Fly fishermen input needed.

[msggunny]

Looking for recommendations on a 8-10wt fast action rod that can throw heavy sinking line and have a reel that holds 200m backing.

Im a usual Dweb cheapfuck so somewhere around 200-300 for a combo.

Thanks.

 

[emmodg]

Temple Fork Outfitters

Fast rods in that range. Don't expect NASA-influenced light-weight polymers but they have a good warranty and are tough. I have a couple as client rods in the 5 and 6 wt range and a 9wt for a bigger fish "utility" rod.

 

[rovercanus]

http://www.coltonfly.com/
Take a look at these also.
Good guy to deal with and he developes his own stuff.

 

[Mike_Rupp]

Not sure what you are fishing for but after my experience of fishing for tarpon in Key West, I'd spend as much as possible within your budget on the reel. I'm assuming that you are fishing for a decent fish since you mentioned the need for 200m of backing.

While I can't stand the heat and humidity of FL, I've dreamt about moving there simply for the fly fishing.

 

[emmodg]

I'd agree somewhat with what Mike said.

You certainly don't need a Tibor Gulfstream or $700 Hatch Reel though. Salt water is hell on shit but unless you're fishing salt a lot there's plenty of decent reels out there with decent drags (way important with salt water fishing) and aluminum and/or stainless construction.

These guys do some hilarious testing!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KWlGSzWEqkA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[msggunny]

We're going back to Zimbabwe for a month and if I can swing it I am going to try to hit the Zambezi or lake kariba for tigerfish. If not, at least some big largemouth and when we get back I am going to use it in the salt.

 

[Mike_Rupp]

I'd agree somewhat with what Mike said.

You certainly don't need a Tibor Gulfstream or $700 Hatch Reel though. Salt water is hell on shit but unless you're fishing salt a lot there's plenty of decent reels out there with decent drags (way important with salt water fishing) and aluminum and/or stainless construction.

These guys do some hilarious testing!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KWlGSzWEqkA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

My point is that if he's going to spend $200 - $300, I'd spend 2/3 of the budget on the reel. I never recommended getting a Tibor or Hatch. I'd much rather have a $200 reel and a $100 rod than the other way around. Someone certainly isn't going to get any additional benefit by spending a $100 on a rod, but that extra $100 on a reel can make a significant difference.

 

[emmodg]

I think Lefty Kreh coined the phrase: "A rod's job is to get the fly there. A reel just holds the line." All the reel in the world won't get the fly to the target, pick up 40' of line off the water for a quick shot or cut through a 30mph gust. I guess for me it's like putting 2/3 of your money on wheels and what's left in the car. Wheels just hold the tires.

But I kinda see where you're coming from Mike.

 

[Mike_Rupp]

If we are talking trout, sure. But let's be honest. There's no way in hell you can tell me that a $200 10 weight fast action rod is going to do anything better than a $100 rod.

To prove the point, when I was casting at a two day seminar put on by Al Buhr, to demonstrate a few casts, he picked up my shitty Orvis Clearwater 5 wt to show that technique is 90% of the cast & the rod is the other 10%. Of course, he could outcast anyone with their fancy $600 Sage rods.

Keep in mind that we are talking about a $300 budget. It's not like we're dealing with a thousand dollar budget. That makes things much more interesting. If I was dealing with a grand, I'd probably go for a $700 rod and a $300 reel.

 

[emmodg]

$300 budget? $250 rod, $50 reel.

 

[rovercanus]

J.B., have you been to the Orvis shop in Charlottesville? All clothes, one or two rods, a tiny little fly rack with a sign on it that says "Go small in the fall", and two guys standing around talking about fishing the Rapidan like it's a world class fishery.

 

[emmodg]

J.B., have you been to the Orvis shop in Charlottesville? All clothes, one or two rods, a tiny little fly rack with a sign on it that says "Go small in the fall", and two guys standing around talking about fishing the Rapidan like it's a world class fishery.

Yeah - joke of a store and a slap in the face of Carson owner of Albemarle Angler. Seems to be Orvis' MO

 

[Flyfish]

"The Fly Shop" has their own line of rods & packages. No experience with them, I only use Sage. (I like FAST rods!) At lease it's a reputable dealer.

https://catalog.theflyshop.com/index.php?cPath=23_56&osCsid=7f2kl9a5j769u4t4kapna9nrvuc03ouv


The Fly Shop's SG-H2O & C3La Rod/Reel/Line Packages
[TFSOUTFIT] $445.00
The Fly Shop's SG-H2O & C3La Rod/Reel/Line Packages
Click to enlarge

The Fly Shop's Signature fly rods are game changers in high performance equipment!

These handsome rods employ a higher modulus graphite and a moderately faster action than our Fresh H2O rods. The Signature Series is designed to allow the ace or slightly less-than-expert angler to deliver flies accurately, at any distance, without a lot of effort.

These high performance rods employ what was once called "reserve power", the resilience to be able to really apply extra pressure to the casting arc and drive the line a little farther, fight a stiff wind, or handle a heavier fly when necessary. They're exactly the right rod for experienced anglers and fishermen who have dialed in their casting stroke.

Signature rods features a non-glare finish, and 5 and 6 weight rods sport buckeye, hardwood reel inserts.

Features:
• Dynamic, powerful, progressive action
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• An extra tip comes with every rod
• Complete with The Fly Shop's rod/reel case
• Fully warranteed by The Fly Shop®

 

[msggunny]

Went with a Redington Pursuit combo in 9wt. Not anywhere near fancy and I wont be out a lot of $$$ should something happen to it when I am in Zimbabwe.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/re...38d/?filterString=s~redington/&colorFamily=99

Yes its cheap, no I dont care. My skills with a fly rod are minimal at best so maybe later I will spend some serious $$$ on a good set....