Last updated on March 11th, 2024.
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Fly rod combos are an easy entry into the world of fly fishing.
They come in all sorts of combinations regarding lengths and weight classes. The most common one is certainly a fly rod combo for trout which tend to be #4 or #5. An affordable candidate is the Cabelas Bighorn fly rod outfit that comes with a rod and reel that is pre-spooled meaning all you have to do is tie on a fly and you’re ready to catch fish. We’ve taken it out to test and here’s how it performed.
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Specifications and Features
Overview:
Weights: available in different lengths and weight classes ranging from #3 to an #8
What’s included: rod, reel, backing, fly line, leader
Price: $99
First Impressions
When the Cabelas Bighorn fly rod outfit arrived, I was a little disappointed that it doesn’t come with any form of protection. Most fly rod combos come with a rod tube or at least a rod sock. Not so for the Cabelas – that’s definitely a downside.
However, when taking a closer look at the rod and reel in this kit, that fact as quickly forgotten since the components left a quality impression at first glance. The rod comes in a nice bronze color and is made from carbon graphite. A hook keeper and nice logo placements on the blank and the bottom of the reel seat definitely portrayed quality. The same holds true for the cork grip that is made from smooth cork material and has a nice, ergonomic shape.
The same was true for the reel that features a sturdy design and a large arbor for quick line pickup. It comes pre-spooled with backing, fly line and leader.
Putting the Bighorn to the Test
I admit it, right out of the box, I didn’t expect too much from a set that costs $99. But already when making the first, shorter casts I was pleasantly surprised. The rod and line worked well together and you could tell this outfit had a good balance. What really surprised me was how this admittedly short rod (8ft long) performed on mid-range and even longer casts.
I had no problem casting tight loops over longer distances. I’d describe the action of the rod and medium fast, not too fast though as is sometimes the case with modern day fly rods. Even into the wind the rod did a good job.
In order to prevent bias, I asked a couple of my fishing buddies to give this combo a try as well. Jokingly, I said this is the new Cabelas $1,000 rod to prevent them from being prejudiced. They had the impression as me and said this was a good rod. What was true for the rod’s performance was also the case for the reel. It features a nicely adjustable drag that easily has enough breaking power for everyday trout fishing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
PROS:
- Outstanding value for money
- Well balanced rod, reel and line
- Allround performances: this is a great overall trout fly rod combo
- Quality components: this set does not come off as cheap at all
CONS:
- No protection included whatsoever: neither a rod tube nor a protective sock at least
- A small selection of flies would be the icing on the cake for this combo as you could start fishing right away.
Verdict
You get it, I was seriously impressed with this fly rod combo (considering the price it sells for). For less than $100 you definitely get a decent fly rod combo with quality components. It will serve you well to make your first steps in fly fishing and even as an intermediate there is nothing wrong with fishing this set. It can also serve well as a backup combo. The only real downside is the fact that there is no protection included, no rod tube and not even a sock.
FAQs: Bighorn Fly Rod Combo
Does this fly rod combo provide good value for money.
Yes, after intense testing, I can confidently say that the Cabelas Bighorn provides excellent value for money at less than $100.
Does the Bighorn Fly Outfit come in different sizes?
Yes, the Bighorn Fly Combo is available in different lengths and weight classes.
Does this outfit include flies?
No, this set includes a rod, reel, backing, line and leader but no flies. You will have to buy these separately.
Does the Bighorn Combo come with a rod tube?
No, this fly rod combo does not come with a rod tube (nor a protective rod sock).
