Review of the Scheels Outfitters Premium Fly Fishing Combo

Review of the Scheels Outfitters Premium Fly Fishing Combo

Different species of fish require different gear for fly fishing, and I was determined to step up my streamer game this past summer in order to target larger brown trout and pike. My go-to fly fishing rod at the time was a 10 foot, 5 weight Orvis Recon. This is a fantastic rod for casting dry flies from a raft, or controlling a hefty nymph rig, but struggles with casting larger, meatier streamers. I knew I needed something heavier, so I began to search in the 7/8 weight category.

What initially caught my eye with the Scheels Premium Fly Fishing Combo was the price point of $174.99. Affordability was a must because this was going to be a secondary rod, and this rod sits at a price that “premium” rods rarely fall on. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to feel it for myself at the store and compare it to the other rods. It certainly matched up to other premium combo kits such as the Orivs Encounter and the Reddington Field Kit that I had the opportunity to hold. With the price being a major sell point to me, and a Scheels warranty on the rod, I decided to ultimately give this rod a try. I have had the rod for 6 months now, and it has been tried in battles with bass, pike, trout, and salmon.

Rod Review

The Scheels Premium Combo rod specs are 9 feet in length, consist of 4 pieces, and includes a cork handle. The action of this rod is listed as soft progressive, which I would consider a middle ground between slow and fast. Ultimately, this is realized in the stiffness felt in the rod while casting. From what I have determined, this rod performs much more like a fast action rod in this sense, and unfortunately, its stiffness along with its weight leaves the impression of a cheaper rod. This is not a light rod; stock reel included, this rod is going to make your arm sore on a full day of casting. While this is not a super light and flexible rod, it allows an advantage for casting distance. Flies of all sizes can be confidently launched far ranges from the Scheels Premium Combo. The element of accuracy leaves room to be desired, but there is never a question of getting your monster streamer to the targeted position, or even further. Most anglers should be able to confidently cast far across the stream with this rod, even if it does not hit the precise location you are aiming for. 

This rod handles exceptionally well for a 7/8 weight, as it has performed for me remarkably when fighting larger fish. Where this rod lacks in playfulness and flexibility, it makes up by its ability to handle strong fish, worthy of a measurement and a scale. This rod is businesslike in the way it can steer fish of all sizes and does not strain itself to bring these specimens to the net. In my experience testing this rod, I have been able to fight adult king salmon with a comfortable rod bend and was never once in doubt of this rods ability to maintain control, driving these large fish to the finish line. If you are looking for a flexible rod with a lot of play, this is not what you are looking for. Otherwise, if you are looking to battle a fish comfortably, without too much hassle, this rod will be a fantastic option for you.

Reel Review

Fishing reels on fly fishing combo kits are typically one of the first items an angler will look to replace. Combo kits are made to allow the fly angler to go from store to water as fast as possible, and will willingly sacrifice quality for necessity when it comes to the reel. Reels are commonly referred to as lowly “line holders” in fly fishing culture, and this couldn’t be more obvious when using most combo kits. Fortunately for the Scheels Premium Combo, the reel is actually one of its greatest advantages. 

The reel included in this combo is a large arbor reel, made not of cheap plastic but strong metal and pre-loaded with floating line. This is a heavy-duty reel, that performs excellently in all conditions, facing dirt and grime without challenge. There is a quite hefty weight to this reel adding to the overall weight of the rod, but this is more than manageable given the reel's ability. The drag is adjustable to take on extreme weights, matching the altogether toughness of this combo kit. It may be difficult to find that sweet spot in your drag between too light or too tight, but with some adjusting it can be found. You will also notice the reel has a silent retrieve, but you get what you pay for, and if you are looking for the sexy sound of clicking when a fish tugs your line, you will likely not find it in any combo kit. The floating line included in this reel is also a “you get what you pay for” attribute, but I prefer to fish my streamer rods with intermediate to full sink line, so I replaced the pre-load line immediately upon purchase.

Overall Thoughts

You would be hard pressed to find another budget friendly fly fishing combo kit that matches the ability and performance of the Scheels Outfitters Premium Fly Fishing Combo. It is not the perfect fly rod and has room for improvement regarding the stiffness of the rod and the excessive weight. This is still a rod under $200, so it will not stack up to elite rods in the higher price points. But for rod that will get you on the water same day, you will not be disappointed in this rod's ability to sling a big streamer or to direct a fish. This is a quality fly fishing rod that will allow you to catch a range of larger species, including those commonly considered above a 7/8 weight’s abilities. All things considered, this is an excellent combo kit with immense value for a budget price point, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to target a wide variety of freshwater species without breaking the bank.