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The Orvis Encounter Outfits are most suitable for entry-level anglers looking for a lower price point to get into fly fishing. These outfits will be complete with a fly rod, fly reel, fly line and backing to make getting started on the water effortless and affordable. The Encounter Outfit line offers six different models in the most commonly used weights and lengths.
Key Features:
Medium Action – The medium action of this rod provides easy-casting and smooth performance yet is responsive enough for a beginning angler to learn easily.
Large Arbor Reel – These outfits come with the composite frame Orvis Encounter II large arbor reel that offers quick line retrieval with a powerful drag and it easily converts from left to right-hand retrieve.
Convenient Features – These outfits include a rode tube and a reel bag to keep your equipment safe and organized when not in use.
Use Cases:
8’ 5wt is ideal for youth anglers with its shorter length and ease of learning curve with the medium action design. The 8’ length is also good for anglers who find themselves with limited casting space. This outfit comes with Orvis Encounter Rod, Orvis Encounter Reel, weight-forward floating line, backing and leader.
8’6” 5wt and 9’ 5wt are entry-level rods that are suitable for trout and light bass scenarios. This outfit comes with Orvis Encounter Rod, Orvis Encounter Reel, weight-forward floating line, backing and leader.
9’ 6wt is an entry-level rod for anglers who will be targeting larger trout and bass as it provides a bit more backbone to handle the fight, present larger flies and cast in windy conditions. This outfit comes with Orvis Encounter Rod, Orvis Encounter Reel, weight-forward floating line, backing and leader.
9’6” 6wt is ideal for the angler covering larger bodies of water with its extra length for making longer mends and is great for nymphing. This outfit has the length and weight to target larger trout, bass and smaller game fish. This outfit comes with Orvis Encounter Rod, Orvis Encounter Reel, weight–forward floating line, backing and leader.
10’ 7wt outfit is ideal for anglers covering big water and targeting bigger trout, bass, steelhead and other species that require the backbone for a good fight. The extra length allows for longer distance casting and more control when mending and high-sticking. This outfit comes with Orvis Encounter Rod, Orvis Encounter Reel, weight-forward floating line, and two additional size IV spools with Intermediate line and Full Sinking Type III line, plus backing and leader. The extra spools are to be sure you are ready for any conditions and species you might encounter.
9’ 8wt outfit is ideal for anglers starting out in targeting big game fish and need the power to put up a good fight and the ability to cast at a distance or nearby to target the bigger species. This outfit comes with Orvis Encounter Rod, Orvis Encounter Reel, weight-forward floating line, backing and leader.
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My opinion is the Orvis Encounter fly rod package will be a great introduction to the sport. Easy casting, (forgives the mistake that we all make) and set up is a breeze! The 4 piece rod breaks down easily in its own case to make traveling (especially on a plane) super convenient. Best of all, the line, reel, and rod have been all designed to work together as a system. No complicated decisions to make about what you'll need....there's plenty of time to nerd out on tech! Last but not least, Orvis has a fantastic 25 year guarantee on their gear! This is great for variety of species, particularly small to medium sized freshwater game fish that you would target on smaller bodies of water.
Orvis considers this rod to be "affordable awesomeness" rather than entry level - so it will definitely keep up with you. Smooth and crisp performance. Ideal as an "all-around" rod... yes, this has a whole setup - but it's actually a good rod!
Good for entry-level to experienced anglers who want exceptional bang for their buck. The Encounter combo in a 9' 5wt option is ideal for just about any trout situation, from alpine lakes to freestone and tailwater rivers. Great casting action that will help flatten the learning curve for beginners with a solid reel that already comes lined for ease and a solid drag system in case you find yourself fighting some larger trout. It's a great value at this price point!
Excellent rod for the price point. The medium action is versatile and easy to learn with a variety of casts. Supremely versatile for a variety of species and conditions.
Good all-arounder to get comfortable. Great for small water creeks where long casts aren't necessary and brush might interfere with longer rods; this rod is about a full foot shorter than standard and will be fun to cast and very forgiving.