So, the “new to me” Thomas and Thomas 4wt that I was so excited to get, didn’t turn out to be in the best of shape so its going back to its rightful owner. Tha’ts all I’ll say, but it was an adventure.
Now, I’m in the market for a new 4wt rod and looking for thoughts and opinions on the current market offerings. Any suggestions welcome.
Looking for a 7’6", 8’0", or 8’6" 4wt rod with a moderate action. I had a St. Croix Legend Ultra once and really liked it. I’ve looked at the TFO Finesse Series and like the looks of those but don’t know how they cast. I have a Orvis Clearwater 9ft 6wt that I like for bass. My budget is max of $300 for the rod.
Let me know what else is out there worth considering. Not looking to buy used unless its mint condition. The last one (see above) was no where near fair much less mint!
One thing to add…I’ve seen some bamboo rod makers on Ebay for $300 or so. Anyone have opinions? Never fished bamboo, but always thought they were much more expensive than that.
Sounds like what I’m looking for. Like I said, I had one before and really liked it. In looking just now in the bargain room, they have a 7’9" 3wt that looks interesting. What I’m looking for is a rod for warmwater bluegill and trout streams in the smokies.
The TFO Finesse Series rods cast well, I used to own one. As far as the $300 dollar bamboo rods on eBay, they probly look nice but action is another story. It might be a good, bottom of the line entrance level bamboo.
It might be worth your time to run a search for Redington CT series rods, which are being D/C’d. I’ve seen sale prices for them as low as $89.00 on the net. There are still plenty of them out there ( specific lengths and weights ) if you broaden your search, beyond the usual big name outfitters
I just got a Redington CT, 75 bucks out the door on sale. I think they are replacing that model with the tempt. But the CT is a great rod. You could also check out Allen Fly fish, I have one of their reels and it’s great don’t have a rod from them, but they offer a try before you buy program now, and have rods well below your price range that appear to be of good quality. If their reels are any indication than I’d imagine the rods are equally as impressive.
To me the St. Croix Ultra Legend is not a moderate-action rod. I’d look at their Avid rods (assuming they still make them.) Many of the Orvis lines come in different actions. I’ve heard good things about their Access mid-flex rods.
If you can find yourself a Hardy Marksman, I’m sure that you will be more than pleased. I have two of these in a 4 and 6 weight and they’re exactly what your looking for. They are more of a medium to medium fast action rod and they truly are a pleasure to cast. Good luck finding the right rod. Shopping aroundis half the fun!!
It would be wise to cast first if at all possible. I love medium to slow action graphite rods and glass. I could name off quite a few that I have either owned or cast and make recomendations for you based on your criteria. Send me a PM if interested. I do alot of trading on the used market so if you have a good idea of what you want, I could help you hunt a rod down. Curious, what Orvis 906 do you own? 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation? let me know if I can be of further assistance.
I’m not sure what generation it is. My wife gave it to me for Christmas in 1999. We were married in 2000. So, its over 12 years old. I really like it. I have a Rio Coldwater Clouser line on it and it throws a large hair frog and popper a long way. Great for bass in lilly pads.
You have a first generation, Orvis “Clearwater” then. Made in Manchester, VT, and built with the 1st generation Orvis graphite on the early famous tapers. My first fly rod is a 99 vintage Orvis Clearwater 8’6" five weight. Same fullflexing blank as the Superfine “Henry’s Fork”. Your rod is most likey the Orvis “Performer” taper. Great rods, and hard to find new rods that would come close to duplicating those actions. If you really like that sort of Orvis feel, and don’t mind the cosmetics of the Orvis un-sanded blanks, you may be able to locate an 8’ 4wt 2pc Orvis Silver Label rod for probably under $200. Another very snappy 4 wt was the Silver Label 7’11" mid-flex(my second Orvis fly rod). The Orvis “western” 8’ 4wt is a dandy too. I am a big fan of the unsanded Orvis rods as you can tell. I have a 7’9" Far and Fine of 1986 vintage with an uplocking reel seat for sale. Of course it is a 5 wt, but it fishes as light or as gentle as any modern med-fast 7’6"-8’ 4wt out there today.
Cabelas has Redington CPX’s on sale for $130 right now in 4wt. The regular price is $299. That is a tough price to beat. That rod might be a little faster than you are looking for. My personal favorite rod is a Cortland Brook series 8’ 4wt. I paid $199 for mine, have had it 3 years now and I use it for 75% of my trout fishing on medium sized streams. I also have a 10’er that I do 90% of my nymphing with on bigger water. This will be my 3rd season with the 10’er as well.
Thanks for all this info. I really like my Clearwater. I just bought a new Clearwater in a 7’ 4wt. Can’t wait to get it and see how it compares to my first generation.
Thanks to everyone for their insight. Merry Christmas!