9' 4wt Rod Recommendations

[RALMD11]

All, I've decided that I need to add a long light line rod to my arsenal and think a 9' 4wt would be ideal. The primary use would be for small dries as well as light nymphing (midges) in middle TN tailwaters.

I have a 9' 5wt Scott Radian that I truly enjoy fishing, but I sometimes feel over gunned when wade fishing which is what I do most of the time.

I've done some research on this forum and others and have talked to the guys at my local shop. I have it narrowed down at this time to Scott Raidan, Loomis NRX, one of the various Sage rods. I hope to be able to cast these rods later in the week.

Are they any others that I should consider?

Thanks!

[NJTroutbum]

I would not rule out the TFO BVK.

[Ed_D]

I would not rule out the TFO BVK.

Agreed.

Ed

[John_N]

Only you can decide of course, but I'll second (third?) the BVK suggestion. It's a very impressive rod at its price point. Amongst the higher end rods, I have cast and liked the Radian, Sage One and Winston BIIIX as similarly versatile rods that would likely feel good casting dries but have plenty of backbone for nymphing too.

[rizeye]

For medium and smaller streams I would try a TFO Finesse. I have the 4wt and love it for this type of fishing. for bigger water you may want to also look at the Scott S3. these can be got at a discount now.

[Byron haugh]

RALMD,
I think your three mentioned rods are ones you should choose from. My next rod will be an NRX.

[sagefisher]

RALMD11,

As my 'name' implies, I am partial to Sage rods, but Loomis and Scott also make decent rods, as do many other manufactures. For small dry fly casting I love my Sage Circa (a true slow action rod), but if you are going to use the rod for nymphing then I would suggest a medium rod, it can handle small dries and small nymphing rigs. If you are going to be casting heavy nymphing rigs with it I would suggest a medium-fast rod. No matter which you choose, I am sure you will like it, any that you mentioned would be good, but like I said, I am partial to Sage rods.

Larry ---sagefisher---