I'm new to fly fishing, but so far I'm doing ok. I want to upgrade some of my equipment and wanted to make sure I'm on the right track. I bought a Cabela's combo rod / reel when I got started. I've been out three times since August and did ok, but now I want something better. Plus, I figured out I'll need a shorter rod for where I go. I'm looking at Redington Echo, and Orvis rods - less than 8 foot. I want to spend as much as I can on the rod, and therefore maybe spend a little less on the reel. I'm fishing in small to medium streams and rivers in New Mexico, with lots of brush. The biggest fish I've caught was about 13 inches long. Am I missing anything?

For small water fishing the rod and line is far more important than the reel. In most cases like that the fish will never be on the reel so you don't need an expensive drag system.

That is one of the things I've learned so far. Thank you for your thoughts.

Look at the Orvis superfine. The average freshwater trout rod is 5wt. which is normally a longer rod. The superfine in a 3wt will get you under 8'. By the way, you will end up with a number of rods and reels. Let me check my inventory this evening and I might have one to part with. Since you are looking at Orvis, go to your local store and you can try out any of the rods and see what feels good.

Thank you. I live in Lubbock and I was surprised to find out there are two fly shops in town, besides a Cabela's.

O the heavy stuff, I went the opposite

I like TFO lefty Kreh rods in my 13 weight, but bought a Tiburon reel as I didn't Think a cheap one would hold up

If you've got an 11 or 12 wt you're trying to offload, I would be interested

I picked up a TFO 3 wt for fishing small streams. Fishes great and very reasonably priced. Don't even know what reel is on there. For small streams the reel is just a line carrying device

TFO Bug Launcher might be worth a look.

I also have a 3wt. Lefty Kreh. 7'6". Great rod. I live in CO and unless it's going to be windy or open water, it's my go to.

As a newbie I had really no clue - I got a 5 wt 9 foot rod. I took a couple of lessons and practiced casting 45 feet and up. When I finally got on the water - I learned quickly I needed a shorter rod to cast about 18-20 feet.

I do generally prefer a lighter reel, especially with lighter rods/lines. Not enamored woththe Orvis Battenkill if you wind up going Orvis rod, for example. I've been very pleased with the cheapest Ross Reels and prefer those to most of my others.

In the same boat Hamburger Dan, I've been looking at 7'6" and under in 3wt. Probably going to go with a glass rod because they seem much more fun for those Red River and Rio Castillo trout.

I've been to Cimarron River twice and Rio Hondo once. Until I get better, I'm going to stay with that, and maybe fish in the streams around Ruidoso. I love northern New Mexico and can't wait to try another place or two. I can see how this fly fishing can get addictive.

For brushy conditions in waters with trout that aren't huge you'll have lots of fun with a 7'6" 3wt rod. I have one of the Cabelas brand rods in that size with a g loomis reel. It's loads of fun and it can actually handle some better sized fish. I caught a 16" cutthroat and 15" grayling on it without any problems (just don't horse it around like a bass).

As for the brand to choose. I like orvis and sage because of their warranties on the rods (25 years).

Oh....don't forget to learn how to slingshot cast for fishing tight spots if you don't already know how.

I ended up with a Sage One 5 wt. ( it was on clearance) you can always find fishing gear on clearance. It is perfect for just about everything I use it for.

I use a Lamson Waterworks Reel and love it, but the Rod makes the rig.

Orvis is great.... I am actually part of their guide program, but that was after I bought my go to Sage

Since you stated you fish in New Mexico....Look up Doc Thompson. Great guide and good friends with 87flyfisher. It is ALWAYS worth a guided trip to pick up tips, hints and other helpful information.

https://flyfishnewmexico.com/flyguide/main

My rods are all 5wt and smaller. Sorry

PalomaPachanga said:

---

If you've got an 11 or 12 wt you're trying to offload, I would be interested

---

Discontinued ticrx would be a good poon stick for your trip.
https://www.sierratradingpost.com/temple-fork-outfitters-ticr-x-fly-rod-4-piece-9-9and10and12wt~p~285fn/?filterString=fishing-rods-and-cases~d~190%2F&merch=prod-rec-prod-prod285FN

Sierra trading post also has 8-10 mini mags which seem like they'd be great for fishing the mangroves.

The first time I went out I was told to check out Doc Thompso, but our schedules didn't mesh. I got to go with a guide out of Taos Fly Shop. I've caught a ton of fish in my lifetime, but that was first time fly fishing. We caught fish, I learned a little bit about reading the water, lot of technique work, and most importantly - the guy was patient. I bet I apologized a dozen times for my mistakes, casting into brush, etc. He was a good guy and kept me going. I'll keep trying for Doc.

I actually caught this yesterday and picked one up. Thanks for the thought!

I fished around Taos last summer with my Cabelals fiberglass 3wt. It's only 5'6" which made it easy to maneuver with the brush around those tiny streams. I've really enjoyed it for small trout and perch. 12-13" is probably the max size fish for a 3wt though.

Specially your 5'6" model or all 3 wts? I was catching 18" browns in RMNP last summer on my 3wt TFO. Rod seemed to handle it fine. Just asking.

Fun topic, I spent most of my my adult life fishing with an old plfueger reel that "just held the line". For small fish caught on a 3 wt, any reel will work. As you transition to bigger fish on 6x or 7x tippet, the reel does start to matter! My current favorite setup (for dry flys) is a 8' 6" Winston with a Hatch reel. When nymphing, I enjoy a 9' 5 Wt Sage One with an older Ross reel. I used a 8' 6" G Loomis IMX rod (custom built by a close friend) with the Plfuger reel for about 15 years. My motto through the years is generally buy the best you can afford but with regards to fishing gear, you can get some great deals with 1-2 yr out of date equipment!

OK, When I suggested the Superfine, I had gone to the Orvis website and used the fly rod selector and that was one of their recommendations. What I have for sale is a lightly used Orvis Superfine Carbon fly rod. 7'6" 3wt Full flex.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=14XN&dir_id=758&group_id=759&cat_id=5114&subcat_id=49187

200.00 plus buyer pays freight if any body is interested....first dibs to Ham Dan

Hamburger Dan said:

---

Thank you. I live in Lubbock and I was surprised to find out there are two fly shops in town, besides a Cabela's.

---

Go to Mountain Hideaway on 50th st in Lubbock. Kyle Jones the owner is an awesome guy and friend and usually in the store. They have a great fly fishing selection and New Mexico knowledge.

I'm getting a late start this morning.,Y'all have been great in helping steer me towards what I'm trying to do. Not sure if the same quality as your Superfine, but yesterday, I ordered a Redington Classic Trout rod in a 7'6"" 3 weight. I read a ton of reviews and looked at comparisons to many of the rods that were suggested. Thank you very much for your help - I hope I didn't trouble you too much. Maybe someone else will be interested in your Orvis rod.

I found Mountain Hideaway last summer, you are right - they are good people. There is also a new store that carries some high end outdoors equipment called Fly Wild. It is on 179 in Woolfforth area next to Evie Mae's Barbecue. They have a small section of fly rods / reels, flies, etc. They have been helpful as well. Thanks again. I'll be back later with more questions, I'm sure.