Review of the Martin Fly Rod Combo: Is This the Best Budget Fly Fishing Kit?
When it comes to budget fly fishing setups, the Martin Fly Rod Combo stands out as one of the cheapest options available on Amazon. At just $35, this kit includes everything you need to start fishing: a rod, reel, line, leader, and tippet. But is it really worth the money? In this article, we'll delve into the details of the Martin Fly Rod Combo and see how it performs.
Introduction
If you’ve seen videos claiming to offer the best budget fly rod or the best fly rod for the money, this is not one of them. This review focuses on the Martin Fly Rod Combo, which is literally the cheapest fly rod kit I could find on Amazon. It comes with everything you need to start fishing, and I doubt you can find a full kit cheaper than this on the internet.
Price and Components
The next cheapest fly rod kits I found ranged from $60 to $100. However, I decided to test this $35 kit to see if it’s a viable option for those looking to get into fly fishing without spending much. For $35, you get a rod, reel, line, leader, and tippet – everything you need to start fly fishing. This price is absolutely absurd when compared to other kits.
Performance and Handling
As expected, you get what you pay for. The Martin Fly Rod Combo claims to be a 5/6 weight rod, meaning you can cast 5 or 6 weight lines on it. However, the rod is incredibly stiff, similar to a super heavy bass rod meant for heavy crankbaits or weighted worms. It's an 8-foot rod, which is shorter than the typical 9-foot fly rods.
The reel, surprisingly, is the nicest part of the kit. It features a click-and-pawl mechanism with a switch to turn it off, allowing it to spin freely. When turned on, it provides quite a bit of resistance, which is impressive for such a cheap reel. Despite this, most anglers likely won’t use the reel much unless targeting large fish.
Casting Experience
The line that comes with the kit is very cheap and feels too light for the rod, almost like a 4 weight. For better performance, I would recommend using a 7 weight line with this rod to cast a little further. For new fishermen, this rod can be frustrating because it's difficult to cast far.
The handle is made of foam, which you might expect to be comfortable, but it’s actually quite stiff. Foam handles tend to get dirty and gunky, especially when fishing in rivers, which adds to the discomfort.
Fishing with the Martin Fly Rod Combo
I spent an afternoon fishing with this rod and managed to catch some bass. However, there was no feel to it. You can’t feel the fish due to the rod's stiffness, and it will wear your arm out quickly. It casts like a much heavier rod, around a 9 or 10 weight, making it awkward and tiring to use.
For $35, you get what you pay for. This rod is not ideal for those serious about fly fishing. However, if you’re looking to try fly fishing without a big investment, it’s an option. It’s also good for kids or as a backup rod due to its durability – it’s almost indestructible.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Extremely affordable at $35
Comes with everything needed to start fly fishing
Durable and tough, suitable for kids
Cons:
Very stiff and heavy rod
Poor casting distance
Foam handle gets dirty quickly
Cheap line included
Alternatives
If you’re serious about fly fishing, consider investing a bit more. There are plenty of kits in the $70 to $100 range that offer better performance and flexibility. These kits come with rods that have more bend and flex, making casting easier and more enjoyable. For long-term use, spending around $250 on a combo with a warranty would be ideal.
Conclusion
The Martin Fly Rod Combo is an affordable option for those new to fly fishing or looking for a durable rod for kids. However, its performance is limited by its stiffness and weight. Serious anglers or those planning to fish frequently should consider higher-priced alternatives for a better experience. As always, choose a rod that matches your needs and preferences.
Thanks for reading! We hope this review helps you make an informed decision about your next fly fishing purchase.
