7 Best Fly Fishing Combos (Tested & Compared)

The Best Fly Rod Combos on the market this year.
Note: These lists take a very long time to create as we have to test and review every rod before completing the list. If a list retains more than 80% of the same rods or combos year after year, we will prioritize updating other lists for the update. Most of the rods on this list are still valid best choices in 2023.
Read The Post: intoflyfishing.com/best-fly-r...
PURCHASE LINKS:
Maxcatch Premier - amzn.to/30VA0fI
Orvis Encounter - amzn.to/30Tl4hO
Echo Base Kit - amzn.to/2SIwq3Z
TFO NXT Black Label Kit - amzn.to/30VAB0V
Redington Vice Combo - amzn.to/3lC87Ba
Sage Foundation Outfit - amzn.to/2GQiAdg
Sage Trout LL Outfit - amzn.to/3nI7oQz
Lamson Center Axis - amzn.to/30X59PD
Disclaimer: Some of the links in our videos and on our blogs are affiliate links which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through them. It never costs you extra and we do appreciate your support.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
3:06 Maxcatch Premier
4:13 Orvis Encounter
5:24 Echo Base
6:15 TFO NXT Black Label
7:23 Redington Vise
8:11 Sage Foundation
9:15 Sage Trout LL
10:41 Lamson Center Axis
11:55 Conclusion
The Best Fly Rod Combos
I still remember the first fly rod combo I ever received. My dad had gone down to the local fly shop and found an incredible deal on a 5 weight Orvis Fly Rod and an old Sage 106M Fly reel, along with some cheap line.
1. Maxcatch Premier - Cheapest Fly Rod Combo
I recently purchased a Maxcatch Premier combo set for an impromptu fishing trip in Portugal. I’ve had a couple of Maxcatch rods and reels in the past, but they’re mainly my backups for slightly more expensive bits of kit.
I have to say that I was blown away by the quality of the Maxcatch Premier set and the fact that it came with pretty much everything I needed to head out on the water.
2. Orvis Encounter - Best Value Fly Rod Combo
This is another one of my backup combos and I really love the rod. The reel has a plastic frame, which I wasn’t crazy about at first, but it’s actually incredibly light and well balanced.
3. Echo Base Kit
Echo fly rods are designed by Tim Rajeff. He's not only a previous single-hand distance casting world champion, but he also understands the principles of fly rod design and that distance isn't everything. Coming in at well under $200, The Echo Base is a great value beginner fly rod combo offered by them.
4. Temple Fork Outfitters NXT Black Label Kit
Making fly fishing accessible is part of TFO's mission. That's what they've done with the TFO NXT Black Label Kit, focusing their effort only on two very popular models.
5. Redington Vice Combo
The Redington Vice fly rod combo features a lightweight, fast action blank. Although fast action might not be for beginners, it is a great option for an angler that has some experience with casting.
The rods come in a wide range of weight options, from a 4 weight, perfect for smaller streams, to a 9 weight.
6. Sage Foundation Outfit - Best Mid-Range Combo
Sage released their Foundation fly rod in 2018. It’s a high-performance rod, as expected from Sage, dedicated to the beginner and intermediate fly fisherman.
7. Sage Trout LL Outfit - Best Top-End Outfit
The Sage Trout LL rod makes use of Sage's most recent Konnetic HD technology. Although the same technology is used on their fast action fresh and saltwater rods, they have designed the blank to offer a medium action.
BONUS: Lamson Center Axis
At the beginning of this video, we talked a lot about the advancements of technology in the fly fishing rod and reel space. Well, the Lamson Center Axis Outfit is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with innovation in this centuries-old sport.
With “normal” fly rods the reel is a separate unit that is locked in place by the reel seat. When casting, this attached weight creates momentum in a different plane than that of the moving rod, resulting in less feel.
CONCLUSION
If you like this video, please be sure to subscribe, and if you're looking for more fly fishing and fly tying inspiration, be sure to follow us on these social accounts:
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If you're looking to purchase the best fly fishing gear, check out our Fly Fishing Gear Post below:
intoflyfishing.com/fly-fishin...
Until next time...
Tight lines

[@DarioFoley-qu8ns]

Works great although it kzbin.infoUgkxLoZpKHn4w7dtzXk1eygBlOhbLxuVe3uD took a while to figure out how to reverse it. Nearly disassembled the entire thing. Looks better than my Redington Rise 5/6 reel too.

