As you’d guess, trying to buy a specialist 5pce+ travel rod without actually casting it probably counts as the original crapshoot… Notwithstanding, I’m looking for a rod to fly with, to fish on British and European rivers, and to do what Kelly Galloup and Bob Linsenman do: throw big streamers for predatory trout on fast full-sinking lines. That kind of thing doesn’t happen much over here, so I’m pretty much on my own as far as experience goes.
Having done a search on St Croix here on FAOL, it seems that some people find them fast, while others think they’re “noodly” - yet Kelly’s book says he prefers medium-fast to fast-actioned at least?! On the whole, I think I’d prefer a faster-actioned rod to a medium - this may or may not have anything to do with the godlike Simon Gawesworth teaching me to cast with a 4wt rod underlined by one or even two line weights, back in the day in Devon…
Very confused by all the hype, and conflicting opinions at this stage of researches. So any impartial transatlantic advice much appreciated - thanks gents!!
Theo
[This message has been edited by Theo (edited 27 June 2005).]
Some great questions! I am hesitant to even post a reply, sicne I can’t answer your question completely. But I do own a St Croix Legund Ultra 9’ 6wt. Mine is the new 2 pc version that was introduced this year. This is the first fast action rod that I have owned. Prior to making my purchase I had the opportunity to cast with several others. Whose is really imaterial.
In a nut shell, I like this rod. There is no doubt a reason why Kelly fishes with one. He may be under contract with St Croix. I don’t know. But what I do know is that it handles big streamer very well. It is light in both the hand and tip. I have cast a 6wt 10’ sink tip, a wf 6 floating and a 7wt bass bug taper on this rod. I suspect that one of the lines specifically designed for fast action rods, such as SA’s GPX might do a better jog than the 6wt wf floating that I am currently using.
While my rod is a two piece, I have been told by a shop owner that I know, there is very little difference if any between it and it’s 4 pc cousin. I suspect that if you blind folded me and had me cast each one, I could not tell the difference.
I have not had the opportunity to cast or see the Frequent Flyer by Orvis. I have read some good reviews in some of the fly fishing mags. However, there is a big difference in price between these two rods. Also, the Frequent Flyer is made according to Orvis specs in Korea and comes with a 2 yr warranty. St Croix are made here in the USA and come with a life time warranty and $40 surcharge for repair and or replacement.
Last year while on vacation to West Yellowstone, I had an opportunity to cast the Wayfarer in a 9’ 5wt. Redington has a great reputation and makes a good rod. But, I found the Wayfarer somewhat heavy and clunky. I think if you put that rod in my hand while blind folded I could tell it was a multi piece rod.
Whew! I don’t know if there is anybody who has had the opportunity to cast all three of these rods. If so, perhaps they can provide a bit more of what you are looking for.
I have nothing to say about the orvis rod, never having seen one, much less cast it.
I do however own and fish a 9’6wt 4 pc legend ultra. it is a fine rod for throwing streamers. I would characterize the rod as having a medium fast to fast action w/ plenty of backbone for chucking big streamers and landing large trout (which is what I built it for). I don’t think you can go wrong w/ st. croix and this particular line of rods performs as well as those at twice its price.
if you want a great rod for the job get the lu.
if yer looking to save a few bux get the orvis.
mgj
[This message has been edited by mikeytwoshoes (edited 27 June 2005).]
I don’t know much about the Frequent Flyer, but the two rods in your subject line seem like a bizarre comparison. Maybe like comparing a Corvette to a Prius.
I was inspired by Linsenmann and Galloup’s book “Modern Streamers For Trophy Trout” as well. I first bought the St. Croix Legend Ultra in the #5 as an “all arounder” and now I have the #6 too. I bought the #6 for the exact same reasons that you are in the market now, to cast big streamers for trout. Before I owned the #6 I used the #5 for the same purpose and I thought it cast bigger flies better than a Temple Fork OutFitter rod I own that is a #6! In short, I love it. It casts great with the full sinking line I bought and Scientific Anglers XXD as well.
During my lunch break I went to one of the local sporting goods shops that also sells Orvis products. As luck would have it, they had some Frequent Flyer rods. The only one that they had set up to cast was an 8 1/2’ 4wt mid flex. I wish they had a 9’ 6wt so I could give you a good comparison. I still think for what you are wanting, the Legend Ultra is the way to go.
I will say that with the St Croix you can not go wrong. I myself started with the LU 8WT for salmon then got the LU 3WT a year later for bluegill and small trout fishing I got back in Feb of 2005 the SW LU 6WT for trout, bass and pink salmon.
The only thing I will note is with the 3 WT I feel you should over line the rod by one line weight.
The 6 weight is one heck of a great all around rod for me. It has brought to hand 4" perch to 26" Rainbows so far and casted flies up to 4" long. Plan to put it to use on some pinks this year out on Puget Sound.
Wow. What a stunning range of replies - and all overnight too -
Yes, I did wonder about the price differential between the Orvis and the St Croix, but reckoned it might have been one of those inexplicable brand-y things (for instance, my favourite rod despite everything is still the one I bought years ago from SG for next to nothing compared to prices then and now - an 8ft6 Daiwa, would you believe it, that still breaks my heart every time I cast it with the sheer beauty of its action…)
But that settles it, guys. The St Croix it is. Now to brave the Atlantic crossing and the tax inspectors!!
Just thought I’d let you all know that the St Croix arrived here in London at the end of last week.
What a beautiful rod - and it’s a rocket launcher too, as you all suggested. Can’t wait to get it into action with some fish… only another 10 days before my trip north to the rivers of Lancashire…
I thought the same thing when I got mine. It felt like a cannon compared to everything else I have. I can’t imagine what some of these higher end rods, such as an XP or a TCR must feel like.
