Best Fly Fishing Combo Under $200
Any intermediate or experienced fly-fishing angler knows that the cost of fly-fishing gear can reach steep prices. Finding an affordable, yet quality fly fishing rod and reel can be a daunting task for any new angler interested in getting started.
Manufacturers do a great job creating entry level gear for new anglers, or any angler interested in getting a backup fly fishing combo at a price that won’t break the bank either.
We took the time to find the best fly fishing starter kits on the market for under $200, and some information to consider when choosing your perfect fly fishing kit.
What to Look for in a Quality Fly Fishing Combo
Premium manufactures often offer fly rods and reels at a few different prices across the board, such as entry level, intermediate pricing, and high end. This allows them to appeal to all anglers while reaching different pricing demographics.
An important aspect to consider before buying is the manufacturer’s warranty program. A lot of manufactures offer lifetime warranties or a limited lifetime warranty. This is important information to be aware of before purchasing, in case of a broken rod or defect.
Our Pro Staff at ReelFlyRod has created a list of the 5 Best Fly-Fishing Combos Under $200, based on quality, price, and durability. Each of these rods have their own qualities and features. Each of these outfits will come with a rod, reel, loaded with backing, line, and leader, and a cordura rod and reel case. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.
#1 TFO NXT BLACK LABEL FLY ROD COMBO
- Price: $215.00
The TFO NXT Black Label Kit is a high-performance fly rod outfit designed to flatten the learning curve by making it easier and more rewarding to become an active participant in this sport of a lifetime. The foundation of the TFO NXT Black Label rod is a matte black TFO Pro II medium-fast blank which offers plenty of forgiveness for delicate presentations and cushioning for light leaders while still loading easily for longer casts into the wind.
Available in the 5wt 9’0 and 8wt 9’0 models, The NXT Black Label rounds out with a Half Wells grip made from reconstituted cork for extreme durability, aluminum oxide stripping guides, chromium-impregnated stainless-steel snake guides and an anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat. The NXT Black Label comes with a premium weight forward floating line with a welded front loop and a looped leader and best of all, lifetime warranty. The fly line is up-lined one line size to ensure the angler quickly feels the rod load and can quickly deliver a cast.
NXT Black Label kits come packaged in a cordura rod and reel travel case ready for fishing. For the price, this combo makes for an easy cast and durable fit, whether you go with the 5wt or 8wt. Even though this kit is slightly above the $200 threshold, we couldn’t leave it out of this list.
#2 ECHO LIFT KIT
- Price: $189.99
Echo is legendary for building exceptional, high-performance rods that rival the best rods on the market, at a much lower price. The Echo Lift fly rods are one of best performance value fly fishing rods, building off the successful Base rod. The Echo Lift fly rods incorporate the latest graphite materials and technologies, creating a rod series that helps beginners throw tight loops like a pro.
Whether you're newer to the sport, or looking for a solid back-up rod, the Echo Lift fly fishing combo offers quality and performance for a very modest price. The Base reel included is a durable, impact resistant composite frame equipped with a bomb-proof drag system, loaded with a premium weight forward floating line and leader ready to fish, with a cordura outfit case for travel. This fly fishing starter kit is available in 4-8wt models (480, 590, 690 and 890) perfect for whatever you’re looking to target. This is one of the Pro-Staffs favorite selections off this list of under $200, as the quality of the outfit certainly beats out the price.
#3 ORVIS ENCOUNTER COMBO
- Price: $198.00
The Orvis Encounter is one of the most popular fly fishing starter kits on the market. Encounter Outfits deliver higher quality than any other value package that you will find. Orvis’s reputation as a high-quality brand in the fly-fishing industry Encounter rods are surprisingly smooth and easy to cast, with a progressive medium-fast action ideal for any angler.
Instead of the 25-year warranty that Orvis offers for most of their rod models, Orvis offers a limited 5-year warranty on the Encounter. Their hope is to supply their beginner angler in a quality outfit with hopes that they eventually upgrade to the Clearwater, Recon, Helios etc.
For an entry level angler, this is a great setup to get started. Orvis’s reputation as a high-quality brand in the fly-fishing industry has led to numerous successful rod models, and this fits their criteria. Since this is an entry-level rod, this combo is made to get the angler into the sport, but not necessarily last you for years to come.
#4 REDINGTON PATH
- Price: 199.99
Redington is well known for producing high quality, performance fly rods that feel and fish like high-end rods costing hundreds of dollars more, at value prices that are accessible to any angler. If you are looking for great performance value in your fly-fishing gear, you will find unsurpassed bang for your buck with Redington.
The Redington Path combo appeals to a beginner angler or someone looking for a backup fly rod and reel setup, and at just above $200, this was another combo we couldn’t keep off our list. Whether it’s dry flies, nymphing or even streamers, the Path offers an array of weighted rods that meet all angler needs. Available in 4-9wt kits in both freshwater and saltwater configurations; 490, 586, 590, 690, 790, 890, 890 salt, 990, and 990 salt.
The Path fly rod and reel combo entails a high performance, medium-fast action rod with lifetime warranty. The Crosswater fly reel is constructed from a durable polymer that will take all the abuse of the harshest fishing situations and continue to perform year after year. Presented in a cordura rod and reel tube loaded with a quality floating weight forward fly line, dacron backing a leader ready to hit the water.
#5 FENWICK EAGLE XP
Price: $175.00
Our final combo is the Fenwick Eagle XP combo. This high performing beginner fly fishing kit delivers a smooth and crisp cast with excellent recovery with delicate presentations. Matched with a large arbor die-cast disc drag fly reel spooled with 20-pound dacron backing, twin color WF5 floating fly line, and a tapered leader. The Fenwick Eagle XP fly fishing setup also includes A 5-year limited warranty and a Rod and Reel protective case, ensuring the safety and security of your new outfit.
Our Pro-Staff was very impressed when we first brought these in and tested them out on the water. Fenwick has consistently updated their technology within new model releases, and the XP fairs quite well against the competitors. The die-cast reel is top notch when comparing to the others on this list under $200.
Conclusion
Finding the best fly fishing combo for beginners is a difficult task for anybody not familiar with the sport. These best beginner fly rods are perfect gift for entry level anglers or anyone looking for a quality backup outfit.
Each of these fly rods and reels kits has been thoroughly tested and fished by our expert Pro Staff, so you can fish these fly rod combos with confidence. Every fly fishing starter kit we sell is shipped rigged and ready to fish, just tie on a fly. Be sure to check out our Best Fly Fishing Combos Under $200 Video Gear Review on YouTube.
Featured Products
- TFO NXT Black Label 590-4 Fly Rod Combo
- Echo Lift Fly Rod Combos
- Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Combos
- Redington Path Fly Rod Combos
- Fenwick Eagle XP Fly Rod and Reel Combos
Related Resources
If you have any questions about these fly rod combos or any of the other fly fishing products, please contact our expert Pro-Staff at 1-800-434-8472 or send us an email at [email protected]. You can also Book an Appointment to Shop With An Expert. Get outfitted virtually online, over the phone, or in-person at the fly shop.
