Hey everyone, i was looking at buying a 4 pc 3wt rod under $200, along with a small reel and new line. I fish generally for bass and pike, but enjoy spring fishing for crappies, sunfish and smaller trout. I would like something light enough, but strong enough to handle a bigger fish if it comes along. Should i be looking for something else? What is a good reel for the fishing i will be doing?
I am looking at a TFO Signature 3wt 4pc at the moment
Thanks for everyting
rl
RL,
“I would like something light enough, but strong enough to handle a bigger fish if it comes along.”
We have landed some “better than expected” fish on a 3wt. 12# steelhead, 8# halibut, 35# stingray come to mind. We built this rod with double wrapping and stuff to withstand our customary abuses. However, with the exception of the halibut, the rest were surprises.
IF you know how to “properly abuse” your gear, that choice should serve you well pestering some bass and the occasional pike AND be fun on the panfish. 
…lee s.
[This message has been edited by lee s (edited 28 January 2006).]
RL, its a start with a 3 wt. I like to the TFO pro 8’6" 3wt. Smooth and hadle 5lb bass no problem. Weeds could be problem in summer. Enjoy the 3wt purchase, it won’t be your last rod for sure.
Tight lines and Long runs
Philip
Excus my spelling and gramma, I hooked Mondays and Fridays so I could Hunt or fish.
You might want to look at the Cabelas LST series. I have a combo with the CSR reel and GPX line in a 4 piece 3wgt 8’3" rod all for $205. The line alone is about $56. I think this is a great setup and can cast it better than the 5wgts I have, and boy is it fun with trout, bass, panfish, and catfish so far. I know that I’m a little limited because all my rods are Cabelas combos mostly the three forks and one PT 5 wgt, but I like the LST best of all.
RL, great rod choice. IMO for the money TFO rods are the best value on the market and their customer service is one of the best in the industry.
Just bear in mind that there is not a perfect rod for “every” situiation. That is why rods are made in different line weights and lengths.
Check out the Orvis BBSII reel. $99.00, machined aluminum, light weight and very smooth drag. Another great deal for the cost.
Rob
looked at the 3 wt. cabelas lst rod myself. bowmaker, how does it rollcast? email me with your impressions of the rod when you get a chance.
[This message has been edited by dpenrod (edited 28 January 2006).]
Bowmaker if you don’t mind, send me a copy of your thoughts on that rod.
I thought this might be easier. This is not a real endorsment for the LST rod but I like it a lot. I’m not a great caster but the rod feels good and casts better than the 5wt PT Cabelas rod that I have. With the WF GPX line I can do about 60’ pretty accuratly and roll casts again better than the PT that is an 8’6" rod. Largest fish to date has been about a 6 1/2 lb channel cat in a pond last summer. I use it to fish little bitty dries, woolybugers, nymphs, and even(shudder) globalls and a float and it makes fishing a lot of fun. Didn’t mean to hijack things.