5wt Or 6wt

[strangercreek]

I put off buying a new rod for a while but I just sold a ton of gear I had laying around that was not being used.

Right now I'm looking at a TFO but I am trying to decide on a fast 5 wt or a moderate fast 6 wt. I have always used a 6wt med fast as it seems to make up for some lost back bone but still works for heavier flies.

I will use it mainly for trout (Taney, White River, Wipers and whatever else swims in the spillways in Kansas)and would also like to have some wind beating power.

The TiCrx was nice when I test drove it, but a 6wt in that rod might be to much of a broomstick.

I know I probably just opened a huge can of worms here.

I did hang on to one of my White River Classics (the 5 wt) as I still think they are a great rod.

Any thoughts on other rods in the $200 range? (Winston Ascent, Sage Launch, St Croix Avid, etc).

[Greg]

Just my opinions here but I prefer a moderate to moderate fast action for all of my fishing. As such the St. Croix Avid and Sage Launch are right up my alley. The TFO rods just don't fit me. The Pro and Ticr feel like a broomstick to me. I have owned both the avid (older model) and lauch and they are both exceptionally nice rods. For what you are thinking about I would think a 6 wt would be the best choice.

Greg

[Paola Cat]

I own a Sage Launch and a TFO Professional amongst a host of other rods. Both have their places. I recently purchased a Cabelas LST ... I think it's a good option if you're looking for something inexpensive and fast. Also, they're currently on sale at $75 off. You can get into one for $100-$105. PC

[drew03cmc]

stragercreek, you have a PM.

[3wt]

I think a 6 is heavy for trout since the invention of the graphite fly rod.

I don't know what a wiper is capable of...so if you need to handle both wipers and trout maybe the 6...but I personally think I'd be sorry for going so heavy if I mostly was looking for trout.

[strangercreek]

I think a 6 is heavy for trout since the invention of the graphite fly rod.

I don't know what a wiper is capable of...so if you need to handle both wipers and trout maybe the 6...but I personally think I'd be sorry for going so heavy if I mostly was looking for trout.

Wipers grow fast and fight to the extreme. I have broken medium action spinning rods on them (with braided line). They are an awesome sport fish.

[strangercreek]

Likely going with a TicRx 9 ft 5wt, the price is good right now and I like the warranty. It gets a lower review when compared to rods in the $600 for obvious reasons but is said to be suitable for a 6wt also. I did like casting the rod. Hopefully the extra backbone will let me throw a little bit heavier flies, but if not I'll have an excuse to buy another rod later

[bobw]

I love my 2 Cabelas LST rods. I have a 3 wt. nad A 5 wt. They are great rods for the money. I also have a couple of Bass Pro CV2 rods that aer not as fast action but are good rods as weel. I like the 5 wt. Very versital, for Taney and the other trout waters around hear the 5wt. works great.

[strangercreek]

I like the White River rods to (some of them). I still have an 8'6" 5wt Classic. I used to have a 9' 8wt CV2 however I put an aluminum saltwater reel seat on it as the factory reel seat would not hold a larger reel for some reason, decent rod blank though.

Not to mention the Bass Pro fishing dept in Pearland TX was more than willing to help a friend of mine who was there at the MD Anderson Cancer clinic. When I called them, they were more than willing to hook him up with some fishing gear as he was able to go the pier and fish in Galveston a couple of times. Even though we never got this together in time (he passed away soon after I called) it was a great gesture (sorry Bass Pro haters).

I will never have a problem having something with the Bass Pro or White River logo on it....

[RSBreth]

I have a 6-Weight CV2 I picked up at the outlet store-no damage, just a return. 4-piece, so I bought it for my back up travel rod, but now use it more and more. Matter of fact, I will probably be casting hoppers 'n' poppers on the upper Finley later today with it. I can cast weighted flies like Clousers and fight Whites, Smallies, and Hybrids, but I also use it for bigger dries (Wulffs and small hoppers on the North Fork of the White) and I don't feel I'm "overpowering" 12"-14" trout. It works great for indicators and weighted flies, too.