Fly Rod Selection Help!

[BredMan]

Almost embarrassed to ask this here but I need some advise on a fly rod. I have an old 7'6" 7-WT that I have tinkered with for bass etc. But now I am determined to do some real trout fly fishing so I am looking to buy a new rod. By the way, places like Taneycomo would be where I would fish.

The fly fishing world is so over-whelming with so many choices and I don't want to buy something I will regret. Also I don't plan on going the premium route either such as a Sage, Loomis, etc. Really want to keep the cost around the $80 to $150 range. I have a few rods in mind but just not sure of the length and weight. Two being Cabela's models and the other a St Croix (Reign) model.

I'm leaning toward a 8'6" 5-WT but also read and been told by some that the 9' seems to the the more popular choice these days. Thats really the whole dilemma for me. Is this just another "preference" thing or can someone sway me one way or the other with facts or specifics? Appreciate any advise.

[zander]

For whatever my opinion is worth there is nothing like trying both out in a store with a helpful salesperson and getting their input. As far as 8 1/2 vs 9 feet, no matter which one you'd get, you'd get used to casting either and they both will do the job.

[timsfly]

Yep an 8 1/2 or 9' 5 wt will do most of what you need.

If you are going to fish taney alot go with the 5wt, if you are going

to fish taney some, but fish the parks more, I would opt for a 4wt.

Everybody will have an opinon to offer, but Echo, or TFO would

both be good rods, both are priced pretty good, and both have good

warranties.

[jjtroutbum]

There is an advantage to using a longer rod but there is also disadvantages to the places you can use the but really the differences between 8'6" and 9' are well not that much. There is a Sage rod in your price range. Not really though is that price was for a complete outfit.

My suggestion is to go to the St. Louis area fly shops and cast a few rods to figure out what action/speed/flex you prefer, as far as I know the big boxes don't offer this important option. A couple of links below.

http://www.thargrove.com/

http://www.feather-craft.com/

[Danoinark]

Excellent advises from these guys and I would second

Tim's suggestion of a TFO...Dano

[Snow Fly]

9ft 5 wt. T. Hargrove Fly Shop

[Guest]

deleted

[BredMan]

Many thanks to all for the advise. Makes things much easier first time around. Going with a 4pc - 9'- 5wt rod.

[twosets]

I use the TFO rod that you describe (4 pc 9 ft 5 wt) and use it a lot at tany. For the price that you seek, it is a good deal.

Make sure that you but a good flyline to go with it.

Good luck

[Greg]

Bredman - sorry but I'm going to muddy the waters for you a bit. I have a definite preference for an 8.5 foot rod over a 9 ft. I'm not sure why but when I cast both I generally much prefer rods of that length. I use an 8.5 ft 5 wt for 90% of my trout fishing.

TFO makes a fine fly rod. However if you care to spend just a bit more the Sage Launch (at about $200) is one of the finest fly rods I have ever cast (IMHO).

Greg