[@2fernandi]

Wow just seeing this out of the box kzbin.infoUgkxQr1yd4Zc6qJF-scTB6Zb9dQbVpviuRxB recommend I have yet to fish with this set up, but based on the first hands on appeal, I can tell this is going to change the way i pack and carry to a whole new level. If you fish like i do, you know the smaller and less stuff the better. I’ve added a photo of just some of my gear so you can see how serious i am about fishing.

[@tgbluesky]

Now that’s how to make a clear and concise product review video. Well done, and very helpful. Thank you.

[@intoflyfishing]

Thanks for watching!🤙

[@wurzelle1999]

Very good video! Clear and concise, well done!

[@MichealBacon]

I'm extremely impressed that you included Maxcatch to this overall Best Rod Combo review. I cant believe how much value they offer for the price point. Honestly, I feel the Maxcatch brand is the best kept secret amongst YT creators and retail vendors who routinely skip over Maxcatch and dismiss them as a subpar fly fishing gear, which is clearly not the case. They have some less inexpensive options for beginners, but they also carry well designed and robust products like the Premier series line of fly rods and combos, as well as the Avid reels to name a couple. In fact the Avid reels are made with the exact same CNC 6061 machined aluminum as the higher end models that brands like Orvis, Sage, G. Loomis...ect offer for much much more. I purchased my first rod/reel combo years ago to try them out and have since purchased two more rods and reels separately and a variety of lines. Even their their fly line routinely produces surprising results. For what they are asking for floating lines, I could realistically purchased new line every year compared to the mainstream name brands that are often priced three times as much! If you don't need to have name brand, go get some Maxcatch, you will not be disappointed.

[@jasoncisneros-meier3087]

Just got my wife and I our first kits, we went with the Fenwick night hawk combo and we can't wait to get out this summer.

[@intoflyfishing]

Great pick. We're trying to get more Fenwick Sticks on this channel for review.

[@jonahoswald9636]

Thank you for a great informative video, seems hard to come by these days.

[@ColtSievers1000]

Good combo for your first combo

[@michalesinclair5274]

Thanks mate for the information very useful regards Mick 🇭🇲

[@intoflyfishing]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching

[@marcuszook2036]

Amazing job helped me a lot!!!!!!!!!!

[@intoflyfishing]

Glad to hear it!

[@manifestgtr]

My two favorites are polar opposites…I’m going to give rod/line reviews because I think that’s more consequential. First is the old model NRX 9’ 3WT with Rio Premier Gold WF4F. This is, by a significant margin, my favorite 3wt setup on the planet. Short range to long range…it’s accurate, lightweight and effortlessly powerful. Second is the Orvis Encounter 5wt with WF5F SA Infinity…that rod swings *well* above its class and SA’s infinity taper is a real jack of all trades. If you’re way into nymphing or deep into streamers, these setups won’t be ideal…but the idea is that you can easily cover a number of bases with each. My favorite streamer rod is the NRX+ 9’ 6wt…that thing is just stupendously powerful/accurate for longer range casting. At short range, it’s a bit clunky and temperamental.

[@johntucker9782]

Good review. One thing worth noting, regarding the Orvis Encounter combo, all Orvis rods come with their standard 25 year guarantee, except for the Encounter. I think it's only 6 months or something. For that reason I went with the next level up, the Clearwater combo for around $300. It seemed worth it to me, as I'm rough on rods, and it's and upgrade in quality.

[@intoflyfishing]

Super useful. Thanks for adding that in the comments.

