New Fly Rod 2024

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Im looking into getting a new fly rod, 8 weight. Im thinking maybe anywhere from 250 to 350? 400 max. Under 250 works too. What brand or model would you suggest? im gonna use it for pike, steelhead, and other fish in that area. Gloomis, Orvis, TFO, Sage? I know orvis has a 25 year waranty which is good. Thanks for the feedback!

Michael DiNardo reply :

All are great rods. I have a 9 1/2 7 wt, that handled some big silvers and chums in AK. Mine is a St. Croix Elite series which is within your budget. It is a very nice rod. A 9' 8 wt will handle everything you want to do as well. May I suggest a 4 piece, it is very handy to pack. Whatever you get, also buy quality line, don't scrimp on line. I would suggest a WF, weight forward, floating line.

Mike

Jacob34 reply :

I would also recommend going to your local fly shop (If you have one.) or fishing store and try casting a few different rods. Fly fishing isn't like regular fishing per say, each individual has a different casting stroke. Go cast a few and pick which one feels the best to you. If you're going to spend upwards of $400.00 you really can't go wrong with the rod manufacturers you listed. Each have lifetime warranties.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Thanks, i will definitely get a 4 piece, and hopefully they will throw in some good line haha.Any problems with the St.Croix? And Jacob i love the suggestion of going to a local fly shop but i cant find one close, i have gotten all my stuff for tying and fishing from BPS.

Michael DiNardo reply :

No problems with the St. Croix. I will say it might be a bit heavier, half an ounce, heavier than a Loomis, but I'm 270 pounds, so that does not matter to me. It is built very well. I recommend the St. Croix. If you go to a flyshop, don't be surprised if they do throw in the flyline, I would ask, if you buy a higher end rod and reel.

Mike

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Good to know. Yeah weight 135, so wight can make a difference here. Now what speed do you prefer? Mid? Fast?

Jacob34 reply :

If this is your first fly rod outfit I would recommend a mod./Fast action rod. A little slower of a rod really helps with the learning side of things. If I where a betting man I would say that the Orvis Access is the lightest rod out of the bunch you listed followed by Sage. I personally throw the 9' 8WT Sage Vantage and love that rod. It has landed many a steelhead and a few salmon, not to mention tiger musky,pike and wipers. It's a fairly light stick at 3 3/4 oz. Sage's customer service is great as is ST. Croix's. G-loomis on the other.... let's just say I'll never buy another product from them again. Also I own an older ST. Croix Legend Ultra 5WT. and love that rod as well. I've had it for almost Ten years now and still use it alot.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Good to know, im not new to fly fishing, i got my first rod in february, but i learn quick. I can cast well, still working on presentation, i know my knots, and iv landed many bass and blue gill on my 5wt. Its just one of those BPS intruders but it works well for the money. And i know its expensive but what about a Orvis Access outfit, the colors on the rod are beautiful to me.

Michael DiNardo reply :

I prefer a fast action rod. If you are already good at it, I would recommend a fast action.

Mike

Jacob34 reply :

I had the opportunity to throw the 9' 5WT. tip flex Orvis Access earlier today on the river and it's one sweet stick! Liked it better than my St. Croix Legend Ultra. It handled big old stone fly dries and nymphs and well as smaller dries superbly. I'm thinking it will make a great X-mas present

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

I just love the look of that access! how fast is that action?

Jacob34 reply :

Honestly Orvis rod's action are somewhat different than other manufactures. The 9.5 Tip Flex Orvis Access that I used today compared to a Sage fast action fly rod (Like the Flight or VXP.) Or even my ST. Croix Legend Ultra is noticeably slower to me. Not to say it's not a fast action fly rod. It's just a bit slower than rods mentioned above. Another thing you might want to look at is if you can find an Orvis Hydros on sale it would be a steal. They retailed around $500.00, but probably can be had for much less. My Brother has the Hydros and it's freaky lightweight. I didn't realize that Orvis stopped selling them (I assume they did, they're not on the website anymore.)

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Ah alright, now how did the action affect your casting?

