07-25-2012, 02:43 AM
Steve I'm reading you as saying you want the rod for dry flies (generally) AND small streams and lakes in the Uinta's. First of all, you can't look at any two rods and say they're both 3's or 4's or whatever so they're comparable. The options for materials, action etc. are almost limitless and it's nice to have a good warranty too. I would look for something that has enough backbone to buck a little wind or throw a little more line if necessary and has a soft enough tip to protect light tippets.
I bought my girlfriend an 8'6" 4 wt. St. Croix Imperial earlier this year, it fits the above parameters well and you can find them several places for ~ $200. It's also available as a 4 piece so you can pack it easily. Of course there are nicer options if you want to spend the money.
Lines: I've been very pleased with the Scientific Anglers Mastery Trout tapers (the double taper, not the weight forward for what you describe), they're about $80 but I've got lines with a couple of hundred days on them and they look new.
To address your last question about the difference between 3's and 4's; that's really broad, and there are too many variables as mentioned above. In my opinion most fisherman couldn't tell the difference if you handed them one or the other so just pick the one you want and go catch some fish.
[signature]
I bought my girlfriend an 8'6" 4 wt. St. Croix Imperial earlier this year, it fits the above parameters well and you can find them several places for ~ $200. It's also available as a 4 piece so you can pack it easily. Of course there are nicer options if you want to spend the money.
Lines: I've been very pleased with the Scientific Anglers Mastery Trout tapers (the double taper, not the weight forward for what you describe), they're about $80 but I've got lines with a couple of hundred days on them and they look new.
To address your last question about the difference between 3's and 4's; that's really broad, and there are too many variables as mentioned above. In my opinion most fisherman couldn't tell the difference if you handed them one or the other so just pick the one you want and go catch some fish.
[signature]