Fly Fishing Rods

Question:
I moved to Memphis TN a couple of years ago. The only fly fishing experience I have is Salmon fishing on the Salmon River in New York a couple of years ago. This was during the Spawn run and enough action to spoil you for life! There is great Trout fishing in Arkansas so I hear, and I'd like to get the equipment to get started doing Stream fishing for Trout. Also there is good Bass and Striped Bass fishing in TN. The Salmon fishing was with borrowed equipment so I'm starting with nothing except my bait casting stuff. Any suggestions on Rod, Reel, line and anything else that I need to get started would be greatly appreciated. I've looked at Orvis equipment - one of the guys I was fishing with was the Manager of their store near Philly where I lived. But there sure is a broad range of prices just for the Rods. Also I'm not sure what length is the best all around.

Answer:
Best all around? Sorry but there really is no such thing. You try and start with the equipment that you think you might use most of the time and go from there. Yes there are some big trout in Arkansas, and some decent trout fishing in Missouri and Tennessee, though much of it is well east of you but you can be on a tail water within three hours of Memphis. Normally I would suggest a five weight, but given your circumstances I would start with an med-fast 81/2' - 9' six weight. A little heavy for most trout fishing but on the light side for striped bass. Prices range from less than $100 for some of the Cabala’s/Bass Pro products to $700 for top of the line graphite. A six weight rod would give you enough oomph for the large hair bugs and streamers for bass but still be delicate enough for most trout flies. It would be helpful if you could visit a shop in your area and try several rods and pick up a few pointers along the way. Orvis has some decent *entry* level rods as does the other major makers. If I was starting out again, I would start with a Reddington kit. You should be able to find a good rod for less than $200 to start with. Some folks here often suggest the Cabela's rods but I'm a little partial to buying your first rod from a local shop, just a little easier to get help when you need it. Reels come in more shades of prices than rods. I would avoid the low end graphite reels, the Orvis Battenkill is a good entry point, and Ross makes a decent reel but avoid the Colorado models. I suggest not skimping on the line, I am partial to SA Mastery lines, but there are other good ones in the market. You'll get all kinds of responses on this issue, all of them right to some extent. Try as many rods as you can, talk to as many people as you can and absorb, find what you like within your price points and enjoy it.