Jacob34 reply :

Not at all. Me personally I like the moderate fast action fly rods. I also throw a bamboo rod too, which is ridiculously slow action. You just have to adjust your casting stroke to the rod. If you have never thrown a faster action rod it will take some time to get the timing down right, but since you have a good idea of what you are doing it really shouldn't be a problem.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Okay good to know. Now do you have an Orvis shop near you? I do and i was wondering if they let you cast the rods.

Jacob34 reply :

The fishing store I go to a lot is a Authorized Orvis dealer. They also carry others as well like Sage, Loomis, Redington and Ross. Any shop worth a darn would let you cast the rod before buying it honestly. All the shops I frequent do including Cabelas.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Good to know.

trevor reply :

Orvis. Unbelievable customer service. And absolutely great rods, the Access and up are made in the USA.

Down in the Keys I had a problem with one of their reels. Took it to the nearest store and got it replaced, no questions asked. I was also given some free flies and a significant discount (around 50%) on some other items. And the people were so pleasant and professional, just awesome.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

That is great to hear, now i have this money saved up, is it worth putting it all into the one rod?

trevor reply :

What do you plan of fly fishing for?

If you feel like you'll only really use one rod, then sure: buy a nice rod. But maybe you want some more options?

outdoorsman110 reply :

I have a TFO Lefty Kreh TiCr X 8'0 7W Rod matched with an Orvis Mach 3, it's sweet, oh so sweet.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

I plan on fishing for pike, steelhead, maybe muskie. Just bigger sized fish in general. All i own right now is a 5wt.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/1/2012 at 9:06 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

I plan on fishing for pike, steelhead, maybe muskie. Just bigger sized fish in general. All i own right now is a 5wt.

For those fish I'd get a 7 or 8wt

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

I plan on an 8wt. Now im just looking for a brand and model.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/1/2012 at 9:16 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

I plan on an 8wt. Now im just looking for a brand and model.

I have this one too

http://www.basspro.com/Heat-Complete-Fly-Outfits/product/10210102/107305

Also, any Redington rod will perform outstandingingly.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Alright, anything else?

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/1/2012 at 9:41 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

Alright, anything else?

those are pretty much the best rods for the price.

Jacob34 reply :

That 5 WT. you have is pretty much the jack of all trades when it comes to fly rods. I use mine to handle anything from bluegill to LMB. In all honesty it just comes down to how much you want to pay, Their are a plethora of good fly rods that won't brake the bank. I would go to BPS and that Orvis store and cast various different rods. Just cause some are more expensive doesn't mean you will like the feel of them. I've been fly fishing since I was five so I personally don't mind spending up to $500.00+ on a fly rod. My 2 WT rod cost me over $800.00. Was it worth the price? No, but it's a pleasure to fish with.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Very true. Im headed up to our cabin this weekend for turkey, so i think i might be able to go to bps the following weekend. I will get there though, i promise you that.

Stasher1 reply :

On 5/1/2012 at 9:25 AM, outdoorsman110 said:

I have this one too

http://www.basspro.c...10210102/107305

Also, any Redington rod will perform outstandingingly.

They're all I use now. Dollar for dollar, you'll be hard pressed to find a line of rods that are nicer.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/1/2012 at 9:09 PM, Stasher1 said:

They're all I use now. Dollar for dollar, you'll be hard pressed to find a line of rods that are nicer.

agreed, I like them better than Sage. The only rod I have that I like better is my TFO. But I still use my Redingtons more because they are so reliable.

Stasher1 reply :

I actually sold my Sage gear and replaced it with Redington. I just don't think I was getting my money's worth out of the Sage. I know they're American made and that's going to add a bit to the price, but I think ultimately you're just paying a premium for the Sage name. They're both owned by the same parent company (Far Bank Enterprises) and have very similar products, but the Redington stuff is made overseas so it's quite a bit cheaper.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/1/2012 at 11:41 PM, Stasher1 said:

I actually sold my Sage gear and replaced it with Redington. I just don't think I was getting my money's worth out of the Sage. I know they're American made and that's going to add a bit to the price, but I think ultimately you're just paying a premium for the Sage name. They're both owned by the same parent company and have very similar products, but the Redington stuff is made overseas so it's quite a bit cheaper.

