Need suggestions for a good beginner rod for smaller mountain streams in VA (6' - 7', 3-4wt). Not trying to break the bank, but don't want bottom of the barrel either.
Thanks,
Mark
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Need suggestions for a good beginner rod for smaller mountain streams in VA (6' - 7', 3-4wt). Not trying to break the bank, but don't want bottom of the barrel either.
Thanks,
Mark
Mark,
You will be getting a lot of suggestions as there are a number of companies out there who produce some very good entry level and above fly rods.
My 2 cents worth are these. You can't go wrong with any of them.
TFO Lefy Kreh Signature Series II - Lifetime warranty for $120
http://www.tforods.com/fly-fishing/r...l#.VGD76xTwuow
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Echo Solo fly rod for $120 - Echo lifetime warranty
http://www.echoflyfishing.com/html/r...product_type=1
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Reddington Fly Rods - the Crosswater for $80 and the Classic Trout fopr $150 with Reddingtons lifetime warranty.
http://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-rods/
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Larry ---sagefisher---
Mark, those are great suggestions especially with those warrantys. My first was an Eagle Claw spinning fly packable combo. I still have the rod though it is only used in the spinning configuration now.My flyrods are not high dollar rods but not the lower end either. If possible let the person hold the rod and see how it feels to them.
This is good advice, I would recommend you visit your local fly shop there in Waynesboro, http://southriverflyshop.com/. I haven't patronized these folks yet, but I have heard good things about them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Byron Zuehlsdorff
They carry reddington, echo and TFO, probably have a demo to try out, or at least lawn cast.
I'll likely be paying them a visit soon. In the interest of doing my due diligence, I thought it wise to ask the fine folks here what their opinions might be. You guys haven't steered me wrong yet, so I thought it was a sound plan.Quote:
Originally Posted by pillcaster
I appreciate all of the suggestions so far.
Let us know if you try the Reddington Classic Trout. I'm in the market for a 7ft(ish) 2wt myself and am interested in some feedback on that rod. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by NCVirginian
If you like glass you can pick up one of these from Sportsman's Warehouse for under $30.00 in a 6'6" 0r 7'. They're 2 piece but they work well. http://eagleclaw.com/product/rods/pr...e/Featherlight.
If you are just starting out, the beginner kits are great. Cortland, Scientific Anglers, and Pfllueger (did I spell that right???) all make really nice combos. I still fish with mine, and I own several Scientific Anglers sets. Actually, I have never progressed beyond these, because I've never seen a reason to. They have served me well for several decades. I don't even own an expensive rod, like a Sage, or Orvis.
To make a confession, I bought a Martin combo with an automatic reel back in 1973, and I still fish with it. It's a great bluegill rod and reel.
OK...let the jokes begin.......:D
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimsnarocks
No one has mentioned the Cabela's "Three Forks" rods.
I do not own one (I have too many rods as it is) But some people really love them.
Brian
No jokes from me. My main rod, i.e. the ONLY one I use when fishing my area of the globe, is a hand-me-down Fenwick fiberglass. I'm looking to get my son a rod that he can learn on and we can fish together. I've looked at the kit rods, but they all seem to come in 8' or more. The streams of our area being what they are, I feel that may be longer than he can handle at the moment/while he's learning.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gigmaster
I've looked at the Cabela's rods on their site, but I'd really rather get something that I can put my hands on before buying. I'm going to the local fly shop this coming weekend to talk to the guys there. If they don't have something, which I will be very surprised if they don't, I'll likely check the nearby Gander Mountain or Bass Pro (I'm really trying to support the little shops though and stay away from big box stores).
Since this is for a child? I would suggest the TFO Bug Launcher, which is made for smaller hands and comes in a 7 foot length
http://www.tforods.com/fly-fishing/r...l#.VGoR1RTwuow
Larry ---sagefisher---
Just remind your "beginner" to be patient. If they've never cast a fly rod before, learning on a short 6' - 7' will have it's challenges.
Thanks for the tip. I'll take a look at this one.Quote:
Originally Posted by sagefisher
I'm kind of going the, "lesser of two evils", approach in that that I'm afraid the longer rod will result in more hang ups on the water. :grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by anglerdave
More hang ups = more frustration for all involved. :oops:
I'll second Brian's suggestion. That 7 ft 3 in 3 weight is a darn nice casting rod and Cabela's currently has it on sale for half price ($35). They also have the Reddington CT on sale for half price. They also have free shipping on $49 orders.Quote:
Originally Posted by bgreer
I have the Three Forks rod, as well as a slew of other rods, and found it cast quite nicely. I found it best with a 4 weight line.
Dave
I agree on the Three Forks. A beginner should start with a rod that casts well whether the caster is a good caster or not. Some inexpensive rods are just to hard to get in time with.... the Three Forks is not one of them. I've owned at least one for 20+ years. I'm amazed every time I pick it up at what a dandy caster it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by dave potts
Seems like I should give the Three Forks a hard look.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry
Thanks for the tip.
Another vote for the Three Forks. A crazy good value, especially with the sales they run from time to time.
Actually, the best buy would be the combo which is also on sale right now for around $70. You get the 7 ft 6 in three weight rod along with the Prestige Plus reel and a 4 weight line and backing. I have one of those reels and it's a very decent reel. I'm sure they are made by Okuma as I have one of those reels too and the spools are interchangeable.
Dave
I started my two sons and my brother in law on the Three Forks 3 wt.that was about a dozen or more years ago so I don't know if it is the same rod as then.theylearned on the SNP streams and small south central PA. streams and the rod was perfect for what you might be fishing ,given your location. just put decent line on the reel..if you can find something nice and inexpensive at your local fly shop go with them instead, if you can. it will be a better investment in the long run.i wasn't close to any when I started my kids so was forced to go online.
have fun and be patient.
'you 're really guiding rather than fishing with your son for the first year or so.
Best,
Steve
I will vouch for the Reddington Classic Trout. It's a good rod and handles well. I am back with fly fishing after a 45 year hiatus and this is the rod I have relearned with and can easily cast 40 feet. Action is medium and I like the feel on the takes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sagefisher
My 3 Forks was made in Korea. Newer versions are made in China. I've never cast a Chinese one so I can not comment on those.Quote:
Originally Posted by NCVirginian
It was perhaps 20 years ago when I first bought a 3 Forks 3 wt. It was not well put together like later version, the guides looked "funny" but it was such a great casting rod I could not believe it. Some years later a friend wanted to try fly fishing. I gave him the 3 Forks. As I was trying to show him how to cast with the rod I knew I had made a mistake getting rid of that rod. I bought another. The 3 Forks 3 wt is as good as any 3 wt I have ever cast.
UPDATE:
So, I paid a visit to the local fly shop and walked out with something I hope will be a great tool. Picked up a Redington Form game training rod. Comes with actual fly line and pictorial instructions. I'm hoping this will help my son learn the casting stroke before hitting the water.
Keeping the Three Forks at the top of the list for when we go to buy him a rod for the water.
Thanks everyone.