Hi Guys, on my recent trip to the UK I was lucky enough to get a days fishing in with a local and one of the rods we used was a #3 fiberglass rod. It was a very sweet rod and I enjoyed fishing with it, do any of you use glass rods and if so can you give me some info on brand and availability? Do you use modern or classic old rods?
Have to say that little rods action was sweet, has got me thinking it might be time to invest in one for the small streams down here.
All the best.
Mike
Yes, I fish glass on occasion. There are some wonderful light line rods available today.
Very, very few vintage rods that will handle a 3 weight line.
I own a custom built Steffen Bros. 7’9" 3 section 3/4 weight rod and it is as good as it gets.
Check them out http://www.steffenbrothersflyrods.com/fiberglass.htm
Mike, I’m afraid you’ve developed a condition that can’t be handled here by us general practitioners; so, I’m referring you to a specialist. Go to www.fiberglassflyrodders.com and they will be able to cure you. Jim
Mike,
It’s about time you saw the light. Godspeed! (FWIW there’s oodles of info on the fiberglass manifesto blog in addition to the link Jim provided above)
Marty
Mike,
While I love my Far-and-Fine…and several others…I have a 7’ 3# Built on a Lamiglass blank that is very hard to leave behind on a trip. They are addicting. Godspeed on your treatment and therapy. LOL
Ralph
The Fiberglass Manifesto blog and Fiberglass Flyrodders forum are both excellent resources.
I would give Shane Gray at Graywolf, Chris Barclay, and Matt Liederman all a look. All three are excellent builders from what I have seen!
On your side of the pond, check out Epic rods.
I have around 20 vintage glass rods. You can find them at yard sales or online cheap if you’re patient .
My first “good” fly rod was a Lamiglas that my father built for me in 1972 and I didn’t get my first graphite trout rod until well into the '90s so glass rods have been what I fished pretty much all my life
Phillipsons are probably my favorite, but a Cortland built on a StCroix blank is the rod that’s been getting the most use lately
Oh it’s a slippery slope you are going down. there is something about glass somedays that is just right. I’ve got a 9’ 8 wt Herters that is my go to rod for carp on the flats. a newer T.L. johnson 6’6" 3 wt that is a joy to cast. 7’ Philipson. 6’ 6" early St. Croix 5wt.
And i just picked up about a half dozen 7’ 5wt Heddon Mark 5 blanks that are probably one of the best casting 5 wt glass rods.
Hi Guys, thanks for all the info, sounds like yet another path to travel! Along with my “normal” Trout fishing with graphite rods I fish switch rods in the fresh water and Salt as well as single hand salt water fly, how many strings to a bow can you have?
I will check out some of the links above, thanks.
All the best.
Mike
I grew up with fiberglass and now mainly use bamboo. I still have several Howald version Wonderods and a couple of Fenwicks. When someone wants to learn fly casting these are the rods I go to depending on their size and general physical traits. I think fiberglass is the most forgiving off all rods and once they can cast glass reasonably then they can mess with the speed of graphite or the warmth and easy going nature of bamboo. I personally think many graphite rods of the “fast” generation are the worst to try to learn timing on. When I do use one of my graphite I feel like I’m trying to race to the finish instead of enjoying the ride.
Hi Mike,
I think you’ll find a 3 wgt really fun. I have one, though not glass, that I use a lot on the Waihou. Makes all those little guys feel like whales, and they fight well above their size too. I highly recommend something in the 3 weight range.
- Jeff
Hi Mike,
I have a very inexpensive 6’6" 5 wt. rod that is primarily glass. It is very pleasant to fish for what I use it for, which is fishing brushy and/or tree lined streams where I want a 5 wt instead of my much loved 7’6" 4 wt. (In a year or so I hope to have either a 6’ or 6’6" 2 wt.)
It isn’t an expensive rod, but it is pleasant to fish.
Gandolf