Sometimes I find the American made Redingtons in Pawn Shops and thrift stores, around here in VA the thrift and pawn shops here have a lot of fishing stuff, I grab Loomis rods for under 100$ and some fancy fly rods. But I don't see a difference between my American Made Redingtons VS my Korean Made Redingtons.

trevor reply :

If you are looking into fishing a heavier rod weight, I wouldn't skimp on the quality. A cheap, heavy rod be a bother to cast all day.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Hm.. good to know guys, didnt look at redington yet.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

And what redington are you guys fishing? I.e. model, length, weight.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/2/2012 at 6:20 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

And what redington are you guys fishing? I.e. model, length, weight.

Pursuit, Crosswater, both 9' foot, 6 and 8 weight. I also have a predator but that's for big river fishing.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

How do both handle? how fast is the action?

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/2/2012 at 8:05 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

How do both handle? how fast is the action?

they are both great handling rods. I prefer them over sage. I love the fast action. They look sexy too! You should seriously consider them. They are at a great price and are very durable and can handle big fish. My 8wt handled a 14lb grass carp.

outdoorsman110 reply :

They have Redington at both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's.

Stasher1 reply :

I've owned the Predator (7'10" 6wt), Crosswater (8'6" 5wt), and two of the CT's (7'6" 3wt and 8'6" 5wt) which are my favorite rods by far. The moderate action suits my natural casting stroke perfectly. It's like putting on a pair of well-worn boots.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/2/2012 at 8:23 AM, Stasher1 said:

I've owned the Predator (7'10" 6wt), Crosswater (8'6" 5wt), and two of the CT's (7'6" 3wt and 8'6" 5wt) which are my favorite rods by far. The moderate action suits my natural casting stroke perfectly. It's like putting on a pair of well-worn boots.

The CT's are sweet, my buddy had a Voyant and I bought it from him, I rarely use it because it's a 10wt.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Are you using a redington reel?

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/2/2012 at 9:02 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

Are you using a redington reel?

I have a 2 Redington Reels, Crosswater, Pursuit both are excellent reels. But I use my Orvis Mach 3 and a White River DC reel. You should get the Redington Reel, they handle great.

Stasher1 reply :

On 5/2/2012 at 9:02 AM, MichiganFishing1997 said:

Are you using a redington reel?

No Redington reels here. I used to have a bunch of Okuma reels (Integrity, Magnitude, Sierra, Airframe) that all worked perfectly, but I'm a huge Pflueger fan, so I sold them all and switched to the tried and true Medalist. They're simple, reliable, and have a classic look and sound that just seems to fit the classic style of the CT perfectly.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/2/2012 at 11:09 AM, Stasher1 said:

No Redington reels here. I used to have a bunch of Okuma reels (Integrity, Magnitude, Sierra, Airframe) that all worked perfectly, but I'm a huge Pflueger fan, so I sold them all and switched to the tried and true Medalist. They're simple, reliable, and have a classic look and sound that just seems to fit the classic style of the CT perfectly.

x2 on the medalist. I have one from the 80's and still works surperbly well.

trevor reply :

Don't worry about spending lots of money on a freshwater fly reel. The mostly just hold your line, unless you are carp, steelhead, etc. fishing.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

