Some interesting results of this year’s 6 wt. Shootout by George Anderson and his staff. They also select a mid-priced and an “inexpensive” rod.
Thanks for the link, Byron. Interesting, as always. One of my quibbles has to do with his comments about having a $200 rod when your buds are fishing $700-$800 rod. Shame? Inadequacy? How about just fishing what you like, and let your friends kid you if they want to. Many years ago I experienced a similar event on Michigan’s AuSable. There was the usual range of rods and reels, including some beauts. I spent most of my time fishing a Fenwick Eagle that I had just picked up for $49.95. Caught lots of trout that trip with the cheapo rod. Would I have found more pleasure casting a more sophisticated rod? Maybe. But that Fenwick was a tool that performed just fine over the weekend.
Chuck
Chuck,
I understand completely. But, I think the information is pretty good info on a lot of rods…especially if one is in the market for a higher-end rod. And, as I mentioned, they do pick a mid-priced rod and an inexpensive rod.
Fully understand, and agree.
Chuck
Chuck,
By the way…I have probably bought my last fly rod. Getting up there in age although I still wade into the heavy water on the Fork and the Madison each summer.
But, I was thinking…it seems that in this “Shoot-Out”, which was for 6 weight rods, might be significantly different from 5 weight rods. Just seems that some of the familiar rods from previous 5 weight “shoot-outs” which scored quite high are missing in this one…
And, I might just mention that the last rod I bought was about 3 years ago. It is a 9ft, 5 wt. Zenith by Hardy. I did select this rod as it was the winner in Anderson’s shoot-out that year. I can tell you that I love the rod and am very thankful I found it via his shoot-out results. I doubt that I would have otherwise selected that rod. I probably would have stuck with my habit of leaning towards Winston rods…