[@backpackerone]

Go to a local fly shop and cast several rods. A local fly shop wants you to be happy so that you will buy in the future. Buying from Amazon gives you nothing. The Orvis Encounter is TOO heavy. Casting a broomstick. For most fishing you will want a 5 or 6 weight. This will handle most panfish.

[@intoflyfishing]

@@backpackerone I agree. When possible it's great to go into a fly shop. Some people (like me) live pretty far from the closest one, so we rejoice in 2 day shipping! With COVID, many fly shops are moving online with big ones like Trident allowing you to test the rod for a full 2 weeks and return it if you don't like it! Some retailers on Amazon do the same.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

The encounter has a one time warranty to replace the encounter for 60 bucks

[@user-my6bh5id4m]

Encounter has a 5 year warranty per Orvis customer service.

[@DESERTSTATELINEANGLERS]

Good info brother thanks for the help

[@intoflyfishing]

Cheers. Thanks for watching

[@Chuakiagx3]

im new to fly fishing i am targeting alaskan salmon what do you recommend

[@mountain_man89]

Echo is pretty great for the price and overall

[@rudyruiz9521]

Good video! I just wanted to add. I think most of your comments were geared towards trout when talking about weight recommendations. I think a 7 or 8wt is appropriate for plenty of freshwater fish and throwing big flies. Mainly Bass, carp, and gar.

[@intoflyfishing]

Great point! Thanks for the comment

[@angoloangolo2074]

Best for watching vidoe !!

[@intoflyfishing]

Thanks!

[@susanbrettdavis8839]

Well narrated video😁

[@intoflyfishing]

Thanks!

[@YukionChannel]

Great video !! I have subscribed to your channel😀 👍

[@intoflyfishing]

Thanks so much! Appreciate it!

[@Rigs__Rigs]

Looking into fly fishing. Don’t know what weight and length of rod i should get? Can you suggest? I’ll be learning on the snake river and Teton river in eastern Idaho. Also will go up till Henry’s lake. So some good sized trout.

[@intoflyfishing]

Depends on the size of fish and waters of course but you can go in between woth a a versatile 5wt 9ft to be ok for smaller rivers and handle larger trout. 5 wt is always the goldilocks of fly rods and good for a beginner planning on a variety of fishing scenarios.

[@Rigs__Rigs]

@@intoflyfishing thank you for the reply and your time!

[@deanc8077]

Sorry but I was not a fan of the TFO combo. I bought the 8wt and found it very difficult to cast very slow to load. I moved to upgrade the line with an 8wt Rio WF line. The line overfilled the stock reel on this outfit. I returned to the fly shop I bought the Rio line with the intent to purchase a real that would accommodate the Rio line. In doing so I brought the entire kit with me. The owner of the store took me out back had me do some casting with the new line once stripped out enough for the TFO reel to allow it to cast. No problem with the rod the weight of the line improved the loading of the rod. We then weighed out the line that came with the NXT outfit and it was actually 7wt line. So essentially the 8wt rod was underlined. I was not happy to find any of this out as what was a reasonably priced package deal has been upgraded with about $100 for correct line weight $300 for a reel to accommodate the line for a grand total of $700 when you throw in the cost of the kit. Seriously I didn't pay that much for my Loomis NRX 5wt with a Galvan reel and appropriate line. Thank God the rod in this kit is decent.

[@A3hree227]

What kind of combo would you recommend for panfish on a lake im also a beginner.

[@intoflyfishing]

You might want to check the Redington Vice for a good entry level setup actually. We have a review on it on the channel too

[@A3hree227]

@@intoflyfishing ok thank you

[@dmitriytorchilo9408]

Hi, what’s your take on the Redington Field Kit combos? Would love a review on them! Cheers🤙🏼

[@intoflyfishing]

We just ordered them in actually. Working on getting the reviews up and they'll be in the updated combos list.