Here is my opinion on the subject since I went through a little bit of the same process as you. I was looking for a fly rod that would handle Steelhead and King Salmon. I normally use a 7 wt. for Steelhead and would probably use an 9 wt. for King Slamon, so an 8 wt. would be the logical compromise. I also like a little longer rod, because it offers me a little further reach for tightline nymphing, but also gives me added leverage on controlling the fish. After searching around, I found the Cabelas LST (now they are called LSi) 9'9" 8 wt. This rod is incredible! Granted, it is not top shelf like a Sage (I have several Sages I love, but these are out of your stated price range), but it is very lightweight and handles nymphs and streamers quite well. It is really a rod I think you should look into (I actually was so impressed with this rod, I ended up buying the 9'9" 5 wt. and a 9'6" 7 wt.). The LSi has a 25 year warranty and there is no better costumer service on the planet than Cabelas (especially when it comes to covering their own house brands). As far as reels are concerned, I would stop your search at the Lamson Konic (for the 8 wt., I would get the 3.5 model). Lamson's have a sealed drag, so you won't have any worry of smal particles getting into your drag if you accidently dunk it, and they can take a beating. I have fished my Konic in 5 degree tempertures, and it didn't freeze up (well, it did after I dipped it in the water, but after breifly blowing on it, it was good to go). The 3.5 model Konic with line balances almost perfectly with the 9'9" 8 wt. LSi, which having a balanced system really helps reduce fatique when casting heavy flies all day. You could go with a higher end Lamson, but the lighter the reel gets, the more tip heavy your system becomes and since all Lamson's have the sealed drag, I never saw the benefit of spending the extra money on the higher end reels. The LSi, the Lamson Konic, and some line (I am assuming $60 line) will cost you $408.99 plus tax (this is full retail and you may be able to find sales). Again, this is just my opinion, which is based upon my search for a good 8 wt. that fit my needs. Good luck in your search.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/3/2012 at 6:07 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:

Here is my opinion on the subject since I went through a little bit of the same process as you. I was looking for a fly rod that would handle Steelhead and King Salmon. I normally use a 7 wt. for Steelhead and would probably use an 9 wt. for King Slamon, so an 8 wt. would be the logical compromise. I also like a little longer rod, because it offers me a little further reach for tightline nymphing, but also gives me added leverage on controlling the fish. After searching around, I found the Cabelas LST (now they are called LSi) 9'9" 8 wt. This rod is incredible! Granted, it is not top shelf like a Sage (I have several Sages I love, but these are out of your stated price range), but it is very lightweight and handles nymphs and streamers quite well. It is really a rod I think you should look into (I actually was so impressed with this rod, I ended up buying the 9'9" 5 wt. and a 9'6" 7 wt.). The LSi has a 25 year warranty and there is no better costumer service on the planet than Cabelas (especially when it comes to covering their own house brands). As far as reels are concerned, I would stop your search at the Lamson Konic (for the 8 wt., I would get the 3.5 model). Lamson's have a sealed drag, so you won't have any worry of smal particles getting into your drag if you accidently dunk it, and they can take a beating. I have fished my Konic in 5 degree tempertures, and it didn't freeze up (well, it did after I dipped it in the water, but after breifly blowing on it, it was good to go). The 3.5 model Konic with line balances almost perfectly with the 9'9" 8 wt. LSi, which having a balanced system really helps reduce fatique when casting heavy flies all day. You could go with a higher end Lamson, but the lighter the reel gets, the more tip heavy your system becomes and since all Lamson's have the sealed drag, I never saw the benefit of spending the extra money on the higher end reels. The LSi, the Lamson Konic, and some line (I am assuming $60 line) will cost you $408.99 plus tax (this is full retail and you may be able to find sales). Again, this is just my opinion, which is based upon my search for a good 8 wt. that fit my needs. Good luck in your search.

He doesn't need to spend that much man. He's young haha.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

I thought he said his limit was $400. He could get away with Scientific Angler Air Cell line and not sped $60 on line, which would get him under his limit.

outdoorsman110 reply :

A Redington will do just as good if not better. Just my opinion.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

That is the beauty of this forum. Everyone has a different opinion (for example, I find it hard to believe there is a better fly rod out there than the Sage Z-Axis, but your experience tells you that Redingtons are better). This is just more information for the OP to consider so that he may make an educated purchase.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/3/2012 at 9:18 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:

That is the beauty of this forum. Everyone has a different opinion (for example, I find it hard to believe there is a better fly rod out there than the Sage Z-Axis, but your experience tells you that Redingtons are better). This is just more information for the OP to consider so that he may make an educated purchase.

I love my TFO Lefty Kreh.

Jacob34 reply :

My CF Burkheimer is better than a Z-axis Kidding aside, They're are ALOT of good rods out there. I will say that if you plan on fishing for steel head or salmon get a reel with a nice smooth drag.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

Hmmm...I never fished with a Burkheimer, but I would love to give one a try. Very nice looking rod.

outdoorsman110 reply :

This is my baby, aside from my girlfriend. Hahaha. TFO TiCr X, 7 wt, 9'0" and my Orvis Mach lll.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

I have the Orvis Mach III reel as well and though it is a great reel, I find myself always having to disassembly the drag and clean it out. One dip in the water and particles get in there and screw up the smoothness. That is why I started going to sealed drag reels.

