Fishing Fancy on a Budget

By Connor Truman

Fly fishing is a sport where you can spend over 1000 dollars before even getting to the river. Obviously, you don't need an 800-dollar rod and 300-dollar reel to catch fish. One of my favorite ways to fly fish is euro nymphing and I'm going to tell you all about my under $200 setup.

Rod

The Euronymph style rod is typically a 10 ft or longer rod, the length allows you to reach farther out and get your flies into runs and pockets a shorter 8 - 9 foot rod wouldn't allow. The rod that I personally use is the Maxcatch Competition Nymph Rod. Priced at $104.00 on Amazon, this 10.5ft 3wt 4 piece rod has caught many species across the US that includes; Brook Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, and Arctic Grayling. The rod is fairly lightweight and balances well with a ¾ weight reel.  It comes with a rod sock and case. I have owned this rod for almost 4 years and have no complaints. As with all cheaper products, this rod is not as sensitive as a top euro rod but, as someone just getting into the style it's a great choice.

https://www.amazon.com/MAXIMUMCATCH-Maxcatch-Competition-InTouch-nymphing/dp/B08CMRNW7D/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32GPK9HZQEN83&keywords=max%2Bcatch%2Bcompetition%2Bnymph&qid=1701639522&sprefix=max%2Bcatch%2Bcompetition%2Bnymph%2Caps%2C320&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

Reel

The reel that I pair with that rod is the MaxCatch Fly Reel in the size of ¾. This reel comes in a few different color combos and is only $49.99. The reel has a good drag and is light enough weight that you can fish for hours with little to no fatigue. The reel is easily opened up for cleaning and can hold plenty of line and backing for euro nymphing.

https://www.amazon.com/MAXIMUMCATCH-Maxcatch-Fishing-CNC-machined-Aluminum/dp/B01MSTAKW8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2KVFPWCGWIT33&keywords=max%2Bcatch%2Bfly%2Breel&qid=1701640820&sprefix=max%2Bcatch%2Bfly%2Bree%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1

Line and Leader

The typical Euro-Nymph Leader and Tippet setup can be a bit pricey. The spool of the brightly colored sighter line like the Rio Two Tone is around $15 a spool. Now this isn't that expensive as you rarely lose this line BUT, it can be hard to find as not all fly shops carry it. I personally have this problem while living in the interior of YNP. The solution is simple, take any 8-10lb mono or fluoro and color 8 to 10in sections red or orange with a sharpie. I have used this method for 2 seasons whenever I'm out of the actual two-tone sighter. The only thing I will not go cheap with is tippett. I will forever use the Rio 5x FlouroFlex which is a little more pricey but, I would rather spend the extra few bucks than get broken off by a brute of a fish. ALWAYS run a tippet ring between the sighter and the tippet. 

Remember, the most important aspect of fly fishing is enjoying the experience and connecting with nature. Having the best gear can enhance your experience but, it's not needed for a successful and enjoyable day on the water.

Stay Degenerate