So I just got some money given to me for my birthday, and would like to upgrade my fly rod. I currently have a $20 Crystal River combo, so obviously it didnt take long to out grow. What should I look for in a fly rod? I am pretty sure I want a 9', but what do I want as far as action (stiff, fast?)? 4, 5, 6, 7 weight, etc? Any advice would be appreciated. I am looking to stay under $100 so I know I will not be able to get anything spectacular, but I do want something better. If you happen to have a specific rod you would recommend, an Amazon link, or name of the rod would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
I say get a five weight if you're going to fish mostly rivers. Get a six weight if you're going to fish mostly lakes. Either will work on both so go with what/where you prefer to fish.
9' would be the shortest I would consider in those sizes. As for action that is all about casting preferences. In that price range the differences will not make that big of difference imho.
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5 wt is a good all around for creeks and rivers. The most important thing is how it feels in your hand. Are you getting a new reel? If not, take the reel you are going to use and slip it on the rods you are checking out. As far as action goes, it really is a matter of preference. To me, it seems like the "newer" you are to the art of casting, the faster rods seem to be more forgiving. Slower rods are great, if you know what you are doing and have your rhythm and starts and stops ingrained in your muscle memory.
it's all about what feels good to you, though! There is no right or wrong!
Something to consider is a used rod. You might be able to find a rod worth more than a $100 new rod for that price....
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My opinion has changed a bit over the years but more for the waters "I" fish. I do agree a 5 weight is a good all around rod and I have a few, but anymore, it is a four for rivers and a six for lakes.
I fished rivers all week with a 7' four weight and we are talking BIG rivers. I caught fish from 6" to 17".
But in the same breath, I have caught 25" out of Strawberry on a 5 weight, but six being the preferred. Not that the five cannot handle it as you should fight a fish with the BUTT of the rod and therefore, any weight would work, but more for the C&R aspect. The lighter the weight rod, the longer you have to play the fish resulting in exhaustion. Colder months are a little easier on them.
So, if one rod, then a five is a good choice and I say no smaller than 8'.
Action, Joshomaru is right. That is totally up to YOU. Your casting style. But, some things to think about are, also as Josh mentioned, fast is more forgiving. It can also cover mistakes which can be good and bad. They are better for wind and big flies.
Medium Action forces you to slow down a bit teaching you more the correct way to cast. You can still cast into wind and bigger flies, you just need to open the loop and slow down. They are fantastic for roll casting which I find a more used and important cast to learn then overhead. Specially with obstacles behind you.
If only one rod, I would advise against a full flex for now.
One other suggestion, you say under $100. I would think about instead, a good fly line which is $75. and up. The line makes the rod in my opinion. You can cast a good line with NO rod. But, you will find it difficult to cast a $700. rod with cheap line.
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Take a look at Cabelas bargain bin;
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/ba...0912/Ns-CA
The TFO is a 8 ft 4wt 4pc.The action is a little fast for my liking. I'd cast one before buying. The Redington 2's is a very good rod for that price and a more of a medium action which is what I prefer in a rod. The size and wt depend on you and where you fish. If mostly Utah rivers that tend to be relatively small something around a 8ft 4 wt can handle most of it with ease. If you want to include still water you might move up to a 9 ft 5 wt but smaller streams will be a pain to fish with that.
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Seems a little expensive for the entry level version. What kind of waters are you planning on fish with it? I've never used that heavy of rod for Utah rivers myself. Although I occasional break out the 6 wt for some big rivers in our northern neighboring states. Most importantly go try one to see if it matches your casting style. I think redingtons tend to little fast but not as fast as the TFO. Haven't ever cast with the crosswater so not sure.
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I would at least do the 5wt rather than the 6wt.
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The 6 wt. is overkill for almost everyplace in Utah and most of the west, except for some heavy applications like chucking big streamers, a ton of lead, or seriously high winds. Get a 4 or 5.
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Absolutely. However, I have used my 8 wt. on the provo before......but man the BIIx 8 feels like a 5....LOL
I do a lot of stillwater and I can tell you, you do NOT need long rods for that. I still say 8 and up.
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10 foot 8 weight here for wipers musky and bass here lol
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OMG why 10 foot?????
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distance for me. i also have a 9 foot 8 and 8'6 7 weight, all for big bugs and warm water fish. some day you guys need to swing by the house and check out the collection
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better yet why dont you guys swing by the house and fish the river with us this weekend, fishin_gal started fly fishing only now =-)
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Thanks for all your help guys! I ended up going with a Redington 9', Med-Fast. It came with a reel and will do 4-6 Wt. It came with 6 on it, so I am going to try that for a bit and see how it works for me. Thanks for all your help!
The six weight line is going to slow it down a bit thus making it the "MEDIUM" but by putting a four weight line, it is going to be quite fast.
We use d them for guiding, not too bad of a rod.
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[quote kochanut]distance for me. i also have a 9 foot 8 and 8'6 7 weight, all for big bugs and warm water fish. some day you guys need to swing by the house and check out the collection[/quote]
Then you can come by for a week and check out our collection......LOL just kidding.
Love to do some rivers, I am so hooked and the Hardy is in for repairs.
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That's ok, no matter what, it is a step up from what I was using (
http://www.amazon.com/Crystal-River-Fly-...582&sr=8-1) . I am pretty sure that was a slow action. It worked well for learning, but I feel I outgrew it pretty fast.
P.S. It's good to see that I am not the only one who has to get up at the crack of way too dang early!
im starting to take a liking to Hardys as well, and older Winstons. i like the slow 4 weight Winston scott gave us, its fun as hell to fish
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YUP! And I have been to work and back by 10 a.m.
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