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/3/2012 at 11:51 PM, Lucky Craft Man said:

I have the Orvis Mach III reel as well and though it is a great reel, I find myself always having to disassembly the drag and clean it out. One dip in the water and particles get in there and screw up the smoothness. That is why I started going to sealed drag reels.

I got the drag sealed

Lucky Craft Man reply :

Nice...How did you do it, because I am interested in doing the same thing?

outdoorsman110 reply :

On 5/4/2012 at 1:16 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:

Nice...How did you do it, because I am interested in doing the same thing?

I sent it in to a local reel repair shop and the guy there has experience with the Saltwater drag systems for the Orvis line and he was able to " Saltwaterize " my Mach lll. It costed me a pretty penny of 40$ but he lowered the price because I'm always in his shop buying stuff. I can get this reel wet and dirty and no drag problems have happened so far. It voids the warrenty though. Not that I need it.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

Hey, thanks for the suggestion! I may have to make the same modification, because that $40 would be well worth it if I didn't have to clean it out after every use. Thanks again!

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Hey guys sorry! I was up north turkey hunting, which didnt go well, the coyotes got most of the population. And okay something has changed, i snapped my 5 weight while casting, it was a cheaper rod though and just had to get me through the learning process. I now need 2 new setups, im thinking 5wt and 8wt, but i can change my mind with suggestions, but 400 dollar limit, two rods, give me some info haha. Id spend more but i have to save some money for my lady.

Jacob34 reply :

You'll definitely want to look into the Redington rods then as outdoorsman110 suggested. If you want a fast action rod the Pursuit runs around $100.00-$120.00 and if you want something slower the CT series runs around $150.00. They're both good rods and come with a lifetime warranty. On a side note Redington's customer service is quite nice as well. There's others as well like the Crosswater and the Voyant, but I don't have any experience with those two lines of rods. I would assume they're good rods as well.

MichiganFishing1997 reply :

Ok great to know, what reel?

trevor reply :

Yep, with that limit I would also go with a Reddington. I don't own one, but have heard lots of positive first-hand experiences (besides this board). Another brand, which I do have first hand experience with, is Echo. I own two of their rods, and they are both awesome. Great warranties, and unless you slam them in a door or something, you'll never break them. Some good quality, affordable fly line is Cabela's Airflow Supple. Made by Airflo (arguably the best fly line manufacturer), and now on sale for only $30. But I think the Reddingtons will feel more like a high end rod, while the lower end Echo's, like the Carbon and Ion, will just be incredibly tough and still do anything you ask of them. Reel wise, for freshwater, I would get the Cabela's Prestige PREMIER. It only costs around $80, has a very smooth drag, and has served me well so far as a smallmouth/small carp reel. Another affordable option is the Ion reel from Echo. I've never used it, but I hear good things. Some other options in the under $100 range are the Orvis Clearwater, the Ross Flyrise, and for a wee bit more, Allen reels and Lamson Konics.

Jacob34 reply :

I'll also vouch for the Allen fly reels. I own a Alpha II and the Trout series reels and in my personal experience with them I think they're on the same playing field as the Ross CLA. Another reel than hasn't been mentioned is the Grey's GX500. I've been using this reel for the last couple steelhead and Salmon trips I have taken (I bought it on an whim.) . The first thing is for around $100.00 you get the reel and two spare spools. The reels itself isn't as refined as say a Ross or Allen, but it has performed well thus far. The drag on GX500 isn't too shabby either. I landed a few Steelhead over 30" with it and never felt overpowered. My cousin even landed a couple nice salmon with it as well and didn't have any problems what so ever. The only problem is that they're from the UK and it would probably be hard to find in the states. Now with fly line I perfer Rio, but in all honesty You probably can't go wrong with any line from the major manufactures like airflo, scientific Angler, or Cortland.

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