Hi I have been fishing about 20 odd years but I am very new to fly fishing and need some advise on rods, reels etc on a tight budget.
I have some old gear that I got from my stepfather but I think this will need upgrading!
The rod is an old Shakespeare Europa fibreglass rod (9foot no.7 I think), it is very cheap and cheerful but I can get casts of 50 to 60 feet with it so would this be ok for the time being. I quite like rod and have caught a few carp on it but if it's very outdated then maybe I should get a new one?
The reel I have is a cheap chinese plastic thing and falling to bits so any ideas on good cheaper reels?
Also I need some new line as the line (WF7 floating) is rubbish and will not lie straight on the surface - too much memory. I have heard Shakespeare Worchestershire is a good brand?
I am mainly fishing for carp from 3-5lb but am looking to make some trips to Chigboro with one of my mates later in the year.
Many thanks

Neil

Shakespeare odyssey 7-8 £20 at mullarkeys
Mullarkeys mill end lines wf#8f £4
Pflueger trion 2857 about £45 eBay used, or a user called we-Flyfish has some very nice looking reels here:

Shire V-Spool Fly Reels

Also sunkistbob does some nice barstock cassette reels, not sure if he has any at the moment, I have one myself for #7 lines

That's all I use for carp, the only difference being I use a #9 wf when it's a bit windy.

Thanks. Do you have any tips for carp 'on-the-drop' they love slow sinking baits there!

hello if you like the rod and need a reel and line but not expensive i am sure a forum member would have these and maybe like to sell, or there are some nice L/A reels and lines on classified here at a reasonable cost. failing that fleabay. your shaky rod about 1960s 70s you could try locate a reel from that era and a pirate line or other off here. any way happy fishing

Neil, as long as you are happy with your rod and it allows you cast the way you want and far enough, then I wouldn't worry too much about replacing it unless you can find something that allows you to do it better and easier.

As for the reel: I've just taken delivery this morning of an old J W Young Condex reel from the 1950's /early 60's and it's in mint condition, loaded with a very good quality slow sinking #6/7 line and good quality backing to match for the princely sum of £19.99 ( from eBay) - so it need not cost an arm or leg to replace the reel and line - there are loads of decent quality vintage reels for sale which will still do an excellent job and if looked after, will probably still see you out!
£30.00 should find you a very decent vintage reel with lots of life left in it - just don't be in too much of a rush and do your homework before bidding on anything!

Perhaps start with a decent line from sellers on here such as the Pirate and other reputable sellers ( ask for advice ) and work from there on maybe replacing your reel and then, if still not happy, replace your rod, but a good place to start is replacing your line first.
Tony

Reel wise personally I'd go for an okuma airframe. Comes with 3 spare spools and has a drag system. I picked mine up brand new for £35 delivered. It doesn't get much better than that!

thanks for all the replies, i think i may carry on with the rod and get a new reel and line.