New rod and reel

[BOXOR]

I've been fishing for years but haven't touched a fly rod in over a decade. I want to pick up a reasonably priced setup so I can get back into it. The setup would be used for summer and winter steelhead primarily so I'm looking into an 8-wt, 8-9 ft. My buddy showed me a couple cabelas combos that are on sale and relatively inexpensive, < $100 or so. Can any of you comment on these options, linked below. They seem to be decent beginner rods which I think I need to use for a while so I can realize what I like/dislike before I spend some serious bucks.

If both of these options are terrible please let me know and also please suggest a better option around the same price point, (~$150 max).


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home...105591780&WTz_l=SEO;cat105591780;cat104849280

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fish...&WTz_l=SBC;BRcms196;cat104721480;cat105571980

 

[usmc-recon]

I've been fishing for years but haven't touched a fly rod in over a decade. I want to pick up a reasonably priced setup so I can get back into it. The setup would be used for summer and winter steelhead primarily so I'm looking into an 8-wt, 8-9 ft. My buddy showed me a couple cabelas combos that are on sale and relatively inexpensive, < $100 or so. Can any of you comment on these options, linked below. They seem to be decent beginner rods which I think I need to use for a while so I can realize what I like/dislike before I spend some serious bucks.

If both of these options are terrible please let me know and also please suggest a better option around the same price point, (~$150 max).


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home...105591780&WTz_l=SEO;cat105591780;cat104849280

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fish...&WTz_l=SBC;BRcms196;cat104721480;cat105571980

I went over to bimart in creswel a d they had a really nice plumage setup pole reel backing all package deal not what you would consider boxed kit anyway its 127.00 I bought one only taken it out once its sweet I actually like it better so far over my fenwic its smooth and well balenced check it out. Haven't caught one on it though yet anyway!

 

[usmc-recon]

Damn spell check strikes again its okuma brand darnit sorry!

 

[troutdude]

Okuma does make some really decent spinning rods. So, it would be worthwhile to look into their fly rods too.

 

[GungasUncle]

I have experience with both of those rod lines. I currently own a Wind River 8'6" 4 weight, and a Three Forks 9' 8 wt with the Prestige Plus reel. I love both rods. I've owned other Cabela's rods in the past - a 7'6" 3 weight Three Forks, and a 9' 5 wt Fish Eagle. Loved 'em all. I've used the crap out of my Wind River rod since I bought it - it's quickly become a favored rod. Worth way more than the price they're charging IMO.

NOT a fan of graphite reels. I'd skip the reel on that Wind River combo - buy just the rod, and pick up a reel separately. The Prestige Plus reel the Three Forks comes with is a nice reel - it's cast aluminum, smooth drag, and nice and quiet! Loving it so far. You could do way worse than either rod you mentioned. Cabela's shipping dept is nice and speedy too - I've had all my recent orders in hand within a week of purchase.

 

[brandon4455]

i have the wind river 9ft 8wt. could not be happier. got it on sale for 69 bucks. works great for swinging or throwing heavy nymphs and even topwater bass bugs.