Beginner looking to get into fly fishing. Have read here and other sites that the Orvis Clearwater combo is a good starting point. 9’ 5wt sounds like the jack of all trades and a good do-it-all. For reference I live in WNC and plan to fish the mountain streams and rivers in and around Pisgah NF.
Found this Orvis Clearwater on my local FB market. Description just says it’s “like new”. Anything to be worried about buying rods second hand? Does this price seem fair? Hoping to save some cash to get all the other basic gear needs.
Posted by WY228
8 Comments
The reel looks kind of beat up for a like new rod and reel. I’d offer $150 just because of the look of the reel.
That reel is beat to shit. If the price is <$100 probably still worth.
Also I would do less because the warranty is none transferable. I abuse mine already and I can tell you they are solid beginner set ups
Looks beat up and I’m not too keen on clearwaters. They are fragile IMO. I have two and both have snapped and I had to pay for new sections. The Orvis warranty is no better than TFO, Reddington, or Echo. Still have to buy a new section if it breaks. For $270 you can get a brand new Reddington Classic Trout Outfit 5wt setup with everything. Classic Trout is a great rod.
I build on Loomis blanks now, and I still grab my first Clearwater setup every now and then. It really holds up to the more expensive rods I have. I’d say the recovery isn’t as crisp and the cork isn’t super high quality, but I’d still fish it. Hard to beat the Orvis warranty if you bought it new. Try and get it for less and it’s a great deal. The chips on the reel isn’t a bid deal. Just setting it down on rocks will do that in a hurry.
I have that rod and reel combo. I enjoy it and think it does the job. That reel looks poorly taken care of offer alittle less.
Buy a brand new echo lift outfit for same price cheaper and you will be happier.
I’ve bought a few new rods but also own all the rods I’ve bought new, in a used version as backup.
For super nice used rods check out upcountry sport fishing or trident fly fishing websites 🙂 also TCO has some nice stuff occasionally