Instead of the term “entry level,” we prefer to describe our Encounter rods and rod outfits as “affordable awesomeness.”
Built for the hardcore angler, yet priced with frugality in mind, the Encounter rod series combines state-of-the-art rod design with a smooth, crisp performance. The 8'6" 5-weight is the best all-around freshwater rod for trout and light bass fishing and is considered to be the perfect first rod for any fly angler. Small streams, big rivers, or ponds and lakes, this 8'6" 5-wt. Encounter rod is the perfect answer to the question, “What’s the first rod I should buy?”.