Best rod / reel for a beginner?

[rubberwellie]

Hi all

This is my first post and I'd be grateful for some advice.

I fished for years when I was younger and have recently got back into it after working away for a long time. I'm new to salmon fly fishing however and need some help with buying a good outfit.

I recently purchased a 15" 3 piece shakespeare oracle on ebay for days away to the Tay etc but my local rivers are the Leven and the Endrick on the Lomond system. I have an 11" hardy demon which does for the Endrick. What else do I need? I think a 13" rod would suit the Leven but I don't want to spend a fortune on it and I need advice when it comes to reels. I have considered the daiwa lochmor reel. I don't mind splashing out a bit once I become proficient but theres no point yet.

I'd be interested to hear what some of you more experienced guys think?

Cheers

Sean

[rubberwellie]

Also, what lines do you recommend, I'll start with a floater and a sink tip, what brands give good value for money and last the pace?

[madkeen]

A 13ft oracle would do you and the daiwa lochmor reel is a pretty good buy as well. Instead of a floater and sinktip why not get one of these lines,great value for money and a lot of people use these.
www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/Airflo-Delta-Spey---Spey-Long-Multi-Tip---Damaged-Packaging---Save-40-.html

[rubberwellie]

Cheers for the advice madkeen, I think I'll keep my eyes peeled on ebay for a 13" oracle, seems like a safe choice. I've been looking and see a few Hardy Marqis reels on ebay, whats the best size to get? I don't mind paying a bit more for a reel at this stage and these seem to hold their price, if anyone has any advice on what model / size etc to get then I'd be glad to hear it....

[madkeen]

For that size of rod go for the marquis 2 and go for the double pawl model if its an older reel your after.