[@Lil_Ruthless]

thank you for such a clear understanding video. i have never fly fished being a saltwater angler ive caught 200lb plus tarpon land based and feel pretty accomplished catching 6 over 140lbs this year im looking for a new way of fishing for myself , earlier this year I found a saltwater pond that holds hand sized to 5 pound tarpon and would love to start out by catching them. im not sure if fly fishing is for me yet so im looking for a entry level budget set and the Maxcatch Premier seems like my way to go. question for you guys or anyone here who is a fly fishing angler what would be your recommended weight? If I catch a liking to fly fishing I plan on going heigher in weight to catch red fish and other larger game saltwater fish, but would love to micro fish for small tarpon for starters.

[@JohnJames.]

I started with a 6wt Fenwick hmx combo. That I've landed 30 lb chum salmon on it. And also good for trout. After 9 years of fly fishing, I've just started to buy other weight rods , because my setup was stolen. For the big tarpons I'd look at Abu Garcia fly line, 10 wt

[@mikkelrabjerg2783]

Hey Into Fly Fishing Im about to ordre an Maxcatch Premier, but i am wondering if i can use it on both salt water after seatrout and i freshwater? :) Hope for an fast answer, because i really wanna get a fly rod soon ;) Have a nice weekend :) - Mikkel

[@intoflyfishing]

I’ve used mine in salt but you really have to rinse it. Not an expensive kit so gotta take extra care.

[@ezikuel1983]

No stuff from Hardy?

[@goneFishing-yx5zy]

What wt did you go with on the premier

[@intoflyfishing]

I went with the 5wt.

[@nicoschultz5753]

I have a budget of $500 and I’ve never fly fished before but i still want a good one witch one should I get

[@intoflyfishing]

Probably a Redington Vise!

[@ProjectD00135]

What pack is that starting around 6:51

[@intoflyfishing]

That's a SIMMS headwater sling pack.

[@rudyruiz9521]

Is that an automatic reel at 1:23?

[@intoflyfishing]

Yeah the guide had it on a recent euro nymphing trip I did in Portugal.

[@raymitchell2965]

Centre axis was done by sage years ago it was a flop

[@paulschoonover182]

I think you forgot one, the orvis clearwater combo kit.

[@intoflyfishing]

It's made a few of our other lists. I love the clearwater for sure

[@luvenacantik1789]

Nice

[@intoflyfishing]

Thanks

[@butkusrules08]

No Cabelas prestige kit?

[@intoflyfishing]

Can’t fit them all! We do have a Cabelas review coming out though.

[@MrBluoct]

I thought that throw away comment about local shops throwing combos together based on whatever was lying around a bit harsh to local owner -operated shops

[@intoflyfishing]

i didn't mean it that way. Sorry if it sounded like that. When I was younger buying fly gear that's what happened. Things are a lot more streamlined now.

[@itchyballidis7967]

Wut does the reel on the fly rod actually do?

[@intoflyfishing]

It does the same as a reel on a normal rod. It reels in the line and spools it out.

[@itchyballidis7967]

@@intoflyfishing oh I thought it didn't do anything except people saying let's put this fish on the reel. I thought it just makes the line more straight and pulls the line forward a bit. Cuz I see people reeling fish in by pulling the line forward

[@intoflyfishing]

@@itchyballidis7967 Oh yeah sometimes if the fish is smaller you can just strip the line in for sure. But generally, with bigger fish, you'll end up having to reel it in with the reel. even when you strip a fish in, you still have to reel the line in afterwards so the reel is always needed.

[@itchyballidis7967]

@@intoflyfishing oh ok the reel was the most confusing part

[@banjopete]

,Line storage.

[@valruscheniko2321]

I noticed that Rajeff has a Shilton strapped to his Echo. Pity it’s not included😢.

[@intoflyfishing]

We've got some shilton reviews coming.

[@loosieclocker]

Spending big money on reels is crazy unless you fish salt water or maybe pike/musky. Spend your money on the best fly line and lessons

[@ethangarland8034]

Facts, reel is the last thing I would spend money on in a set-up. I do think old chrome/steel reels look sick though. Sage trout reel is so good looking

[@Acheron2010]

unfortunately, most on the list are currently unavailable.

