I Need New Line And Maybe A New Rod

[TroutRinger]

My fly line (floating) is about 8 years old (maybe older) and probably ready to be replaced. It was the line that came with the White River rod and real combo. I have an 8'6" 5wt (90% sure it is a 5 but will check after work to be sure). I will pretty much only use it at Taney, Bennett, or the Niangua but 90% of the time will be Taney. I need a good all around line. As this is my only fly rod. Please don't break the bank.

On a secondary note, I have been considering getting a new fly rod since I have been fishing a lot more in the last couple years. Nothing crazy expensive. Probably a real nice combo. Is there a length and weight of rod that would provide a noticeable improvement in casting ability over what I have? It would also have to be a versatile, all around rod like the line since I'll probably only ever take one with me at a time.

[3wt]

Tough to recommend line without knowing much about the Rod. High end line is in the $60+ range. Good brands are RIO, Scientific Anglers and Cortland. They each also have less expensive lines - I think ~$40. For me, I'd spend the cash if you're only doing it every 5+ years. Check with the descriptions to make sure you're matching the line style to the rod action.

For cheaper some people like the hook and hackle brand fly lines. You can check them out on the hook and hackle website. I hear they're good for the cost. But for me I'd say spend $60 every 5-10 years, and then try not to abuse it.

Entry level rods can really be affordable these days.

TFO Series One are ~$100. Kind of moderate speed. TFO Pro series are really nice and are ~$150. There are other options from Echo, St. Croix, and redington that are fairly inexpenive and not throw aways that you'll be upgrading from in a year or two.

I'd say stick with 5wt if you're spending time at Taney, but also Bennet. I think upsizing would be heavy for the trout parks and spring fed rivers and going down to 4wt would be a little light for an all around Taney Rod. I'm not sure there is such a thing with that body of water. But I take my 5wt when I go.

[Wayne SW/MO]

A 9' 5 weight is hard to beat on Taney, and BSSP either for that matter. I don't think there is any such thing as the perfect line, but if you're still in the learning stage I would suggest a SA Headstart.

[TroutRinger]

Tough to recommend line without knowing much about the Rod. High end line is in the $60+ range. Good brands are RIO, Scientific Anglers and Cortland. They each also have less expensive lines - I think ~$40. For me, I'd spend the cash if you're only doing it every 5+ years. Check with the descriptions to make sure you're matching the line style to the rod action.

For cheaper some people like the hook and hackle brand fly lines. You can check them out on the hook and hackle website. I hear they're good for the cost. But for me I'd say spend $60 every 5-10 years, and then try not to abuse it.

Entry level rods can really be affordable these days.

TFO Series One are ~$100. Kind of moderate speed. TFO Pro series are really nice and are ~$150. There are other options from Echo, St. Croix, and redington that are fairly inexpenive and not throw aways that you'll be upgrading from in a year or two.

I'd say stick with 5wt if you're spending time at Taney, but also Bennet. I think upsizing would be heavy for the trout parks and spring fed rivers and going down to 4wt would be a little light for an all around Taney Rod. I'm not sure there is such a thing with that body of water. But I take my 5wt when I go.

That's a good point.

[Wayne SW/MO]

While a good line will improve things, it has to match the rod and your fishing style or it will be no better than a cheap one.

[gary2400]

I am a cheap cheap spender and I have found a 6 wt 9' rod works best overall for me at Taney. I usually only fish at night throwing streamers and I have also found that fly line rated for bass gives me more distance. It is just a tad heavy in 0 generation and a tad light in 2-3 generation. I use straight 8# flourocarbon in place of the leader and about the length of the rod. This all works great for me and what I do until I try to show off a big fish in the net to Leonard and trip over a big rock in the water and soak myself. (saved the fish though he was already wet!)

[johndarin]

The best line out there I think is Royal Wulff triangle taper. It's great for casting distance and it's about $70.

[Jack Jones]

I bought a TFO Pro 8' 4wt that I love at the parks. I'm using Cortland 444 peach without issue. I've used it on Taneycomo without any problems. I understand why people like the bigger/heavier for a little more distance and power, but I truly love the fight so something like this has worked out well. Plus it's been good for the James and some local lakes in terms of panfishing fun.

My 2 cents!

[3wt]

I bought a TFO Pro 8' 4wt that I love at the parks. I'm using Cortland 444 peach without issue. I've used it on Taneycomo without any problems. I understand why people like the bigger/heavier for a little more distance and power, but I truly love the fight so something like this has worked out well. Plus it's been good for the James and some local lakes in terms of panfishing fun.

My 2 cents!

I'd go with that rod (or the 8'6" one) if I was staying in the parks and spring streams and Taney once in a while. If I was spending more time on Taney, I'd go 5wt.

That said, I think everyone really needs about 3 rods. Maybe a 3 a 5 and a 7. Once you had those then really go specialized like an 11' 4wt just for nymphing, a 7' 1 or 2wt just for little creeks...

[Mr. Ed]

While a good line will improve things, it has to match the rod and your fishing style or it will be no better than a cheap one.

Exactly. Best to find a fly shop thet will let you cast the line out back of their shop prior to buying. If you have a local shop ask... mine actually suggested doing this!