Rod Help

kylebass91 · Veteran Member

Rod Help

windknots · Senior Member

My 2 cents, go with a 7 or 8 weight if youre going to be standing in the wide open and pushing a lot of line and big bugs, especially against the wind. A fast action rod would probably be a good fit. There are still some pretty good deals on new gear post-holiday if you shop around a bit. I picked up some Sage Launches from Redtruckflyfishing.com, they're being discontinued, but are also a medium fast action rod which works for me but might be a little soft for you. See if you can borrow from friends, shop or demo some 7, 8, and 9 wt rods for th type of conditions you deal with. Focus on getting a rod for bass, worry about the trout rod later, probably another 5 wt. There were some screaming discounts online right after thanksgiving. You'll need a new reel and line/backing that is balanced with the new rod, your old reel won't cut it on the bigger rod.

If you buy an older, used heavier rod it will be better balanced with a heavier reel, the new fancy lightweight technology rods need lighter reels for proper balance.

Otter · Senior Member

You could buy a pflueger for about $60.

-- Edited by Otter on Monday 4th of January 2010 11:11:50 AM

Greg F · Newbie

Temple Fork Outfitters signature series is about the lowest price you can find for a rod that is still good. Albright rods are low priced, I don't know much about them. For stripers an eight weight is good for throwing big flies and landing those stripers when you hook a big one.

AbelBoy · Senior Member

1. What weight fly rod should I get? I fish for trout on occasion(never caught one and that keeps me away from it) but I do way more fishing for the basses om thinking 6-8 weight? (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, And Striped).

I would err towards an 8 weight for most waters. If you fish the Delta, you may want to consider a 9 weight to combat the wind. Get another rod for trout.

2. How long of a rod? 9 foot looks like the standard? I fishing from the shore/wading 3/4 of the time.

I like the 9 foot rods if I want to fish a variety of distances. I like the tournament sized 7'11" models for topwater and close in work.

3. Any recommended brands i should look for? please keep it reasonable, I cannot afford a $400+ rod, factory work doesn't pay much and college is expensive.

You can probably find a good fit for you from any of the major players in rod industry.

You have opportunities to look at rods and test them out. The International Sportsmen's Expo will be held at the San Mateo Fairgrounds on January 14 to 17 and at Cal Expo on January 21 to 24. The Expo will have a casting pond for people to cast rods. Or you can visit a local fly shop (that's what I would do).

AB

bono · Master Fly Fishing Guide

Kyle : I have a brand new 7-8 wt 9ft rod that I'll let go for cheap,give me a buzz if interested.Thanks Greg 707-480-3809

Flyin4:20 · Veteran Member

Check out the Eagle Claw Fly fishing set-up in BIG 5. It goes only for $29.99. That is the first rod i purchased and still use it till this day. I have upgraded my set-up, but it took a lot of recycling cans.