fly fishing

The new Orvis Helios.

On a recent fishing trip, I watched in horror as $1,200 worth of fly rod and reel flipped over the side and sank. It was then that I realized my fly-fishing habit was growing much too expensive. So I searched for the best value fly rod and reel that would get me back on the water for under $400, which-in the sticker-shock world of fly-fishing-qualifies as a steal. Here's a rod and reel combo that's worked well for me.

When I reached the ripe old age of 12, my grandfather took me into the backyard to do some fly fishing. My initial reaction was, "Grandpa, you can't catch fish in the grass!" His response? "Until you learn how to catch fish in the backyard, you won't be able to catch them on the water." That was the first lesson of my weeklong introduction to fly fishing, which took place entirely on dry land. Sound silly? "If you can't cast properly in the backyard, you won't have a prayer when there are T-tops, a VHF radio antenna, and other anglers in your way," he said.