I now have a rod! After extensive research on the various entry level fly fishing outfits, I settled on a “deluxe package” marketed by Wild Water, a company based in Ontario, N.Y.
There are a lot of combo packages on the market, ranging in price from approximately $60 – $200 CAD, but many of them are made very cheaply by off shore manufacturers, and the reviews were less than flattering. Not so for this outfit. Both consumers and independent market research specifically noted the quality of the equipment, and the video reviews (by professionals) were all impressed by the way this combination worked. It was rated by several publications as the best entry level combination available and the consumer reviews were incredibly positive.
The pricing of the package was incredible too. The entry level combos ranged in price from approximately $60 – $200 CAD, with this package coming in at $140 CAD. The main components, the 9′ 5/6 weight IM8 Graphite rod and the large arbor aluminum die cast reel, when priced separately from the manufacturer listed for $150 USD, and the extra equipment, which included a high quality rod and reel case, backing, fly line, leaders and tippet, fly box with 18 flies, line tying tool/trimmer and hook removal forceps, when totalled up as separate purchases brought the cost to over $265 USD, or approximately $355 CAD. By buying the package, I saved more than $200 CAD! All this, plus a lifetime guarantee on the rod!
Nevertheless, I was wary ordering online instead of purchasing from Bass Pro or another retail outfitter, so when it arrived I opened it with trepidation, hoping that everything was complete and in good condition. There was no need to worry. It was well packaged (all recycled cardboard) and upon inspection everything I ordered was shipped and by appearances at least the quality of everything is evident. It is truly a nice looking kit, and I’m eager to get out and test it.
But, I’ll have to wait a bit yet. Trout season begins on the 27th, and that gives me a couple of weeks to get my outdoors card and fishing license, as well as a few other things before I’m ready to go. So for now I wait, bursting with anticip……ation.
I’ll upload pictures soon.
Come Fly With Me 