LD The Prophet

I think fly fishing is like alot of other sports......bow hunting, golf and skiing....you can spend a ton of money when you get started and it probably won't make you that much better at it.  I do think fly fishing is a sport that it is best to take slow and easy, or you will end up sinking a ton of money...some of which might not be necessary.  The cool thing is that fly fishing (like all fishing) seems to have a brotherhood of people who will help you out.....with flies, materials, tippet....advice! 

There are some low priced combos out there that would be quite serviceable for a beginner.  I am not a fan of walmart, but on the other hand, if they have a combo that gets a kid out there fishing....well, then go for it!
JM

In one of dpiscator's posts (where are the kids).  Our own LD pointed out that part of the reason fly fishermen suffer in numbers of young persons taking up the sport is the cost.  Have just started my fly fishing adventure in November, I know first hand the cost.  I looked for several weeks and hundreds of fly rods looking to find a reasonably priced but reliable rod and reel outfit.  I finally decided on Albright and I am pleased with my purchase.  However, I must add that all things included the price of the outfit and shipping I still spent enough to get three spin cast outfits.
Now, to the point of this post.  I went to Walmart today.  According to most surveys Walmart is tops when it comes to selling the most fishing equipment yearly.  Walmart is currenlty selling a fly rod and reel combo with everything you need (including a couple flies) to get someone from the store to the water.  Shakespeare is the manufacture of the combo kit.  So from the mouth of our own LD to the ears at Shakespeare, they are offering the kit for $33.00. 
There were also a variety of packaged streamers, flies and nymphs at reasonable prices although still more costly than a bag of Gulp worms or Crayfish, but not by much.  It might even equal out when you add in the cost of hooks.
I have a Shakespeare spin rod that I bought used from a second had store for $7.50.  I don't know how the previous owner made out but I was able to land some good fish with it and I have no complaints about it.  So, I have no reason to believe that for a beginner or someone that is a casual fly fisherman that this would not be a good deal.
So, LD what else you do keep talking about bringing down the price of fly fishing gear.  Someone's listening!

-tcarr

You trying to pick on me son ! better go fishing---a lot!  With the exception of Daves boy, I've never seen a fly angler under the age of about 30 on the river. Why is that? Yet I've seen thousands with a push button or spinning rod.  I gave my opinions from experience to Dave, he agreed and that's why he's giving free lessons now. Fly fishing is more difficult of a fishing sport than any other style, that's why I personally fly fish after charters.

Young kids and young people want instant gratification from the sport. It's easier to catch fish with a spinning rod so that's why they choose it over a fly rod .It sounds like you wish to pick an argument with me. So I stand corrected to your buying expertise. It's not price that keeps kids from fly fishing it may be attitude. I think I'll wait for Dave to return . I don't have time for this.

No, I'm not picking on you.  I agree wholeheartedly with every word you said.   When I saw the combo's you were the first person I thought of because I agree that fly fishing can be expensive and it looks like there are some companies trying to make it easier to get reasonably priced equipment.

The last time I was at walmart their least exensive fly rod combo was $87.00.