Looking for a fly rod for Lake Erie tribs

 
Hi Chris,
 
We would recommend the following setup:
 
     Temple Fork Outfitters Professional Series II Fly Rod 
          model TF 07 10 4 P2 ($199.95)
          model TF 07 90 4 P2 ($159.95)
 
     Temple Fork Outfitters Prism Cast Large Arbor Fly Reel 
          model TFR P CLA 7/8 ($99.95)
 
     RIO Trout Series Gold Fly Line - WF7F ($74.95)
 
     Scientific Anglers Dacron Fly Line Backing 20 lb. 250 yds. ($17.95)
 
This setup comes to approximately $353.00-393.00, depending on the rod model you choose. Both of which are well within your budget.
 
You can find all this and more at FishUSA. Also, check out our Fly Fishing store for other great products.
 
Enjoy!
 
FishUSA Staff
 

Good advice there. 9 or 10 ft 6 7 or 8 wt. Any floating line will do. But one that claims to be good at roll casting is ideal. The reel is where you may want to spend a little more. A reel with a good drag is very important to protect the light tippet sometimes required in low clear conditions. I have a lamson konic(discontinued) on my 10' 7wt. As I'm sure you're aware rod blank technology has improved light years since the wonder rod. $300+ rods are fancy and all, but there's certainly some very fine quality rods for half that or less. Some people like switch rods too. but you'd have to ask them about those. I have no experience with them.

Thanks for all the input. I always try to buy from Fish USA and this will be no exception.

I'm going to have to pull the trigger soon or risk missing the big run. :)

I used a 9 foot rod then bought a 11.2 or 11.5 foot spey rod from cabelas for 1/2 price that I couldnt pass up. The longer rod is much better (thats what she said) for everything and has more play when using lighter tippets. But watch the trees when walking!

Reel with a good strong smooth drag is the biggest thing as stated above. My old reel by okuma would lockup with a fish on causing instant fish off sad faces.