News flash: Fly-fishing is amazing. The sport is not hard to learn but takes years to perfect. I’ve been fly-fishing for eight years, and I consider myself a beginner. This could have to do with the fact that I only fly-fish a few times a year, if we’re being honest. Without a doubt, every time I’m on the river or lake casting away, I always chastise myself for not doing it more frequently.
For me, I love the activity because it quiets the mind and allows me to focus on the task at hand, completely absorbed in the my natural surroundings. And, if we’re continuing this honesty track, when I fly-fish I feel like I’m in the movie, “A River Runs Through It”. With the oh-so-handsome Brad Pitt.
Like any sport, it can take time to gather all the gear you need to practice and perfect the outdoor activity. But, if you’re a beginner, there are some very handy outfit kits that can get you all sorted in one fell swoop.
This summer I had the opportunity to test out one such kit, the Topo Fly Fishing Outfit by Redington.
Geared for the beginner fly-fisherman (or woman), the kit has all that’s necessary to get started fishing right away. The 9 foot, 4-piece, 5 weight graphite rod comes neatly packaged in its’ own rod and reel case. Included in the package is six foam dry flies in a fly box, nippers to cut the excess line, 9′ of tapered line, and an extra spool of tippet. If this sounds like chinese to you, please don’t dismay, one short introduction class of fly-fishing and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
I found putting together the rod very simple and straightforward. There were dots on each section of the rod so all I had to do was insert them into place. The reel as well easily fit onto the rod into the small pre-set indentations, and after I fed the line through and tied on the Olive Foam Caddis that accompanied the kit, I was ready to go.
The rod was light and easy to cast, and almost immediately my mind quieted and I began to focus. The flies that come with the Topo Outfit are good starters, though you’ll want to add to your collection as you progress an
d fish in different locations and for different fish. I did have to grab my hemostat (scissor forceps) to be able to remove the hook from the fish. Not a big deal, this is a low cost item that’s easy to add to your fly-fishing gear.
What I loved about the Topo Outfit:
- Simple to put together, complete with basic instructions on fly-fishing
- Can get started fly-fishing right away
- Lightweight, just over a pound-easy to carry while hiking to a lake or river
- Reasonable price point for beginners
Not so much:
- No hemostat/scissor forceps to remove hook from fish
At the price of $199.95, the Topo Outfit is an excellent choice for beginner fly-fishermen (and women). Now, if I could just arrange a lesson with Brad…
You can buy the Redington Topo Outfit kit here on the Redington website.
Adventure On,
Joslin
Fly-fishing photo with yellow boats courtesy of Ladd Smith.
Brad Pitt photo courtesy of Pinterest.