Quality fly rods that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
It’s hard not to get excited over new flyfishing gear, especially a new rod—for some anglers, these light, tapered, tailored sticks are the nexus of the sport. Still, there can be a little heartburn after dropping $700 or more to own one. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Perhaps you don’t fish enough to justify a high-end price tag, you’re just getting into the sport, or you’re a seasoned angler looking for a backup or spare rod for when a friend accompanies you to the water. Whatever the reason, modern rod materials and engineering has enabled manufacturers to produce sticks that won’t break your budget—rods that are much more functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing than the low-priced rods of yesteryear. With that in mind, here are a few other thoughts to consider while you’re shopping for a moderately priced stick (less than $300), and a selection of the most recent budget-friendly freshwater models…
