Your fly rod and reel are the most important pieces of equipment, so if you’re serious about fly fishing, you’ll want the best.
Whether you’re new to fly fishing or you’re a seasoned pro looking for new gear, there are great fly fishing combos on the market today.
Buying a fly rod and reel combo is easier than buying parts separately, because you know that your rod and reel will fit and work well together.
A fly rod combo ensures that the weights match up, the reel fits easily onto the reel seat, and setting up your fly rod will be easy. Many fly fishing combos even come with fly line and backing as well.
Top Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
- Sage Fly Fishing – FOUNDATION Outfit – Fly Rod, Reel & Line Combo
- Redington VICE Fly Fishing Outfit – Fly Rod and Reel Combo
- Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
- Orvis Encounter 5-Weight 8’6″ Fly Rod Outfit
- Redington Crosswater Fly Fishing Combo Kit
- KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Combo
- Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- Redington Path II Outfit
- Lixada Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- KastKing Anglers of Honor Fly Fishing Rods & Combos
Sage Fly Fishing – FOUNDATION Outfit – Fly Rod, Reel & Line Combo
The Sage Fly Fishing Foundation Outfit is one of the best fly rod combos on the market today.
While it is on the expensive side, it’s a great investment for anyone serious about fly fishing. This fly rod and reel is handcrafted in the US and made with the highest quality components.
This fly rod has a high performance graphite blank with a fast action. It has ceramic stripper guides and hard chrome snake guides. The reel is Sage’s Black/Platinum 2200 reel, and it comes with RIO fly line, tapered leader, and backing.
The Sage Foundation Fly Fishing Outfit also comes with a black carrying case. The rod is 9 feet long, and comes in weights 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Specs:
- Rod length: 9 feet
- Action: Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, leader, backing, and carrying case
Redington VICE Fly Fishing Outfit – Fly Rod and Reel Combo
The Redington VICE Fly Rod and Reel combo is another premium choice for serious anglers. The rod, with carbon fiber blanks, is fast action and high performance.
It has alignment dots, so it’s easy to set up, and an anodized aluminum reel seat that makes this rod saltwater safe. The new i.D. fly reel is made with sturdy die-cast aluminum and a large arbor.
The Redington VICE Fly Fishing Outfit comes from trusted brand Redington, but this product also comes with a lifetime warranty in case you have any issues. It also comes with RIO mainstream fly line and a rod and reel case.
The reel features a flat back surface that allows for custom decals to personalize your reel. This fly fishing combo is 9 feet long, and comes in weight sizes 4 through 9.
Specs:
- Rod length: 9 feet
- Action: Fast
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, carrying case
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
Orvis is a highly regarded fly fishing brand, and their Clearwater Rod and Reel Combo makes the top of the list.
The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit was already an industry leader, and the latest updates improve upon an already great model. The rod features chrome guides with ceramic inserts and a black-nickel aluminum reel seat.
The Clearwater reel has a new lighter frame, but with the same strength and powerful drag. This fly fishing outfit comes with the Orvis Clearwater Rod and Reel, fly line, Dacron backing, tapered leader, a rod tube, and a 25 year Orvis warranty.
Specs:
- Rod length: 7.6, 8.6, 9, or 10 feet
- Action: Medium, Medium-Fast, Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, backing, leader, rod tube
Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit
Another great pick from Orvis, the Encounter Fly Rod is a more entry-level option, but still a great fly fishing combo. This fly rod combo features a quality graphite rod and a large arbor Orvis Encounter reel.
The Orvis Encounter offers a smooth, crisp performance at an affordable price – this is one of the best value fly fishing combos, at a low price point for its quality.
The Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit comes with the Encounter fly rod and reel, weight-forward floating trout fly line, dacron backing, tapered leader, and a rod storage tube.
This fly fishing combo comes professionally pre-rigged, so you can take it right out onto the water. We recommend the 9 foot rod, but it also comes in an 8’6” length.
Specs:
- Rod length: 8’6” or 9’
- Action: Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, backing, leader, rod tube
Redington Crosswater Fly Fishing Combo Kit
Another top choice from Redington, the Crosswater Fly Fishing Combo is an affordable but top-notch fly fishing rod and reel.
This high quality fly combo is easy to cast for beginners, and comes with a pre-spooled reel so it’s already set up and ready to go. The Crosswater fly rod is a medium-fast action rod with graphite construction.
The reel seat is made of anodized aluminum, and this fly fishing combo is freshwater and saltwater safe.
It features alignment dots, so it’s easy to put this combo together. The reel comes spooled with RIO mainstream weight-forward fly line, and the kit comes with a cordura rod tube.
Specs:
- Rod length: 7’6”, 8’6” or 9’0”
- Action: Medium-Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, rod tube
KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Combo
KastKing is known for affordable but well-performing fishing equipment, and the Emergence Fly Fishing Combo is no different. This fly fishing rod and reel combo offers great features at a lower price point.
The graphite fly rod and aluminum fly reel are perfect for beginners and experts alike. The rod features a comfortable cork handle, stainless steel snake foot and ceramic stripping guides.
The KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Combo kit offers more than just a rod and reel combo. The reel comes pre-spooled with backing, weight-forward floating fly line, tapered leader, 12 hand-tied flies, and other tools like forceps, a line nipper, and strike indicators.