[@JakeNBake0021]

Already broke my encounter twice 😑 second time was definitely my fault tho

[@mauricesmith4270]

You fail to say if they are two piece 3/ 4 / pieces

[@intoflyfishing]

Great point. Most rods are 4 these days but for sure I’ll do my best to remember that for future lists.

[@mauricesmith4270]

Thanks great review

[@RCSTILE]

Why was the commentator afraid to mention the last two combos were well over $1000 ?

[@intoflyfishing]

Hey Richard. Not afraid at all. We ensured we had a good mix of budgets.

[@RCSTILE]

@@intoflyfishing Describing an outfit as "for those willing to invest" is a little bit different than saying this combo is going to cost you upwards of $2000.

[@intoflyfishing]

@@RCSTILE Thanks for your input. We'll take it into consideration for our future videos.

[@MarkEWallace]

I mean, all of the clues were there. Cmon.

[@jorgesven5197]

I wonder which is the science behind this selection. I would rather tittle this Video "Some Fly Rod Combos available in the market". Without a deep analysis of Rod Weight, Action, Swing Weight, Price, Warranty, Casting Distances, etc, it is not possible to affirm that these are the best Combos in the market.

[@intoflyfishing]

I agree. All “best lists” are subjective by their very nature of course. This is based on our team’s assessment in categories including budget combos for beginners. For deep analysis on each rod, check our actual reviews. If we analyzed each rod in depth this video would be 2 hours long and no longer suitable for the KZbin platform.

[@Tomcat-ey9ee]

How is this a 2023 buyer guide from 2yrs ago

[@lake_st_clair_angler3312]

How is this 2 years old and a 2023 buyers guide

[@intoflyfishing]

working on updating these. We only have 1 new combo in the 2023 list as many of these still stand.

[@corysnladventures2758]

If you're going to buy a fly rod buy Fenwick.

[@intoflyfishing]

yeah they are great rods. We gotta try and get some more Fenwicks in for testing

[@timrollins1015]

In the beginning you keep saying the same thing

[@durden91tyler]

This video is sponsored by sage

[@intoflyfishing]

This video is not sponsored by any company. We put it together after over a year of testing.

[@MrKveite1]

All guides for fly rods and reel combos are totally useless because EACH and one need to test a bunch of rods and reels to find whats best for them since that might be totally different from the 'expert' opinion.....

[@intoflyfishing]

So let's just take down any video that reviews or compares rods and any post that tries to help a shopper make their decision 😂

[@MrKveite1]

Dont mather, every individual must still TRY equipment and find what's best for him and her.... What the reviews and comparisons say is what the person doing it thinks is the best OR the person or company that get paid to in any form to say so...@@intoflyfishing

[@oliversmith3771]

3 minutes in... get on with it

[@intoflyfishing]

And that's why there are chapters in our videos 😉 easy navigation

[@KenMugrage]

How did you post a 2023 buyer's guide 2 years ago? I hope you're not just renaming videos for views and hoping to retain credibility.

[@intoflyfishing]

Only the ones that the lists remain the 80% or more the same. We update our lists but it takes time so we prioritize those that have changed the most. Most of these combos are still the best.

[@fishfoolishness4222]

You lost me when you wouldn't get on with it.😴

[@petercartledge5088]

The first 25% of the video was as interesting as watching paint dry. I gave up on the rest.

[@Soaring650]

No reason to be a douche Peter.

[@intoflyfishing]

We try our best. I hope we can improve as we grow.

[@deanbartlett9539]

Yeah Peter...you douche!

[@tomwiggins1225]

Do not buy a rod from Amazon their packaging is horrible

[@intoflyfishing]

I’ve ordered plenty from Amazon and it’s the same packaging as I get when I buy from the shop. All my rods come in a sturdy rod tube. What rod did you order that didn’t come in a tube?

[@zaitonyahya4768]

Akademi binaan malaysia @menara @mitsubish