Dogwood Canyon, Hobbs Creek, Redington, Cabela?

[Jack Jones]

Okay.....you've convinced me, LOL. I'll go Pro. It's only money , right?

I actually have a nice rod/reel tube from Cabela's I picked up when I was in St. Louis last year for $20. So that part is covered.

I definitely planned to upgrade the fly line. RIO seems to be the trend around here. As I've looked in other web stores geographically, it seems they push Cortland in the Northeast, Scientific Anglers in some parts, and in the Midwest/Rockies the RIO lines.

I was going to shy away from the Cortland 333+, and have considered either a Rio line or the Cortland 444. Anyone have any experience with the Cortland 444?

Now 3wt---question for you.....why an 8'6" as opposed to 8' in your opinion? I wouldn't plan on 9'. I'll save that for when I get my 6wt rod.

[Trout Commander]

You will be happy with the Pro Series. I love my 4wt. I went with the 8' for use on the more technical streams where you don't always have ample space. Also, FWIW, I just upgraded to the Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Trout line with "Dri Tip Technology" and I love it. It floats nice and high. I use it for nymphs and dries and am more than happy with it's performance.

[3wt]

I could be thinking of the 8' vs. the 8'6", but there is also a 9. I said 9 because you mentioned taneycomo and I think the length would serve you well there. If your more like me and spend the majority of your time in parks or on current, small-medium stream up to the upper meremac, then go 8' or 8'6". Honestly I can't remember which one my brother got a couple years ago, but after casting, he went with the longer of the two. I'm pretty sure it's the 8'6" now that I think about it.

I definitely agree that 8' give you a little easier time in real tight range and cover, and I would tend to go shorter when possible, but I fish a 7'9" 3wt and have to fight when I'm mainly throwing streamers...but I'm willing to put up with it.

If you nymph a lot, length helps. On bigger open water length helps. Ultimately if you go 8'6" you probably won't be sorry. But cast both and I think you'll notice some difference. Don't buy without casting.

Cortland is a classic, and it has it's devotees. I think in the east they tend to be more traditional and I'd expect to see a lot of Orvis stuff with cortland line on it. It does have it's fans around this board too.

I've fished SA and RIO in comparable tapers, and I like the rio grand over sa gpx. I'd go with the slightly overweighted varieties for the Pro rods. They're not laser fast, but I think they like the extra weight. RIO and SA both have the high floating tip, which is a great feature.

Trout Commander - do you like the trout taper line for all around? I thought it was better suited for slower action rods or when you're really focussing on delicate presentation. Just curious if it turns over a #8 weighted wooly on a fast rod very well.

[Trout Commander]

Trout Commander - do you like the trout taper line for all around? I thought it was better suited for slower action rods or when you're really focussing on delicate presentation. Just curious if it turns over a #8 weighted wooly on a fast rod very well.

The trout taper in 4wt turn over a double nymph rig with two big nasty stonefly patterns and an indicator to my liking. I have not thrown and streamers with my 4wt, but I would have to assume that the trout taper could handle a weighted wooly no problem.

[stlfisher]

I have the trout taper on my 6 weight and I am kind of dissapointed in the way it turns over weighted streamer's etc. It could very well be me, my rod (my 6 is the cheapy I first bought) but I remember the first time I cast I thought...what the heck is this? I actually liked the Bass pro cheapy brand line that came with the rod better. However, I have no problems with turning over nymph rig's and it does make nice presentation with dries etc. Not sure it would be ideal for streamer's but a good rod and a good caster (which I am not) could probably make it work.

As to the original topic TFO pro with the reel you have and some new line would be a nice upgrade. The Echo Carbon has nice feel to it as well.

[Greg]

If it was me I'd spend most or all of your $200 bucks on the rod. Some disagree but to me the rod makes by far the biggest difference. TFO makes a good rod. But I'd look at redington, st. croix, and even sage too. Even their lower priced rods are awesome. A $200 Sage Launch is my favorite rod. I know $200 is not cheap but for something that will last you 10 or more years that's not bad.

One other thought. Regarding line I've found the bass pro cvII to be a really good line at a good price.

Greg

[Idylwilde]

What about the Greys 8'6"#4 Streamflex? Greys have been around a long time and are top quality rods at great prices. Also the Greys reels are top notch to.

[KATroutman13]

If it was me I'd spend most or all of your $200 bucks on the rod. Some disagree but to me the rod makes by far the biggest difference. TFO makes a good rod. But I'd look at redington, st. croix, and even sage too. Even their lower priced rods are awesome. A $200 Sage Launch is my favorite rod. I know $200 is not cheap but for something that will last you 10 or more years that's not bad.

One other thought. Regarding line I've found the bass pro cvII to be a really good line at a good price.

Greg

Dollar for dollar (in THIS price range) I would not even think about the St. Croix or the Redington). I would certainly consider the Sage, if you can find one of their rods in that price range.

I have a TFO Professional in a 7'6" 3wt and I have thrown that rod in virtually every configuration and I have been impressed.

I second the line recommendations made here, except for the Cortland. I fished Cortland line for years and was not impressed. You certainly don't need a 100 dollar line like the sharkskin, but I would certainly not hesitate to spend the remaining money you have budgeted on a good line, keeping the reel you currently have.

As far as the selection of what length to purchase, I say go cast the rods and see what you like.

[troutfiend1985]

Dollar for dollar (in THIS price range) I would not even think about the St. Croix or the Redington). I would certainly consider the Sage, if you can find one of their rods in that price range.

I have a TFO Professional in a 7'6" 3wt and I have thrown that rod in virtually every configuration and I have been impressed.

I second the line recommendations made here, except for the Cortland. I fished Cortland line for years and was not impressed. You certainly don't need a 100 dollar line like the sharkskin, but I would certainly not hesitate to spend the remaining money you have budgeted on a good line, keeping the reel you currently have.

As far as the selection of what length to purchase, I say go cast the rods and see what you like.

I have the shark skin in my 5wt and love it. However, Rio is a good line and wouldn't think twice about recommending it.

To me, I think the line makes the biggest difference. I've casted Sage rods before, and they're really nice. But you'll get more bang for your buck performance wise with line over rods anyday.

I've had crappy lines, and they're cheap for a reason. But a 100 dollar rod can be a nice one, like the Cabelas traditional or for 50 dollars more the TFO. But stay away from crappy lines.

[Jack Jones]

Well......I picked up my TFO Pro 8' 4wt at Tim's today. Got myself some Cortland 444 Classic for it. Took it out at the trout park and had a blast. The fight on those stockers with the 4 wt was a lot of fun. The river was flowing very quickly. I've never seen it that strong up by the hatchery.

I'm hoping to take this rod out Monday for some panfish action at either Lake Springfield, or the Finley

I thank everyone for all the advice that was given. This is a real good community here and I'm glad I joined the board. So far it's been a lot of good information and fun to read.