A new fly rod

Wander

Expedition Leader
Yep-flyfishing can get as bad or worse than 4x4's

You looking for a rod or already have one. I don't get to trout fish like I used to-live too far away now. Still haven't got into bass on the fly, it's fun but just not the same as wading in a mountain stream for trout.

One of the thing on my build list for the DI is a small rod holder on the inside roof-the rod tips will go in the map shelf above the sun visors.
 

vanderpooch

Authentic Adventurer
You looking for a rod or already have one.

Looking for a rod. I have been talking with the manger of the Sevierville Orvis store and I think I'm going to go with the Clearwater II outfit that they offer in a 4pc. 8'6" 4wt. That way I can fish both Headwaters and Brook streams until I figure out what I really like and want.

I don't get to trout fish like I used to-live too far away now.

Sounds like it's time for a fly fishing/camping trip! Come on over :)
 

Wander

Expedition Leader
Heck yeah its time! Do you want the 4 pc for travel reasons? A 2 pc will have a better action. The more breaks in a rod the more you loose. There are other great options unless your set on the orvis. I started with the 7' 9" orvis and it was a fine rod with a USA blank. The tip broke years later and they sent the current version whiich is made in china. Still a good rod. I've found se mt fishing to :Wow1:be tight with low branches preventing big bback casts so an 8'6" might be long for those brookie streams.
 

vanderpooch

Authentic Adventurer
No I'm not set on any brand or size. That's really the problem. That coupled with the fact that I think I will like both headwater and small stream fishing. Seems everyone suggests and agrees on a 9' 5wt for SE headwater, and around an 8' 3wt for brookie streams. The thought with the 8'6" 4wt would be that it doesn't do either great but will do both well. The 4 pc so I could backpack into some streams.

But I am so overwhelmed and am totally open to any suggestions:)
 

constructeur

Adventurer
John-
With it being January, I'd assume you have some time until things pick up in the spring to make your choices. I'd cast as many rods as possible, and the ones you liked most like a couple of times, on the water if possible. Make note of what line was on the rod and the taper of the line.
You mention wanting a 3wt and 5wt, so why not shop around and buy two rods? Maybe used, or one of them being an older fiberglass rod?

There are quite a few budget rod makers out there today, two of the bigger being Echo and TFO.
TFO offers a 3wt a little over $100: http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/products/rods/signature.html

Echo makes a 'solo' line that sells for $100 and casts great, but not in a 3wt. http://www.rajeffsports.com/echo_solo.php

As far as reels are concerned, in the 3 and 5 wt sizes they're really just line 'holders,' and you can get by for a number of years on a Korean milled unit (most of what Orvis offers is made in Korea) or someone who cuts out the middle man like Allen http://www.allenflyfishing.com/ and ofcourse there's nothign wrong with the old school Pflueger medalist series which can be had for $20-30 : http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/medalist-reel.html

Mind places like Sierra trading post or Red Truck Flyfishing for deals.

Lines and leader are two areas I don't cheap out.

Since you're new I assume you'll be outfitting waders, boots, some outdoor clothing, fly boxes, etc. so I'd go as budget as possible, and if there is some money left over hire a guide for a day, or join the local fishing club and start yourself down the slippery slope of tying...and I think you could nearly outfit two rods for the price of one Orvis rod if you shop smartly.
 

FlyJester

Adventurer
No I'm not set on any brand or size. That's really the problem. That coupled with the fact that I think I will like both headwater and small stream fishing. Seems everyone suggests and agrees on a 9' 5wt for SE headwater, and around an 8' 3wt for brookie streams. The thought with the 8'6" 4wt would be that it doesn't do either great but will do both well. The 4 pc so I could backpack into some streams.

But I am so overwhelmed and am totally open to any suggestions:)

My brand of choice is St. Croix, they make a very good stick in a variety of styles to match your needs. I only have 2 rods that I use(both St.Croix) ; Legend Elite 9' 5wt, and Legend Ultra 7'9" 3 wt. The LE is a fast +++ style that has lots of backbone, yet plenty of touch. I use it primarily on med-large rivers here out West(Utah) and it is great for those windy days when you just have to muscle it to get your fly through the wind. On the other end of the spectrum is my LU, great small stream rod, loads easily, and is accurate. If you get a chance give St. Croix a try, they are made up in Wisconsin, and they have a lifetime repair policy on certain models.

LE
DSC02631.jpg


LU
DSC02601.jpg


*any time I get a chance to show some fish porn the better!
 

Goochm

Observer
Price doesn't make a good rod!

I've been flyfishing for more than 35 years and currently own eight rods from a bamboo F.E. Edwards to a one-weight Orvis to a ten-foot eight-weight Sage for steelhead and worked for a shop in Oregon. I STILL don't consider myself an "expert,'' but my advice on rods is simple: get what feels good to you! Price is immaterial, I've owned, used and enjoyed rods ranging in price from $40 to $700. In my opinion the only real advance I've seen in rods since the introduction of graphite are the really good-casting four-piece rods available today...the rest is all marketing hype. After all, Lee Wulff could cast a fly with accuracy to sixty feet with his arm alone! Learn to cast well and the rod seems to matter less and less. DO NOT BUY A ROD WITHOUT CASTING IT! And if someone at the shop won't spend time helping you choose a rod (at least an hour, it's that important-and personal a decision!) find another place to shop.
 

Outdoor Logic

Supporting Sponsor
Reddington makes great and affordable fly rods. They are owned by SAGE, I own both and cant really tell the difference. I second the casting as a well tossed fly wins or distance any day.
 

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