Fly Rod Selection Help!

[laker67]

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

I would have to agree with Greg. I have two rods that I use only at night. One is a 8.5 7wt, and the other is a 9 foot 7wt. The 9 footer wears me out and makes my back hurt only after a couple of hours. It seems I can throw the 8.5 all night without much discomfort.

[fishinwrench]

Just wanted to stick my nose in the door and mention what I think is a really good "bargain" rod...I am actually a St.Croix LU loyal follower....BUT as for the lesser priced fly rods The Cortland CL series rods are really, really good fishing tools, I have two that I use for backups and keep them behind the seat of my truck all the time (the 8 1/2ft. 2pc 6/7wt., and the 8 1/2ft. 4pc 4/5 wt.) and I love them almost as much as my SCLU's. They are very well designed rods for less than 100 bucks, yet I never hear anyone mention them.

I may even overhaul mine this winter and install single-foot guides....which is the only improvement I can think of for them.