Starter rod

[dreadfish]

hi fester,i get my gear from these guys try them if you like.www.riverkeeper.co.uk.

[tobasco]

Fester,

The Grey's GRX is perfect and has been recommended by quite a few boys in the past. I would personally go a weight higher though at #8/9 and they do do a version that is supposed to a 'Salt water' rod (I did actually see them being advertised for around £40 not so long ago - can't remember where though). Regarding reels, I personally use cheap reels at about £15. If you want to buy a reel that will last you a lifetime then you are going to have to pay for it. However, a decent reel will also come with a lifetime guarantee (If I'm not mistaken I think the Greys rods come with a lifetime warranty as well). Lines, it is nice to have a decent line because if you think about it it is the line that has got to cut through the wind, etc. and the likes of a Cortland 444, or Rio outbound are perfect. However if you check out Mullarkeys website you can pick up alright-ish lines for under a fiver.
But the old saying always rings true: Why buy lots of cheapo rubbishe (which does not really allow confidence to set in) if you can buy something that you really want, feel confident with and makes the whole fishing thing more pleasurable.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.

[zulu]

In Fishing, as with most things in life - you get what you pay for.

To start - do you need a super fast rod with Titanium rings and seats? If you can afford it why the hell not? If you are only learning and are susceptible to clouting your rod with a size 2 clouser – don’t spend too much - the trick is to get a lifetime warrantee for as little as possible - so if the rod rust's - so what get a new one - if you break it - they will fix it.

Greys are a respectable product – they have a good following and some rate them highly.

The Ron Thompson stuff is branded Eastern Asian products – some are good – some not so good. (But then again the Greys rods probably come from the same source as well) I don’t think they carry a lifetime warrantee though. So the Grey’s rods are possibly a better buy.

Reels – same as rods- look around there are some dam good reels available at under 50 quid, a good reel for under 100 quid is the Okuma – Helios. I have one that I use on my 6 weight and believe me I have nailed a few strong fish it with out any problems at all.

Lines – look at the Cortland Ghost tip - (I think Tackle bargains are about the cheapest for those, a good floater for only 16 quid is Barrio. (got one and am well pleased with it)

Hope this helps
Regards
Mike

Helios reels :- www.oreillysfishing.co.uk/
Bario Fly Lines - www.barrio-fishing-tackle.co.uk

[kastonfly]

Fester

Totally agree with Steve and Mike (how's it going in BC Mike) the Greys GRX is a very good rod for the price and is an ideal starter rod, if you can lay your hands on a 9ft 8/9# thats the one I would go for. . The Ron Thompson rod is a bit heavy with an action very similar to a light spinning rod, but hey you could use it for spinning as well two rods for the price of one ;D


Kevin