I thought this might be a good location to post this question, I hope. I’m looking to do some saltwater fishing for Speckled Trout and some Redfish down on the Mississippi, Louisiana and FLA coast. Seems my searches point to a fast 8wt 9ft flyrod. I wondered if some of you have any experience with either the Winston IBIS, TFO TiCr or even a “Heritage” flyrod? I enjoy my Sage VPS for trout but I think it a bit on the med side for bigger flys and I’m looking for a more value oriented performer that’s not a down payment. Actually the IBIS in a 4 wt is more of a med/fast rod. Thanks for any and all help.
Racine
South by South-West
I have cast the TFO TiCr and its a nice rod.I believe it was uplined to the next line weight though.My choice for the salt here in DE is my 8wt Sage RPL and also a Scott Heliply.If you already like your VPS,try to find an RPL or a VPS in 8wt.I fish mine in the surf and the jettys for srtipers,blues,trout ect with no problems.
I have the IBIS in 8wt, and it’s the rod I use in saltwater here in Central Florida. Nice rod, but mine seems to be a tad fragile, as it has had two ferrules crack and had to be sent back for warranty.
My next one will be a TFO, as they seem to be the best bang for the buck. Rob
The TFO rods have performed well for me. I have a 5,7, and 12 wt. I have not thrown the 8 but I am very pleased with the 7 and would buy another. They are great for flats fishing for reds and trout and even small tarpon.
Capt. Chris Myers
Central Florida Sight Fishing Charters
http://www.floridafishinglessons.com
I have a TFO 8 wgt in 4 piece. I’m really pleased with the rod- lot’s of bang for the buck.
Don’t you have a seven weight rod? If so fish it. Clean it well when your through for the day. Start having fun. I fished a 9 wt Bamboo Monty fly rod for years in salt water with an old Pflueger reel and SA line. Never stopped me from having fun. I guess you young’uns would rather turn it all into rocket science intstead of fun. IMO
I have 2 of the Echo2 salt water 8 weights. Love the double tip one for accuracy and one for distance.
Are ya’ sure that you need an 8 wt?
For many years now, I’ve been quite happy casting a fast 6 wt. for reds and specks. Just down size your flies a bit and you’ll have lot more fun… The difference in casting a 6 versus an 8 for 8-10 hours is HUGE!!!
Either way, enjoy your fishing down here in along the north Gulf Coast!
Bowfin47
Let me say up front that I was TFO’s first sales representative, and introduced this product to fly shops first in Florida and then in the Midwest.
OK. I’m now on the TFO advisory staff. Going beyond that, I was the midwest rep for Sage for 10 years–so I’ve known Lefty Kreh for more than 20 years. The rods he’s designing for TFO today are cutting edge performance.
As a full-time professional guide half the year in Michigan and the other half in Florida, I can tell you that the light stuff (especially Lefty’s new Finesse Series)is a dream to cast on the “little” water of the Au Sable and Manistee, and the 8-weight and above are perfect for the salt. Your best choice is the Professional Series 8-weight. It casts beautifully, is forgiving of casting faults,comes in four pieces, and will only cost yout about $140!!!
What I’ve advised fly anglers for more than 20 years is really simple. Have an open mind, then go cast every rod from every manufacturer in the lenghth and weight you think you want. One of them will become a “magic wand” in your hand. Buy it!
Tight Loops,
Capt. Tony
Well, I’m sold. Guess I will have to buy an early Christmas present!