I need to make a decision. Maybe you can give some advice. I bought a TFO series 1 6’ 2wt rod and I don’t really like it. I feel like I can’t get any power out of it. It feels really stiff and doesn’t seem to load well. I’m not even sure if I like the length because it makes mending harder for me. I contacted Cabela’s and they will let me return it all I have to do is pay for shipping it back to them. So, I can either try to find a rod in a 2 wt. close to that price ($89), try a 3wt line on the 2wt, move to a 3wt. rod that is longer (which will cost me because I will need to get a new reel and line too), or just keep what I have and try to get used to it. I’ve only had cheap rods and maybe the move to nicer rods comes with a learning curve. I’ve tried to find a few places to test rods but it hasn?t been possible. Any thoughts at all would help me at this point. Thanks
7star,
Cabelas has a great return policy, so they will still take it back if you use it a couple of more times. I would recommend that you keep the rod for a bit longer. It takes some time to get used to a smaller rod especially a 2wt. Timing and learning how to power the rod will come in time. Overloading it with a 3wt may not be a good choice. TFO does a good job building a rod that is designed to cast the weight called for. Try to get used to it see if more time helps. If not return it and get something that feels better. Going to your local fly shop helps because you can cast the rod in most cases and get a feel as to whether or not you like it and will save you from the frustration you have experienced. Just my 2 cents worth!
Eric.
7star:
While I know nothing about your particular rod; I do own a 2wt and it took some getting used to. A 2wt fly line is really light to begin with and sure feels a lot different from 3-4 weights. My particular rod is a 7?9? 2wt on which I am using a 2WF Rio Classic. I just picked up a 2wt DT Rio Classic to try on it since it doesn?t quite yet feel the way I like it.
That being said I would recommend that you TRY and get your hands on some other brands of fly lines to try in 2wt. You may want to give the Sci-Anglers GPX line a try since it is designed heavier or a Rio Grand from Rio. Maybe this will help you to like the rod?s action if you are satisfied with the length.
What you have is a special use rod, suited best for small to very small streams, (hardly any mending required); and small flies, (16 and smaller). If this isn?t what you intended to exclusively use the rod for trade it in for a something more suitable.
what bamboozle said is true, that rod you have is very limited in scope. it is not an everyday rod. if that’s what you were looking for then i’d say keep it and try it out some more. if what you wanted was a nicer ecveryday rod, i’d trade it in. yea the line may not be useful but you should still be able to use the reel if you don’t go up in weight too much.
No experience with TFO, but since you are dealing with Cabela’s, I will say that I am more than pleased with their Clear Creek 7ft 2wt.
But rods are a very personal thing, and no one can decide what will be best for you - except you.
Jim
This is a classic case of “cast before you buy”.
By the time you get a rod and reel you like you may spend enough money to have driven to several fly shops and bought top of the line stuff. If you take these folks advise on a rod YOU have not cast you may go through this scenario several times.
[This message has been edited by Buzz (edited 21 March 2005).]
Hey-
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I gave it another try yesterday after work. I ended up putting Royal Wulff Triangle Taper on the rod and I was able to get 58 feet out (more than I would ever need for a spring creek), 30 feet was no problem. The casting stroke and power is going to take some getting used to though. I also have a 5wt for more versatile situations so I think I’ll stick with it. Maybe down the road I’ll put some money into a nice 3 or 4 weight I can test before I buy, Thanks again.
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