting price-wise.

"You can get a decent beginners's setup at BPS or Cabelas for that range I bet" CC


I hated the White Water set up I got from BPS so...


WATCH OUT ! it was a mismatched brrom stick and the reel rattled and snagged the fly line.


Go Used !

Thanks for all the advice everyone. This helps tremendously.

I've had very good luck with my Three Forks Combos from Cabelas (I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about it) and they were reasonably priced with all the gear needed to get started except for flies.

I'm a fan of Okuma Fly Fishing equipment (and conventional) nice stuff for good price, only downside is their stuff is a little heavy but you'll never notice just starting out.

Keep the baitcasters. You'll still want to use them even after you start fly fishing. I use my bass rods quite a bit. More than my fly rod unfortunately. Just get a moderately priced set up to see how you like it.

I will definitely keep fishing baitcasters also. I have several.

Keep the baitcasters. Buy a good starter combo. You won't regret it. BPS and Cabelas have good starter combos. I got a Dogwood Canyon set up, not wonderful...but it is fine to start on, and it won't break the bank. I did drop the reel and broke it, so I upgraded to the Hobbs Creek reel. Once you are sure you like it, get another rod depending on the type of fishing you do. I would get a five or six weight if that is the only rod you plan on having and fish for more than bream.