Wild Water Fly Fishing Starter Kit Prices: What You Actually Pay vs. the Competition

Wild Water fly fishing starter kits range from $114 to $200, and that price includes everything you need to start fishing. Rod, reel, line, flies, tools, fly box, carrying case. No hidden costs, no extra purchases required. Compare that to competitor kits at similar prices that leave out half the gear, and you'll see why the sticker price only tells part of the story.

This guide breaks down exactly what Wild Water fly fishing starter kits cost, what's included at each price point, and how those numbers stack up against major competitors. We'll also cover the hidden costs most beginners don't see coming until they're already at the checkout.

Key Takeaways

• Wild Water Standard Kits start at $114 and include rod, reel, line, backing, leader, flies, tools, fly box, and carrying case
• Competitor kits at similar prices often exclude flies and accessories, requiring $50-100+ in additional purchases
• Wild Water's Deluxe kits ($119-$160) add premium fly assortments and upgraded components
• Free ground shipping on all orders with same business day processing (before noon EST)
• Total cost of ownership matters more than sticker price when comparing starter kits

Industry Price Tiers for Fly Fishing Starter Kits

Fly fishing starter kits generally fall into three price categories, and knowing where each sits helps you set realistic expectations.

Budget tier ($75-125)

This includes basic combos that get you fishing but often cut corners on components. You'll typically find die-cast reels, basic fly lines, and minimal (or no) included flies. The Cabela's Bighorn at $99 sits here, offering a solid rod and reel but no flies or accessories. Wild Water's Standard kits at $114 fall into this range but include significantly more gear.

Mid-range tier ($150-250)

This is where most serious beginners should look. Kits here feature better rod construction, smoother reels, and often include upgraded fly lines. (Not sure what line weight you need? Our guide to understanding fly line weight explains how to match line to your target species.) The Orvis Encounter at around $170-200 and Redington Path at $199 compete in this space. Wild Water's Deluxe and CNC kits ($119-$175) offer mid-range quality at budget-friendly prices.

Premium tier ($300+)

The premium tier targets anglers who want the best from day one. These kits feature high-modulus graphite rods, fully sealed drag systems, and premium fly lines. Most beginners don't need this level of gear, though it does perform noticeably better.

Wild Water Starter Kit Price Breakdown

Wild Water offers three kit tiers, each designed for different budgets and fishing goals. Here's what you get at each price point.

The Standard kit at $114 covers most beginners' needs. You get a 4-piece IM8 graphite rod (available in multiple weights from 3/4wt to 9/10wt), a die-cast aluminum reel pre-spooled with backing and fly line, a tapered leader, nine flies in a waterproof box, forceps, line nippers, retractable zingers, and a carrying case with rod tube. That's genuinely everything you need to start fishing the day it arrives.

Deluxe kits add upgraded fly assortments with more patterns and sometimes premium components. Prices vary by rod weight, with lighter freshwater setups (3/4wt at $119) costing less than heavier saltwater configurations (9/10wt at $160).

CNC Reel kits swap the die-cast reel for a machined aluminum version with tighter tolerances and smoother drag. These run $150-$200 depending on configuration. If you're planning to chase larger fish or want gear that'll last longer, the CNC upgrade makes sense.

How Wild Water Compares to Major Competitors

Price alone doesn't tell the whole story. What matters is what you actually receive for your money. Here's how Wild Water stacks up against the competition. (For detailed reviews of each option, check out our best fly fishing starter kits buyer's guide.)

• Orvis Encounter ($170-200): Includes rod, reel, line, backing, leader, and rod tube. No flies, no tools, no fly box. You'll spend another $40-60 on flies and accessories to match what Wild Water includes at $114.
• Redington Path ($199): Similar to Orvis with rod, reel, line, backing, leader, and Cordura rod tube. Again, no flies or tools included. The Path does feature a slightly nicer reel than entry-level options, but the total investment to match Wild Water's included gear pushes past $250.
• Cabela's Bighorn ($99): The lowest entry point from a major retailer. Includes rod, reel, line, and backing. No case, no flies, no leader, no tools. Add those essentials and you're looking at $150+ total, making the Wild Water Standard a better value despite the higher sticker price.

These comparisons reveal that Wild Water's $114 Standard kit delivers the same total value as competitor packages priced $50-100 higher when you factor in included flies, tools, and accessories.

The Real Cost: What Beginners Need Beyond the Kit

Here's where most new anglers get surprised. That "complete" starter kit from many brands isn't actually complete. Let's break down what you still need to buy with most competitor kits.

• Flies ($20-40): A basic assortment of 12-24 flies for trout fishing. Shop singles at fly shops and you'll pay $2-3 each. Wild Water kits include 9-10 flies plus a fly box.
• Fly box ($8-15): Something waterproof to store those flies. Wild Water includes one.
• Forceps ($8-12): For removing hooks from fish. Wild Water includes them.
• Line nippers ($5-10): For cutting leader and tippet. Wild Water includes them.
• Leader ($4-8): Some competitor kits don't include a leader at all. Wild Water does.
• Rod case ($20-35): Protection for transport. Wild Water includes a case with rod tube.

