I have several rods but all are 8’6" or longer. I have been searching for a small stream rod to fish the native brookie streams here in Pennsylvania. I found this rod at Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg, Pa.: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog. … get=browse
I am looking at the 6’ 2wt, and may purchase it as a combo if the price is right. I don’t know much about TFO rods. Are these a good rod or should I opt for something else. I would like to keep the price in the 100-150 dollar range.
$89 with a NO FAULT warranty and it gets 5 stars from the people who rated it; what’s to consider?
TFO’s are nice rods and lots of folks love them. You can take a drive to the Harrisburg Bass Pro if you want and try it out. If it casts the way you want it to; for the streams where you plan to fish; you should be set!
The only TFO rods I have are two handers. 2 14 foot 9 wgts and a 12’6" 6 wgt. All 3 are great casting rods. (Okay, one of the 9 wgts is VEE’s)
TFO makes a very nice stick. I’ve had the chance to cast a couple of the series 1 rods and they were very nice. Also cast a couple of the TFO Finesse rods and liked them as well.
I have a 7’6" professional in a 3wt and love it. I bought it used to replace an old sage i had built and broken after 12 years. Just my opinion but i have 2 rods shorter than this and RARELY even take them anywhere but the pond out back, they just don’t feel right when they are less than 7’. RC
Eric, I have the exact rod combo your talking about and I love it although you have to set the hook and fight fish differently than a longer higher weight rod. (set hook from the side and fight fish from a canted rod) I would suggest that if you decide to purchase this combo that you order a 3wt. line which I feel cast better than the 2wt. line that comes with the combo. Otherwise it’s a blast fishing with this setup.
Hobo
Nighthawk,
You won’t be dissapointed for the money. Have a 7’ #3 and usually dig it out more than the rest. I agree, make a trip to Harrisburg and give it a wiggle. Can’t recall if “the store” (Cabella’s) in Hamburg carries TFO. No they aren’t high end, but they get the job done. Sorry for the wind - best to you.
Mike K.
For pure bang for the buck consideration you can’t go wrong with a Cabelas Three Forks 7’6" 3 wt. The price new is $49.99 (I did see one go one ebay a year or two ago for $60 ~~ no, that wasn’t a typo).
The family of a friend of mine has a camp in Potter County, Pa. I have an open invite to fish there and need a 6’ or shorter for those native brook trout streams up there. My buddy is going to take me to streams that are so small they don’t have a name. the trout in these streams aren’t big but they are native and fun to C-N-R.
Cabela’s has the same rod but it is $10 more. I frequent Bass Pro in Harrisburg so often that I have picked out my favorite parking spot there. When I walk through the door they say “Welcome back to Bass Pro”.
I am considering over lining the rod with a DT-3-F. I am thinking a DT over a WF as presentation and roll casts will be more important than distance. Any thoughts on this?
I will also check out Gander Mountain as they have the price satisfaction guarantee. Looks like I have a busy but fun day planned for tomorrow.
Eric, being from Pa and having spent many, many days on those little brookie streams I would recommend trying a 7 or a 7 1/2 footer. I have fished many streams up so far that I could easily step accross them, but still like my 7 1/2 footer on them.
Also, for the small stream, small fly go with a dt line. Either way, cast a couple lines on your new rod to see which one works best. BTW, I also have ties to Potter Co. Did some hunting and fishing there, especially around Coudersport. Ask your friends if they remember the plane crash near Coudersport about ten years ago. I was along for the ride in that plane.
I concur on the thought of using a DT. If you are considering over-lining the rod with a 3wt you have lots of lines to choose from. If you want to stick with a 2wt, consider some short front taper lines like the Sci Angler XPS or Trout. A shorter front taper helps to load the rod when you are casting shorter distances. Don’t forget to keep your leader short too. At times I have used leaders as short as 5’ or nothing but 36" or so of tippet attached to the end of my fly line.
BTW, I too fish LOTS of REALLY small creeks and typically fish a 6’6" or a 7’0" rod and I’m having a 5’6" built for some “trickle cricks”. Rod length preference is really subjective depending on where you fish and how you fish. Longer rods make a lot of things easier but when you fish places like this…
…even a 7’0" rod can be a pain!
I was playing with the tip section of a 9 foot, two piece, 6 wt, and a 4 wt line recently. The result is that I’m considering making a 4.5 foot, 1 piece, 4 wt. However, before I can do that, I have to finish building the 6 wt, which will replace the future banty rod. :lol:
The streams in Potter County tend to run through 2nd generation old growth forests. A 7’ may work well there but as I get closer to home I will run into streams like the one Bamboozle has pictured.
My buddy recommends a 6’-6’6" rod for the streams he will put me on. The TFO really caught my eye and going to Bass Pro will give me a chance to gab with Bob Clouser Jr. some more. That in it’s self is worth going to Bass Pro in Harrisburg.
Nighthawk… if you happen to go with one of these TFO rods, please let me know what you think of them. I’m looking for a lighter rod for a few of the streams around Harrisburg and have been looking at these myself.
Check out global dorber’s Lil’ Streamer rod selection. I heard they’re not distance casting type rods, but it sounds like they were built specifically for that water (and they are reasonably priced). I can’t vouch for this model, but I have their regular (e-rod 2 or something) 2 wt model, and I love that rod:
For the money, you really can’t go wrong with the Cabela’s Clear Creek series or the Hook & Hackle rods. I paired my 2wt with a Pflueger Medalist (under $50), which balances it perfectly and looks very nice. Great little combo for tackling mountain streams (I should try overlining it with WF3F for all the short casting I do).
Eric, if I’m ever in your area, you’re welcome to cast the rod if you so desire.
Nighthawk… I believe the tying sessions start at 6:00pm and I don’t recall them requiring a sign up. I have been trying to get out there but end up involved in other things on Thursday nights. Need to get out there.
