Getting a decent fly fishing combo for a reasonable price can be a chore at times. I know I’ve had to spend over $500 for just a real in the past. That’s why I really think you should take a look at the St. Croix Rio Santo fly fishing rod and reel combo.
If you’ve been fly fishing for any length of time, you probably already know the quality that St. Croix is known for. They make excellent gear, and this inexpensive combo is no exception.
I purchased the 8 and 1/2 foot 5 weight, and have been very happy with it. The rod is a four piece graphite blank, with enough horsepower to get the trout in, yet it is supple enough to allow for good feel while casting.
The reel is cast aluminum with a standard disc drag. If a fish puts you on your reel, this little guy will handle it nicely.
It’s pretty amazing that all of this comes in one package for right at $200. For me, the price tag made it a perfect excuse to add another rig to the collection, without making the wife mad!
The combo does come with a few extras as well, including fly line and backing, and a case. The case is just fine, but I highly suggest removing the provided line, and replacing it with something of higher quality. I’m partial to lines by Scientific Anglers, but feel free to use whatever you would like.
When it’s all said and done, I’m really happy with the St. Croix Rio Santo. I love mine, but I’m also pleased because it is going to make fly fishing more accessible to more people. Know anyone can dip their toe in the water (pun intended), without breaking the bank.
See ya on the water…
im using the pfluger trion gx-7 spinning rod/reel combo and the rod says up to 12lb line but the reel has 4,6 and 8lbs line. does this mean i can only use up to 8lbs? i’d like to bump it up to atleast 10 maybe 12 because i keep snapping the line casting spinner baits. i’m new to fishin and this is my first setup and i’ve lost atleast 10 spinner baits this year from my line snapping when i cast.
No, you can use 12 pound test, and it’s probably a really good idea to do so. If you are fishing for bass, you could even take that up to 14 or 16 to help you keep from losing so many lures.
try switching to fire line or power pro braided line give you a diameter of a 5 or 6 lb mono yet 20lb strength