I am wondering if any forum member(s) has experience using a Fenwick HMG fly rod? If so, can you describe the rod's action? I am looking to pick up a new medium action rod in either a 5 or 6-weight. The HMG seems like a decent rod at a good price, but I can't find a definitive description of the rod's action. Any other rod recommendations are welcome.
My first fly rod was a fenwick hmg 8'6" 3 peice 6 weight, I bought that about 2 years ago, Its a good casting rod I have nothing bad to say about it. It's a fast action rod and i preffer a much slower action so i dont fish it much, Thats just a perosnal pefernce. If you want a fast action rod It's good for the price. The rod i mentioned, I also have one that has never once been used, Wanna buy it ? With a case. Retails for about 190 bucks.
Thanks for the info and the offer. I have to pass though. I already have a fast action rod. How coincidental, my first fly rod was a Fenwick Eagle Graphite 8'-6" in 6-weight. I bought that rod about 18 years ago. I fished it exclusively until about a year ago when I gave it to my little brother (trying to convert him from bass fishing). I have noticed that most of the value priced rods only come with a fast action. I guess I will just have to keep a look out for a deal on a used Winston BIIt or Scott G2.
Thanks for the tip. Scott discontinued the V2 for 2008 so I found a few of them on Ebay at closeout prices. I ended up scoring a new V2 9' 5wt for $136.
I've had my 9 ft 5 wt Fenwick HMG graphite rod for about 30 years! Yes, it's a very fast rod, but I actually prefer fast rods because I can cast farther with them. I know you don't want another fast rod, but just in case you ever reconsider, Cabela's sells the 9 ft 5 wt for $179 AND it comes with an unconditional 25 year warranty. This means you can break your rod by closing your car door on it and it's covered. I also own several Scott rods and I love them. However, they are over $500 now and I wouldn't pay that much for a rod these days.
My dad bought a Redington rs3 from western sports shop and loves it. When I saw them on sale for $99 on cabelas (3-6wt) i was amazed . it's med-fast action though. just letting you know about a great deal. DAARA
Not to get off topic but why do most people like the faster rods ? I personaly don't care for them much. Like alot of things in this sport everyone has different ideas and different ways to get it done.
I prefer a fast rod for two reasons, versatility and distance. With a fast rod I can handle casting larger, wind-resistant flies such as wooly buggers as well as nymphs and dry flies. For me, casting heavier flies with a slow rod would be more difficult. Regarding distance, I feel that I can get more distance with a fast rod. This can be particularly important on lakes. Kelly Galloup, a well-known Montana streamer fisherman, prefers fast rods for streamers. He has said that you can slow a fast rod down, but you can't make a slow rod fast. If I were fishing a small creek or fishing mostly dry flies, then I would definitely prefer a slow rod. For me, slower rods make a more delicate presentation.
I bought my fast plus action 5wt because it matched my rather impatient false casting style and was under the impression distance was everything. I think a lot of people have bought into distance as being the key factor in selecting a rod. Thus, fast action and high line speeds are all the rage. Fishing Putah has taught me that distance is rather useless, but a good roll cast and water haul is key. My fast action rod doesn't load enough to lay out good roll casts and does an okay job water hauling weighted nymph rigs. I thought about over-lining the rod to slow it down, but I wasn't sure how slow it would actually get.
