Advice - Need a new fly outfit

[jdavis]

I am looking to get a new outfit for the fall run on Taney. I am still fishing an entry level Orvis 5wt I used as a kid. I would like to step up to a rod that can throw some bigger flies. Matbey a 7wt?

Because I can't afford half a dozen rods. I need this one to be versitile. I would like to be able to use it on the rivers for smallies and spring white bass.

What wieght?

Fast action?

What brands/models? - I have heard a lot of good things about the TFO rods

What kind of line?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[John Berry]

I would recommend a TFO TICR nine foot four weight. They retail at $.209.95 and are the best buy out there. Since you have a five weight I think a move up of two rod weights would be just right. This would definately be a great rod for small mouth

[Micheal Kyle]

jdavis

I would have to say that the TFO rods are good I think the TICR or the professional series rod would be a good choice. For what you said you wanted to do a 7wt would be in your best intrest. I would also look at the Scott A2 I think for the money it is the best 7 wt out on the market. It retails for 285 but I think the castabilty of the rod blows all other manufactuers out of the water. Plus they are made in the states.

As for the line I would recomend the Rio Clouser or the Rio Nymph lines they both have a heavy haed and are made to cast big ugly flies as they call them. They both retail for 60 bucks. The thing that sets Rio apart from evryone eles is that they come with pre-made loops in the lines. Which is great because now you do not have to tie a loop or put one of those braided loops on the end of your flylline makes them easier to cast. I hope this will help

Michael

[jdavis]

Michael,

What about a reel? I like the Ross Rythem, but it is a little more than I was planning on spending. Are there any good buys that would balance well on the TFO or Scott and offer a decent drag?

I may stop by the shop in the next week or so to check things out. You don't carry the TFO line do you?

[Micheal Kyle]

jdavis

yes I carry the TFO line, for the money the lamson radius is a great reel that would balance great it retails for 149-219 depending on the size. The Ross rythym is good reel but however the drag componets ore not sealed where in the radius they are.

Michael

[SilverMallard]

I'd go with the TFO 9' 7wt Professional Series for those applications. The TiCR is fast...very stiff by comparison. And much more expensive. I have 2 4wt and 2 6wt TFO Pros and an 8wt TFO TiCrX. The 8wt TiCrX is a good salmon/steelhead/saltwater wading rod. I think the 7wt TiCR is overkill for bass fishing, but the Pro would be just right. And it's much easier to cast.

AS for reels, TFO has some GREAT new offerings! Don't neglect to look at them. But I would also not be afraid to slap an Okuma on there. Both are very economical choices with lots of bang for the buck. The Okumas are cheaper, but the TFOs are much nicer.

Stick a SA Mastery series bass line on there and you're good to go for topwater action. If you want to get down, then you're gonna need a fast sinking line...which can be a killer on suspended white bass.

[jdavis]

SilverMallard, What do you mean by overkill? Over priced or simply too much rod for the situations?

Please educate me a little. I am still learning about the technology involved in fly fishng equipment. Is a fast rod a negative in certain situations.

[SilverMallard]

Yes...I mean more rod than you need, both in price and capabilities. The TiCR is not AS fast action as the TiCrX, but it's close. And I've read a LOT of guys saying that the TiCR or TiCrX is hard for them to cast. Personally, I have no problem with it. But like I said, I got the 8wt TiCrX and a good TFO saltwater reel for wading saltwater. That's a far cry from bass fishing!

I use a med-fast 6wt on smallmouth and white bass.

[Micheal Kyle]

jdavis

If you want to stop by today you can cast both rods. I will be out of town all next week. Jim will be in everyday and be able to assist you if you want to cast the rods.

Michael

[jdavis]

Michael, Thanks for all your help getting me set up. I couldn't wait to use the new outfit so I had to sneak down to Taney last night. Fishing was once again pretty slow, but the rod was a whole new experiance for me. I have never been able to throw as much line as I did last night with such little effort. It was easy to feel the rod load a keep my timing. I already love it and I'm sure I will learn to love it more. Thanks again.