I wouldn't buy one of those package deals. You will get a lot more bang for your buck by purchasing used gear off of Ebay.

If I were you I would buy something like this Sage Discovery 9' #5 2 piece

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-SAGE-G..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53f86a88ec

or this Sage Launch 9' #5 4 piece

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sage-Launch..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19dbfc10b9

and this lamson reel

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321119276259?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I have a bunch of pricey fly fishing gear and I have to tell you this Sage and Lamson entry level stuff is way better than it has any right to be. I have 2 of the Discovery 9' #8 rods that I got off Ebay that I use to fish for Coho. I didn't want to take $600 fly rods out to get beaten up in the boat, so now the fancy rods sit in the closet and the cheaper stuff gets all the action. You should be able to gear up for $200-$250 including a decent flyline.

Last edited by rschmelzle; 05/05/13.