Specs:
- Rod length: 8’6” or 9’0”
- Action: Medium-Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, or 8
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, backing, leader, carrying case, flies, tools
Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
The Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a bargain at under $100. This 9 foot rod is slow action and breaks into four pieces for easy storage and travel.
It comes in a ⅚ weight and the blanks are made with light but durable IM8 graphite. The reel is made with die-cast aluminum and has adjustable drag.
This fly fishing outfit comes with more than the rod and the reel, making it a great fly fishing starter set. The reel comes pre-spooled with fly line, backing, and tapered leader.
It also comes with a fly box full of flies, extra leader, a line nipper, knot tying tool, hook eye cleaner, and a printed instruction manual for beginners.
Specs:
- Rod length: 9’0”
- Action: Slow
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 5/6
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, backing, leader, carrying case, flies, tools
Redington Path II Outfit
Redington makes the list for a third time with their Path II fly rod and reel. This fly fishing combo features the same reel as the last Redington combo, the Crosswater reel.
It is paired with the Path II fishing rod, which is a smooth-casting, medium-fast action fly rod. This setup is both freshwater and saltwater safe for versatile fly fishing.
This fly rod and reel combo is easy to set up, with alignment dots and a durable design.
The reel comes pre-spooled with RIO mainstream weight forward fly line or RIO saltwater floating line for the larger weight options. It also comes with leader installed and a cordura fly rod tube.
Specs:
- Rod length: 9’0”
- Action: Medium-Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, leader, rod tube
Lixada Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
If you’re on a tight budget, this fly fishing combo from Lixada is extremely affordable. Serious anglers may want to opt for a better set up, but for beginners or those who can’t spend too much, the Lixada Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo will do well. This complete kit comes with a fly rod and reel, fly line, 10 flies, and a storage bag.
This Lixada fly rod is 9 feet long, and breaks into 4 pieces. It is made with carbon fiber blanks, a cork handle, and an aluminum reel seat.
The lightweight reel comes pre-spooled, and the flies come in a convenient tackle box. The storage bag is water resistant with a removable shoulder strap and pockets for other fishing gear.
Specs:
- Rod length: 9’0”
- Action: Medium-Fast
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 5/6
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, flies, carry bag
KastKing Anglers of Honor Fly Fishing Rods & Combos
Another solid choice from KastKing, the Anglers of Honor Fly Fishing Combo features a carry case dedicated to US veterans.
The premium fly rod has a medium-fast action, stainless steel snake foot guides, and ceramic stripping guides. The reel seat is made with CNC machined aluminum, as is the reel itself.
The reel comes pre-spooled with dacron backing and fly line, so this fishing rod and reel is ready to go as right out of the box. It comes with a protective travel case to keep your equipment safe and dry.
Specs:
- Rod length: 8’6” or 9’0”
- Action: Medium-Fast
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 4, 5, 6, or 8
- Includes: Rod, reel, line, backing, carry bag
Fly Fishing Combos Buying Guide
Not sure how to choose a fly fishing rod and reel combo? Fly fishing combos are more convenient than buying a fly rod and fly reel separately, because you can rest assured that the rod and reel will fit and work well together.
There are still different factors to consider before making a purchase, however.
Size and Weight
What size fly rod and reel combo do you need? It is vital that the rod and reel match in weight, but that should be a given when you buy them together.
Most fly rods are 9 feet long or longer. 9 feet is the optimal length, so most of the fly rods on this list are 9 feet long. Some may also come in 8’6” lengths as well – if you’re casting shorter distances or you are shorter and want more control, a slightly shorter rod will work well. Kids fly rods are typically shorter.
Weight on the rod and reel must match the weight of the line you plan to use. That line must also match the weight of the fish you plan on targeting, so consider target species when choosing a weight. 5 is a good, versatile mid-range weight for fly anglers. If you plan on catching big game, you’ll need a heavier rod, reel, and line.
Action
The action of a fly rod refers to how much it bends. Fast action rods bend less than slow action, which results in longer, more powerful, faster casting. Slow action bends more, so casts are slower and don’t tend to go as far. The benefit of slow action rods is that the bait is presented more delicately, however, so it’s less likely to scare off fish.
There are benefits to both fast and slow action and in-between options. Consider your style of fly fishing and where you’re fishing. If it’s a small, quiet stream, slow action may work better. If it’s a loud, busy river, fast action may be preferred.
Material
The material of your rod and reel are important, as it affects performance and durability. Most fly rods today are made with graphite or carbon fiber, as are all of the ones on our list.
Graphite is durable and strong, so it makes for good rod blank material. Check other materials on the rod like line guides and reel seats to ensure that premium components are used.
Your reel should be lightweight but strong and durable, and many are made with metals like aluminum. Metal reels are especially important if you want to fish on saltwater. Check that your fly fishing combo is saltwater safe before making a purchase.
Portability
How easily can you travel with or store your fly rod? Many of the fly fishing combos on this list come complete with rod tubes or carrying cases that make it easier to travel.
Moreover, many fly rods break apart into two or four attachable pieces, making it easier to fit into a sling pack and travel without carrying a 9 foot rod.
Consider how you’ll store and carry your fly fishing combo.
Final Thoughts
Get ready for fly fishing season with the best fly rod and reel combos! These fly fishing combos will have you ready to get out on the water in no time. Find other fly fishing gear like fly fishing waders, tippet, and more here on Fishmasters.
Add comment