Add it up, and a $99 Cabela's Bighorn actually costs $150-175 to get fully fishing-ready. That $170 Orvis Encounter runs closer to $230-250 with necessary accessories.

Expanding Your Fly Collection Without Breaking the Bank

Once you've fished through your starter flies (and lost a few to trees and snags), you'll need more. Wild Water's fly assortments offer serious value here.

The Mini Mega 60-fly assortment runs $49.65 with a fly box included, working out to about $0.83 per fly. That's less than half what you'd pay buying individual flies at most fly shops. The 60-fly version without a box drops to $34, bringing per-fly cost under $0.60.

For comparison, retail fly shop pricing typically runs $2.00-3.50 per fly for quality patterns. Buying 60 flies at those prices means $120-210. Wild Water's assortments cut that cost by 70% or more while including proven patterns like the Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Woolly Bugger.

If you're targeting specific species, Wild Water also offers focused assortments including dry fly collections, nymph assortments, streamers, and bass/pike poppers.

Total First-Year Cost Comparison

Let's look at realistic first-year spending for a beginning fly angler using different starter kit options.

The Wild Water option saves $80-150 in the first year while providing equivalent or better gear. Those savings compound if you stick with Wild Water for future fly purchases and replacements.

Free Shipping and Warranty Coverage

Wild Water ships free via ground shipping on all orders, and orders placed before noon EST ship the same business day. Standard ground delivery takes 4-7 business days depending on your location. Expedited options are available if you need gear faster (3-day for $15, 2-day for $20, next day for $30).

Every Wild Water fly rod comes with a lifetime warranty. Break your rod for any reason? Send it in with a $35 warranty fee and they'll repair or replace it. No questions asked. Most competitor warranties require proof the damage wasn't user error, which can be difficult to prove with a snapped rod tip.

Which Wild Water Kit Should You Buy?

Your ideal kit depends on where and what you're fishing. (For a deeper dive into rod selection, see our guide on how to choose the perfect fly rod.)

• Standard 5/6wt Kit ($114): The most versatile option. Handles trout, panfish, and small bass in streams, rivers, and ponds. This covers 80% of freshwater fly fishing situations most beginners encounter. Shop the Standard 5/6wt kit.
• Standard 3/4wt Kit ($114): Better for small streams and light presentations. Ideal if you're primarily fishing for brook trout or panfish in tight quarters. The 7-foot version excels in brushy creeks.
• Deluxe 7/8wt Kit ($150): Steps up for larger freshwater fish (big bass, pike) or light saltwater applications. The heavier line weight handles wind better and throws bigger flies.
• CNC Reel Kits ($150-200): Worth the upgrade if you want smoother performance and longer-lasting gear. The machined aluminum reels have tighter tolerances and more consistent drag than die-cast versions. Browse CNC reel packages.

FAQs About Wild Water Starter Kit Pricing

Are Wild Water kits actually good quality, or just cheap?

Wild Water has been designing and testing fly fishing gear since 2006. Their kits aren't "cheap" in the quality sense. They're affordable because Wild Water sells direct and bundles components efficiently. The IM8 graphite rods perform comparably to competitors at twice the price, and the reels handle fish just fine. Thousands of positive reviews confirm the quality holds up.

What's the difference between Standard and Deluxe kits?

Standard kits include 9 flies. Deluxe kits upgrade to 18 flies with a broader pattern selection, and some configurations include enhanced components. The rod and reel quality is similar between tiers. Most beginners do fine with Standard kits.

Do I need to buy anything else with a Wild Water starter kit?

Not to start fishing, no. The kits include everything you need right out of the box. Over time, you'll want additional flies (you'll lose some), extra leaders and tippet material, and possibly different fly line types for specific situations. But for your first several trips, the included gear covers you completely. 

How long will the included gear last?

With reasonable care, the rod should last years (and carries a lifetime warranty). The reel will hold up for many seasons of freshwater use. The fly line typically lasts 1-3 seasons depending on frequency of use. Leaders and flies are consumables you'll replace regularly regardless of brand.

Is the lifetime warranty really "no questions asked"?

Wild Water's warranty covers any breakage. Snap your rod in a car door? Covered. Step on it? Covered. High-stick a fish and break the tip? Covered. Just send the rod back with the $35 processing fee and they'll repair or replace it. Call 585-967-3474 if you have questions about a specific situation.

Start Fly Fishing Today Without Overpaying

Wild Water starter kits deliver exceptional value by including everything beginners actually need at prices $80-150 below equivalent competitor setups. The $114 Standard kit genuinely gets you fishing ready, while Deluxe and CNC options upgrade specific components for anglers who want more.

The real comparison isn't sticker price against sticker price. It's total investment to reach "fully equipped beginner" status. By that measure, Wild Water wins decisively.

Browse all Wild Water starter kits or call 585-967-3474 with questions. Orders ship free and leave the same business day (before noon EST).