Crystal River Executive Travel Pack - Fly Fishing

Let me start off by saying this: most people buying this package have no knowledge of fly fishing. That being said, some of the negative reviews come from people not understanding the equipment, or how to use it properly. I'm a novice fly fisherman myself, but I did considerable research BEFORE buying this package, so I had some idea of what I was getting into beforehand. For the one reviewer who states he needed to buy tippet material: a tapered leader (which is included in this package) is a tippet. For the reviewers stating that the line doesn't float, that is because the only type of fly fishing they are aware of is probably dry fly fishing. The fly line that comes with this package is a sinking fly line. It is INTENDED to sink. If you're expecting to start dry fly fishing with this package, you'll need to buy a few items. In fact, anyone looking to start fly fishing will need to purchase at least 2 more items before using this setup. To use it as-is, you'll need backing and subsurface flies (AKA "wet" flies). To start dry fly fishing, you'll need backing, floating fly line and dry flies. There are other items that will make the package more effective still, but the items I've mentioned above will get you started. Wet flies will imitate larval and emerging state insects, as they do not float. Dry fly fishing, however, is far and away the more popularized type of fly fishing, and as such, the vast majority of beginners will attempt to dry fly fish with this package, and will become quickly discouraged and give up fly fishing altogether, thinking it is "too hard". With a little research and prep, however, this can be a very effective fly fishing outfit.Things I definitely like about this kit: it is very lightweight. There are certainly lighter alternatives out there, but they cost quite a bit more. It is also very compact, being an 8-piece rod. It collapses down to just over a foot in length, and when packed tightly together, the sections amount to a bundle about 1" in diameter. This makes a great backpacking fly fishing option. The kit is also durable, as long as it is not abused. Whipping the rod back and forth violently or jamming the pieces into the case will result in broken tips. Treat it with a reasonable amount of care and practice proper casting techniques and this rod will honestly last you a lifetime. (For a $30 package? That's crazy talk!) The reel is probably the weakest link in the whole package, but even that isn't terrible. Again, with proper care, it will last, although upgrading the reel doesn't have to break the bank either, and can be done in the future if necessary. The included reel will certainly function properly if not abused.Upon receiving this kit and my backing and flies, I was set up and casting within 30 minutes, and I had never fly fished before. The rod goes together extremely well, and fit and finish is far beyond what I expected for a $30 rig. After loading the reel with backing and fly line, adding my tippet and tying a fly, I tried my first cast, and realized that all my years of fearing fly casting was a waste of time. Casting feels very natural, and while my technique isn't perfect, I could see vast improvement within just a days time. I think I'm really going to enjoy fly fishing, and I think it's going to be a lifetime of learning and fun. Again, do some research, fill out this rig as necessary and get out there and enjoy fishing. Tight lines!

I tend to agree with the other reviews. The main thing I noticed off the bat was lack of backing. And none of the fly-fishing shops around here were open yet when I got it. But a little spider-wire 10/40 did the trick just about as well and for about the same money while leaving me with enough to spare to fill one of my spinning rods. (Besides, I have half-a-dozen primo Pfleuger reels already hand engraved by my father with premium line already on them)I had picked up a 4 piece take-down ultralight to throw in the back of my new Jeep Grand Cherokee. The main thing I wanted with that was something that could fold down small and stay out of the way. Most of my fly-rod purchases are $300 so I wasn't expecting a lot. My biggest worry was sections flying apart but I haven't had a single problem with that yet. I fully expected the fly line would be some basic generic - it is. I'll see if I can throw some dressing on it when I get out to the fly shop and can pick some up, but straight out of the box, it's sinking like a rock on retrieve. A little silicone might fix that up though. The reel, for being a basic plastic one, isn't nearly as bad as I expected either. I think I'll just keep that one on here for stowing in the car and bring the Pfleugers along with the the better rods for the trout ventures. But for a quicky/portable option to throw in with the ultra-light in the jeep, you can't beat this for $30-40 buck range! Great little pack rod!

Wow, was I surprised! I was not expecting much for 28 bucks but boy was I surprised when I put the rod together and played around with it in the shop. I got two of these for Xmas gifts and just ordered another one for myself! First off, let me say that I would not want to tackle a salmon or steelhead with this outfit. But if you are like us and enjoy fishing for trout, panfish, and an occasional bass that comes swimming past your fly then this outfit will work just fine. Now granted, it is not an Orvis, but it is only 28 bucks. If you use a lil common sense and don't get to aggressive putting the rod together and taking it apart I can see this outfit lasting a long time. Some people can break an anvil so this combo will not work for everyone. But the ones who know how to treat a rod and reel should do fine. I really liked the reel in that it was the perfect size for the rod and is very light. Yes, it is all graphite, but for the type fishing I do this reel is going to be perfect. While I have not been fly fishing my whole life I have caught hundreds of fish and have yet to use the reel for anything other than a line holder. Have yet to "reel" in the first fish on a fly rod. So as a line holder this reel is perfect and in fact I am going to order two reels for other rods that I have that need smaller sized reels. The only issue I see is that while they included line with the kit, they included sinking line. While there is nothing wrong with sinking line if that is the type fly fishing you want to do I only use floating weight forward line. I am sure the sinking line is probably the cheapest is why they included that with the kit. Had it came with floating line it would have been the perfect kit to throw in the car, take backpacking, or stuff in the kayak. Now that I think of it I might have to order two more and keep one on the sailboat! For the money I just don't see how you can go wrong. Replace the line with floating line, put some flies and poppers in the included box, throw in the car and the next time you come across that pond or stream you will be ready to hit it!!!

Parfait pour les rivières

Great value but a disappointment on Christmas morning. The product is well made and as described but... when it was being packed at the manufacturers the person who separated the parts of the rod before packing it into its carrying case managed to snap the rod just next to the top section. It left a piece about an inch long embedded in the tip section. The tapers prevented any possibility of repair. Went to reorder but now it is unavailable. If you get one that is not broken I am sure it would be great.

Broke

es muy bonita, practica y se siente comoda aunque no he pescado nada con ella aun. el carrete se siente bien pero es de grafito creo, se siente no muy durable espero estar equivocado, pero no creo que por el precio encuentren algo mejor! se me hace bien para iniciarse en esto de la pesca con mosca.