I ordered the First Cast Saltwater box along with the rod/reel combo. I have some experience fly fishing for trout in the past, along with doing some conventional bass fishing. But with an upcoming trip to the east coast, I figured I should grab some of my own gear.
The Ripper 9' 8wt rod and reel combo is very well made and a good value with the kit. The grip is a cork full wells with a fighting butt, and the leading/trailing edges of the grip and fighting butt are protected with a more durable cork to preserve the rest during use/handling. I live by the adage 'trust but verify', so I stripped off the line and backing from the reel to verify that it was indeed attached, and knots between them secure and properly tied. All were good, I did put some tape on the reel arbor and tie the backing on with a new knot so it doesn't spin, not that I expect to have a fish run all that backing out one day! I was also a little disappointed to see no loop connections, I will have to add a loop to the end of the line myself. The outfit comes in a great case, along with a soft bag for the reel.
The rod casts well enough, I have only used it in a big field to practice so far. Trying to learn the double haul and my water haul before the trip.
I really like the fly box that came with it, the magnetic closure seems more durable than the plastic ones I used to have, and you don't risk launching/upsetting the box when opening it. We'll see how well the flies work, probably will stop in a local shop to grab a few more at the destination too.
The pliers and the nippers are the nicest ones I have ever owned, they look durable and well made. The neck gaiter, coozie, sticker, and booklet are all nice too. I am very happy with what I got for the price, it was a great value and to have it all in one place. Very tempted to get the trout First Cast set now!
If you like to tie flies you got to have a subscription! It’s always fun to get the box and see what kit I got, and then tie it up!
These have a chance a being great tweezers, I really like that the tips are at a 90 degree angle. But the points are far too sharp. These won't be going on the stream with me. I'd be too likely to puncture or even tear my waders with these. (Not to mention possibly puncturing myself)
Yeti tumbler great for early morning coffee at camp - just the right size! ;-)
Ordered as a gift ... amazing selection!!! Takes the guess work out of gift giving for fisherpersons. Postfly can read old guy's minds and sends the right fishing materials. (Thank you!!!)
Trout Guide Series Box contained:
Hendrickson flies (24)
Leader
Nippers
Bandana
Sticker
Great selection of caddis flies - work well every time! :-)
Ordered Garage Sale Flypacks -- 10-12 Pk / Trout Tin 8 pk
Flies were perfect!! :-)
Loved it until it broke but got a proper beginner rod at bass pro 99 dollar combo
The flies they sent me in this box leveled up my largemouth game went from 1-2 fish everytime I’d go out to 15+.
Meh. There are better flies available. It would also have been nice if they identified the flies.
Awesome reel and for the price with 6 months of Guide boxes! Need I say more!
So far the best purchase value! I love the Reel and the 6 months of fly boxes. Next time I’m going to order this in October, then all winter I get stocked back up and ready for the first hatch of the season!
I don’t need to go anywhere else to buy all my fly fishing stuff. I love that I even get some things I never thought I would need until now!
I ordered a garage sale box and garage sale fly box. I was sent the East and West guide packs. It's the same set of flies in both boxes.
I ordered a garage sale box and garage sale fly box. I was sent the East and West guide packs. It's the same set of flies in both boxes.
Generally satisfied with most of what I got. The only thing that falls short is the guide box and the gear that was included in it.