OK, since I have learned to catch Smallies consistantly, it is time to consider sizing up my rod.
Generally I use either a 7’ or 9’ 3 wt and would like to go with a 6-7 wt to better throw some larger flies.
I have a Cortland 5/6 weight that is stiff in the but section but very noodle like in the upper 1/3 of the rod which makes lifting a heavy fly no fun at all.
Are the Tiger Eyes whippey on the tip section or fairly stiff?
I have heard the action described as moderate/fast but it seems most all graphites are refered to in this manner, I am most concerned with the tip.
The rod I just built, a Tiger Eye 8’ 5wt, IMO is the perfect rod for what your seeking.
This rod is not at all whimpy in the tip , and will sling size 8 wooly buggers with ease.
I didn’t respond when you first inquired about the Tiger Eye because I had only had the opportunity to fish my 6’ for 2/3 for a couple hours.
In the past week, I’ve fished it twice more for several hours each time, with a Rio Selective Trout II DT3F line.
This blank, at least in the 6’ for 2/3 with the Rio line is definitely in the faster part of medium fast, and the tip is not at all wimpy. If the action in the higher weights you are considering is the same as in my rod, I think you will find this blank just what you are looking for.
Also, catching 17" cutthroat in moderate to fast currents puts a real bend in the 2/3 - but the rod just feels like it has all kinds of backbone. It feels like there would be no limit to what it could handle in soft or still water situations. ( I’m sure there is a limit, but not likely any place I would fish that rod, although I would like to find out !! )
Beyond the action and backbone, the price is great, the finish on the blank is very good, and the aesthetics are outstanding.
Pretty clear to me why Smernsky is such a big fan of the Tiger Eye blanks across the whole range of line weights.