Ecinomical bass set-up

[New Hampshire]

Im really working at this fly-fishing thing.  I currently have a 6 weight, 8'6" cheapy rod/reel that was bought at Wal-Mart.  But I mainly fish for bass (largemouth,) on weedy ponds and want a meatier set-up for it.  Add to that I fish from a canoe.  So Ive been looking at rods in the 9' length and 8 weight persuasion.  Ive got a couple Im looking at, and would like opinions on them.  First is a Redington, available through Cabelas.  For a reel Im looking at the Phleuger Medalist series.  Total cost for the rod/reel would be under $100 (what Im trying not to go past.)  Then there is this set-up available, also from Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jhtml?id=0011165311504a&navAction=push&navCount=5&indexId=cat20457&podId=0011165&catalogCode=IE&parentId=cat20457&parentType=index&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431&hasJS=true
The one Im looking at is model #908.

Its been a while since I thumbed the Orvis catalog.  But I remember they had a nice set-up in there also, which ran over my hopeful $100, but came with line and backing already.
So does anyone have an opinion?  Thanks,
Brian

[flatlander]

I don't think that you will have too much problem with the Redington. I don't really know about the Cabela's graphite fly rods, but I have heard some guys who prefer moderate action rods who think that the 3 Forks Rods are a terrific value for even 4 times the money. For the economical reels, I like the Cabela's graphite reels. No, it isn't the same as a $100+ reel, but it is light, durable, and you can't beat it for $20 and spare spools are only $9. I like having the palming ring on the spool, and just haven't ever really liked the Medalist reels, but that is just a personal preferance. I've started building up my own rods, and have since become less than enthusiastic about the Orvis, T&T, Sage or other big name, big dollar gear. I've found that equivalent or superior performing blanks can be built up for a fraction of the price that the big boys require.

[New Hampshire]

Thank you flatlander for the post.  I was flipping through the Cabelas fly fishing catalog and somehow managed to skip over a couple of pages that had the Cabelas brand reels on em.  From what I can see I like.  I guess I got some considering to do.  So.....enie, menie, minie, moe  :-D .
Thanks again,
Brian M.

P.S., Do you think a bass taper fly line is really that necessary?  They are real expensive at about $50 and seem to only be a slightly quicker tapered weight forward.  I plan on using mostly bass bugs, but not sure if its really all that worth it.

[flatlander]

Hmmm...hard to say on the line. I don't throw enough of the big bugs to go into buying a line for it, but I would guess that it will depend quite a lot on what your general fishing conditions are. I would also ask how well has a standard WF or DT line worked for you this far? Is it worth the difference in price for a slight inprovement in casting? Maybe there is someone who has tried one that can give you some firsthand advice.

[New Hampshire]

I guess Ill just stick to the standard WF to begin with and move up to the bass line if I find it necessary.  Thanks again for the help.
Brian M.
P.S. As you can guess I dont see much flyfishermen up here who intentionally go for bass.  The trout get most of the attention   .

[Old Cane]

The Cabelas stowaway rig and reddingtons are hard to beat for an inexpensive rod. I used a st. croix imperial for years and it was very nice but a little more money.