Anybody heard of these guys? Direct to consumer sales model, reasonable prices on equipment.

https://bozemanflyworks.com/

Looks interesting.

Never dealt with them, but I've never been disappointed with anything or anyone that has anything to do with Bozeman, MT.

Consensus I tend to hear is they ship in cheap products made in China and are undercutting the fly shop industry.

javajaws said:

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Looks interesting.

Never dealt with them, but I've never been disappointed with anything or anyone that has anything to do with Bozeman, MT.

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And that Bozeman thing is basically a misnomer to make you think they are legit.

rather be fishing said:

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Consensus I tend to hear is they ship in cheap products made in China and are undercutting the fly shop industry.

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Thanks for the info.

I'm looking for an entry level, but quality, set up that won't break the bank. Would prefer American made.

General fishing in Texas ponds for bass, bluegill, maybe white bass if feasible, etc.

Was thinking a 9' 5wt as a good all around set up?

What's your budget?

TFO is not made in America, but they offer one of the best product warranties there is. They are based out of Dallas, and have a great reputation. The lower end Orvis stuff is also made overseas.

Depending on what size flies you'll be throwing, a 6wt might be better.

There's a good possibility someone on here will have a used setup they'd be willing to part with.

bkag9824 said:

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rather be fishing said:

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Consensus I tend to hear is they ship in cheap products made in China and are undercutting the fly shop industry.

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Thanks for the info.

I'm looking for an entry level, but quality, set up that won't break the bank. Would prefer American made.

General fishing in Texas ponds for bass, bluegill, maybe white bass if feasible, etc.

Was thinking a 9' 5wt as a good all around set up?

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5 weight is good all-around for trout, but a little light in the britches for "serious" bass fishing. 6 weight is a better option for all around. If you didnt want to throw in white bass and bream, i'd say go 8 weight (the line weight considerations are figuring size of fish and average fly size for these species). American made rods are definitely the way to go for quality, but I think the most reasonable entry American made rod you'll find is a Sage Foundation at $325. Korean rods are pretty good now. I'd check out some of TFOs medium-fast options like the mangrove. Echo makes a pretty decent stick as well. I'd stay away from Redington, they're chinese made and you can get a better stick for the same money. As for a reel, for what you want to do, they're basically line holders. That being said, for the money, its really tough to beat a Redington Behemoth. 2nd place would be something from Lamson (in the budget category).

On a side note, i'd highly encourage you to seek out a dedicated fly shop to try rods, ask questions and make your purchase. A good fly shop will save you a lot of headaches when you're starting. They're the lifeblood of the sport and need all the support they can get nowadays.

Sage X

Never done business with them but thought about buying fluorocarbon leaders and tippet from them. Usually stick with Rio though.