I've got an uncle asking about the Martin flyrod and reel
that Academy has for about $40.00 , does anyone have an dealings with this combo?

Well that's about the low end of the low end. It would get you started. But likely wouldn't last long. For about twice the money, at BassPro or Cabelas, one could get one of their starter packages. I have a few in different line weights that have given years of service.
In my opinion, the line is the thing that's most important, followed closely by the rod, with the reel coming in a distant dead last in importance. at least for 90% or more of all local fishing.

the reality is this Made in China stuff is cheap, but quiet serviceable; the materials are the same, the molds,mandrels etc are the same; the labor has changed; its much cheaper; so you get a product at a reasonable price that can serve you well for some period of time. I have some crystal river reels that I bought new for $8. I bought them because they were very light; could be used on ul rods(0,1,2 and 3 weights)I've used them for years with no problems. I build custom rods cheap; I make like $50-$75 for building a rod but I can't compete with China; they can build 3 to my one for the price. I do agree that the line is most important, but you can buy a good factory second line from Discount tackle for $9 bucks; they work great if you keep them clean. So,the martin combo as good as any of the Chinese stuff probably-p-

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Three-ForksWind-River-Fly-Combo/1421731.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dthree%2Bfork%2Bfly%2Brod%2Bcombo%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26x%3D14%26y%3D16&Ntt=three+fork+fly+rod+combo&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

The 7'6" 3wt combo is great except for very large fish. $69.99 plus tax

The Three Forks combos are $89 and $99...depending on whether you get 2 or 4 piece rods..

There are lot's of other options...the 3 wt combo mentioned is $89.99..not $69.99.

Come see us...!!

David I may have hit an outdated link. My bad. Even at $89.00 the 7'6" 3 piece rod/reel combo is a lot of fun and light enough to cast all day yet strong enough if you play the fish right you'll land them.