entry level fly fishing setup

my aim; learn to cast from shore targeting SR cutties for the time being. get confident enough to actually bring it on the yak for pinks later this year.

so lets keep in mind that i'm trying to spend the minimal, and if I enjoy it i'll upgrade as i go.

what brands would you recommend for primarily salt water fishing? Rod, reel, and line? i've done some research, and the only thing that I decided i would actually pay money for at this point is a 'temple fork' rod due to the warranty.. maybe 6wt? but dont know what length would be good from shore, and eventually the on the kayak.

I have used a few rods and for the price cabelas has a few set ups, rod and reel for $60-$80. I love my 5wt from cabelas over others that I have tried, except a guides $2000 set-up. A great rod for a beginner and you won't feel bad when it's time to upgrade!

Since you want to use it for salt water fishing you'll need to pony up a bit more for a salt water tolerant reel.  I have a pair of 5/6wt rods/reels that I usually keep spooled with 5wt line that my dad and I got as an intro package probably 18 years ago.  But the reels are fresh water only.  They'd be great for pinks/cutts otherwise. 

I've since bought a 6wt rod with a Ross CLA salt-water reel.  IIRC the rod was a TFO, but I don't remember the model.  It works well.  If can get out during the pink run that'll be my go to fly set up.  Only downside with a 6wt (or lighter) while fishing for pinks is that it wouldn't have the backbone to deal with a larger silver or king that you might luck into.  You can still land a 15+ lb silver or king on that, but it'll be difficult and you'll run the risk of damaging the gear.

I haven't done any saltwater FFing yet but I do own a Temple Fork #4.  It's my favorite rod and their customer service is awesome.

@sumpns, would pairing a 7wt reel so more backing with a 6wt rod work for that situation? and what's the general price point for a FF salt reel?

@sumpns, would pairing a 7wt reel so more backing with a 6wt rod work for that situation? and what's the general price point for a FF salt reel?

most large arbor reels will come in sizes for "6/7/8" or "7/8"
my the real i have on my 8wt is rated for 6/7/8 and I have used it on a 6wt without issue (balance is a little off)
you should be fine

@sumpns, would pairing a 7wt reel so more backing with a 6wt rod work for that situation? and what's the general price point for a FF salt reel?

It's been a few years since I bought that reel, but IIRC it was <$100.  I want to say I paid $80-ish for it, but I could be way off.

As koboabe said shouldn't be a big problem.  You can always put that reel on the rod, try it, and if the balance is way off, or it just doesn't seem to work all that well you can always get another reel.

Way back in the day, Sage used to have what they called their "discovery setup". Was a 6/7 rod with line and reel for not too terribly much as I recall.  Of course this was 25 years ago and it may no longer be available.

I still have mine and it's been used for reds, and occasionally silvers. Silvers are a bit dicey tho.

I use a Pfleuger Trion mid-arbor reel for most of my Puget Sound salt water fishing. It's held up well for several years, with a quick rinse in fresh water at the end of the day. The drag is strong enough to handle Pink and Silver salmon. They're only about $130, available at most NW sporting goods stores, and the spools are pretty cheap too.

I'm a bamboo rod maker and fisherman, and don't know a lot about graphite rods. One consideration is that Sage, Loomis, and Lamiglas rods are all made in the PNW, and designed by folks who understand what's involved in beach fishing in Puget Sound. I'm sure TFO and other brands would work as well.

I use a clear intermediate line most of the time when fishing in Puget Sound. I think it makes a big difference, especially when fishing from shore where the fish tend to be spooky. I also carry a floating line and a type V sinking line for fishing deep. Fly lines are one thing you don't want to skimp on. The good lines from Cortland, Rio, and Scientific Anglers cast much better than  "entry level" lines, which are designed for shorter casts. In Puget Sound, you really need to cast 40'+ consistently, and a good line will help you do this.

You need a stripping basket when fishing from shore, even with a floating line.

If possible, take casting lessons from a certified instructor. In the Spring, several of the local fly clubs have casting classes, and the fly shops offer this service as well. A few casting lessons will help you a lot more than investing a lot of money in equipment.

Hope these thoughts help.

Tom

Cabelas stowaway rods are nice, I like the 5 piece the best. Okuma makes some nice Low cost reels. I've been using the svl 7/8 in the salt on 6 & 8wt rods and couldn't be happier. The drag is sealed up pretty well, just rinse with fresh water at the end of the day.

I've been happy with my Redington rod with an Okuma reel.  The rod is a little slow for some people's taste I guess, but I find it to be pretty well matched to my casting style (or lack of).