Thanks for all the great responses I got on the last thread. It helped a lot. Here is what I am thinking. I have narrowed it down to 2 rods.
TFO Pro series
Cabela’s LST
Both are 4 piece 3 wt. rods. I want to go with a rod/reel combo just because you get a good deal on the real and free line. That is too much free tackle to pass up. Since it is a 3 wt., then I don’t plan on using the drag much if any. So I decided to go with a cabelas CSR reel. I could just get the prestige plus, but I actually just like the looks of the CSR (shallow I know).
Both rods are offered with a CSR combo.
The TFO combo is $219.95
The cabela’s combo is $234.99
Ohh, just found an interesting deal. Feather Craft has the TFO pro series, Ross flystart reel, line, backing, leader, rod sock, rod tube for $234.95. I’ll search FAOL for Flystart opinions.
Well… I’ll bite. I kind of like the TFO 3wt. My father owns one, and I’ve fished it briefly a few times. I recall it being a faster rod than most people are looking for in a three weight, but I think that can be a good thing if you fish pocket water. This was a couple years back, so their models might have changed, but I recall being favorably impressed.
I go with a Finnese series if you are in for a 3wt. from what your short list. Or better yet look at the sales on the Superfines!For a little more money but you regret it one bit. IMO
Check the warranties on each rod. The TFO is a lifetime, no questions asked warranty. Not sure if the Cabelas is the same. TFO doesn’t even care if you are the original owner.
Also, if the TFO is a little faster, I would lean toward it, especially in a 3 weight. I have an Echo 3 weight that is about the same medium fast action, and it has enough strength in the butt section to set the hook on even a hard mouthed fish such as a largemouth.
I don’t know about the 3wt, but I own the 7wt LST with the CSR reel (bought as a combo last August), and it casts like a broomstick. I use it for steelhead and love it.
1- How large are the streams you fish?
2- how dense is the cover around the stream?
3- How spooky are the trout?
Softer rods ( such as the Orvis Superfines ) are probably better for small streams requiring SHORT casts with DELICATE presentation requirements.
Faster rods are better for more open spaces and can
( generally ) throw a bit tighter of a loop. Probably do better in some wind.
That being said, I have a 3wt 7’6" TFO Professional.
I bought it just before the Finesse series was released. It’s a nice rod, but DOES NOT load up well with only a few feet of flyline out of the tip.
I think about 10’ line plus leader starts loading it up acceptably. I use Rio Selective trout WF3F line on it.
For New Jersey,( and eastern PA ) with the small and tight brushy streams with low overhead canopy … If I had a “do-over”, I would probably opt for a short, very slow Orvis Superfine or the TFO Finesse because short casts are the norm - and that type of rod can load better with a only few feet of line plus the leader out of the rod tip. I beleive they are also able to present more delicately as well.
Now, I test cast about Q=8 of 3wt rods of many manufacturers and I picked the TFO based on a combinatoin of price and performance. I don’t have a Cabela’s within 100 miles but I visited local fly shops to test. I am of the understanding ( I do get the Cabela’s catalog ) that the Cabela’s rod is rated “fast”. Something to consider based on my initial 3 questions.
Now you’ve got me confused…is that good?..I know JC casts one [broomstick]…but :roll: :roll: :roll:
Joe, the last time you used…“swwwweeeeeet”…[/quote]
It’s still “swwwweeeeet,” and I love it (you missed the ending of my comment). I’m one of those people who likes a fast rod (But not fast women :shock:)
I agree with the fellows above on the TFO finesse or Orvis superfine. I fish 2 TFO Pros in 6 wt. and 8 wt. a lot. Nice rods, very good value. I’ve also bought and sold 2 more in 3 wt. and 4 wt. They were just too stiff and fast. Especially if you’re going for a rod under 8 ft. long. They didn’t load well with their rated line weight unless you were casting a bunch of line … so they didn’t fish very well in that 20-25 ft. range that I often want in a small stream, light line rod. The stiffness also made it tough to enjoy a smaller/medium fish.
I thought they cast pretty well for distance but didn’t fish that well.
If it were me, I’d go with a Finesse which has a beautiful medium action and loads much better with less line. The Superfines are great for that too.
I believe Cabelas still has a no question 100% satisfied guarantee and I would not overlook the Cabelas Drake reel if only on the 3 wt. I have one bought with the combo
DuFf Don’t Buy Fishing Crud