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7.5' 3wt Recommendations
I am looking for recommendations on a shorter (7.5') 3wt to use on smaller mountain streams chasing brookies and cutts that can also double as a sunfish rod for here at home in Texas. I would like it to be a 4 piece as I would like to use it on day hikes. I currently have med-fast to fast action rods in other weights (BIIX, Helios and Scott A3). While I like high end rods, I am not looking to break the bank with this 3wt. It will most likely get the least use out of my arsenal as I only get to the mountains a time or two a year and the wind here is normally too much for using a 3wt on a daily basis. I would like to hear what you guys recommend.
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St Croix imperial....or TFO Finesse
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I would look for a Sage SLT 373-3 . A very sweet rod indeed, fits your criteria to a "T". Can be had new or used, fairly reasonable,( $275-$350). It is a 3 piece but very packable in a short tube.
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redington ct 7'6", 4 piece 3 wt. nice medium action. retails for around $120-$130.
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ECHO used to make just such a rod. I've got one and really like it, and have used it for small brookies in Nova Scotia. You might be able to find one on E-Bay, etc.
- Jeff
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I'd highly recommend an 8' 4" Scott G2 in 3wt.
I had a Sage SLT 7'6" 3wt and it was a very good rod but I found the little bit extra length made the Scott a better casting rod on the ponds for bluegill and the extra length let me get a bit more reach while high sticking in the mountain streams. I fish for trout mainly in the Smoky Mountains and most of the streams I fish can just about be jumped across and are choked in by overhead canopy. The longer rod lets me cast with less than a foot of fly line out of the tip and reach over the rocks to drop the fly in the pocket waters and plunge pools.
The Sage SLT that's been recommended before is also a good choice the one I had was a sweet rod. They were discontinued a while back but you can still find them lightly used and probably some new ones hanging around too.
Just a thought.
Jeff
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I like the St Croix avid in the 7'9" 3wt. Not all that fond of the avids in the longer lenght's/wts but the 793 is dialed-in on the med side of med-fast. Very sweet casting, American made, and stealthy for those mountain brookies. The extra 3", and the slightly slower action lends itself to a good roll caster in those tighter creeks. Would also make for a good brim buster! Not made in USA, but also consider the Cortland Brook series and the Diamondback Flawless rods for similar action. Actually, I think the Avid may even be a touch cheaper.
aa
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If you really don't want to break the bank, how about a Cabelas stow away?
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TFO Professional is my choice in that configuration. I LOVE that rod. It's kinda ugly but it just seems to be perfect for small streams.
Rich
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I recommend the 7 1/2 foot, 3wt, 3 piece Cabela's Three Forks Fly Rod ($50.00 - does not include a case)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...233&hasJS=true
You can a combo (rod, reel, line, leader, but no case) for $80.00
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...233&hasJS=true
I have been really pleased with mine.
Vinny