What say folks. If I were looking for the best 9 foot, 6 weight, Mod/Fast flyrod, for less that $100, what would you recommend? I’ve only looked at W.W.Griggs and Cabela’s Three Forks and 5-piece packable. I don’t need a wood reel seat or high grade cork. Functionality is more important than high priced quality. Any help is greatfully accepted.
Lotech Joe
LT Joe,
You’re asking a pretty tough questions. Most rods under $100 are not going to be moderate fast, at best moderate to slow.
Look at the St. Croix Premier or the TFO Series 1, etc.
If you go up a little, you can get a St. Croix Legend or Avid, TFO Pro, Echo, Redington Wayfarer, etc. Lots more choices and better action.
With your budget, you might be better served looking for a used higher end rod to meet your needs. That’s what I would do in your situation. Actually, that is what I did when I was in your situation! I bought a used St. Croix Legend for about 1/2 price which made it $75. Still have that old rod and use it for teaching.
The other problem with sub-$100 rods is they generally don’t have a lifetime warranty. (cabela’s excepted) If you’re willing to spend $150 or so, you can get a Temple Fork or an ECHO with an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Yet another problem is that you’ll have to look pretty hard to find a rod under $100 that casts well. With Temple Fork or ECHO, you’ll have to work hard to find a rod that DOESN’T cast well.
Joe
I agree with the Lady. You can’t go wrong with either the ST Croix Premier or TFO. I happen to be parital to ST Croix. If you can find a use Legend Ultra for a decent price I can highly recommend this rod. I have a new 9’ 6wt 2 pc and absolutely love it.
Now sit back and wait for the on slaught of replies to other favorite rods for around $100.
For under 100 bucks that’s a tough one, but I would aslo have to go with the St. Croix Premier. I think that would be your best bet.
As other suggested, the St. Croix Premier and TFO series 1 are pretty nice and will fit your need I think. Also the Redington Crosswater 5/6. I’m familiar with all three and think they are good values.
I have heard some nice things about the Albright Topwater but not actually handled one.
A reel sleeper is the Scientific Anglers 6wt and Sierra Trading Post has some 6wts for $40. Normally these rods are part of Combo packages but they haves some individual ones. I have one and it is real nice - I use it for light saltwater and bass fishing. There was a discussion about these rods on this board a couple of months ago and there were a lot of positive comments.