My trip to the Middle Fork up in the valley got rained out and I ended up camping the wild backyard with the boys. But I went for a drive up there later in the day on Saturday to take a look at the water and I started to think I may be in the market for a new, lighter, shorter rod for some of the smaller streams I have been fishing recently. I have snuck out after work a few times up to thistle creek and had a lot of fun but I find my current rod cumbersome in the tight stuff. Any suggestions for a small stream set up under about $200.00?
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The allen compass is the best small stream rod I have ever owned. I bought the 4 wt and I love it. It will cast dries perfectly as well as a weighted nymph rig. And the folks at allen run a great outfit. Great folks. And you can get it for $100!
http://www.allenflyfishing.com/compass-rod-series/
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That is the reason I got my 4 wt. I ended up with a 6 ft rod from sportsmans for around $40. Great rod. I recommend going and playing with the different rods to find the one you like. Although I have heard good things about Allen rods for some reason.
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In most cases, the shorter the rod, the faster the action. That is why I like glass[
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I have a W.W.Griggs 6' 3 wt that is stiff as heck and harder to load up the rod, but I also have a 5'3" Fenwick Glass that is great.
I have several 4 wts and all in the 7' range with one in 6'6" but again all glass.
GREY'S has some in that range in short 4 wts and I love their action
http://fly.greysfishing.com/en-us/produc...grxi-plus/
I also love the Allen Fly Fishing rod but nothing too short in a 4 wt, Assuming this is what you want. If length not an issue then I agree Compass or AST.
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Allen Compass 4 wt is 8'6". That's a little long for my liking on Thistle. I usually fish a 7 foot give or take 6 inches in 3 or 4 wt on Thistle.
If you want a gently used WW Griggs GX606-4 ( 6 ft 6 in 4 wt) for $40
or St Croix Pro Graphite PF764 ( 7 ft 6 in 4 wt) for $65 send me a pm
Heck you can have both for $100.
Used Sage fli or Orvis T3 can be found in that size range on ebay for about $200 frequently as well.
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Thanks for the great advise from everyone and for the offer on the poles riverdog. I very well may take you up on that in light of my new circumstances. The same day I posted this question I got to my truck that evening to find that someone had broken in and stolen all my fishing gear. EVERYTHING! Even the reels for my boys poles! The only thing they they did leave behind was my 9' 5wt with the top four inches snapped off in the door. I try to sneak out fishing after work so I keep it all in the truck. lesson learned I guess. Let me sort thru the ashes here a little bit and see what the rod manufacturer will do to help me out and I will let you know. Time to rebuild...
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