re: 1st Fly Rod for my grandson - Recs

I would have to agree with another poster that Orvis is not and was not the standard among serious fly fishers. Orvis, like many others, makes a few outstanding products and some that are just okay. Orvis has a vocal following. I’m just not part of it.

For a combo set up I recommend that you also look at Redington. Redington has several combo package price points. As an alternative to a combo set up, I would check out the Echo line of fly rods, and for a reel the Lamson Liquid is a nice reel for the money. Granted the total would be a good bit more than the Orvis package, but the Echo/Lamson set up will “grow” with him.

Many of the young guys use a 5 weight as an all around rod. I am from the era that used a 6 weight as a general purpose fly rod. Also, I usually fish out of a drift boat on the big western rivers. I tend to pick up a 6 weight for most nymph/streamer boat fishing as I find it easier on the arm to cast/mend/strip the slightly heavier set up. For bass and bream I would gravitate toward a 6 weight as the six will handle fluffy/bulky bass flies a little better. A 5 weight will be a little sportier for bream. 9 foot, four piece rods are the standard configuration for a general purpose rod.

Whatever you buy he will love. Get some casting instructions for your grandson.