A Question for the TFO Experts

[RiverRunner]

I am sitting here looking at a TFO catalog and was wondering if it was worthwhile for me to spend the extra $50.00 for a 4-piece Pro Series vs. the 2-piece Series 1 for my first "real" fly rod. Should I save the $50.00 and get a little better reel and line, or should I just bite the bullet and get the Pro Series Rod and get a little less expensive reel and line. Remember, I am on a budget and I will have about $250.00 (maybe a little more) to spend on the whole thing.

Please chime in with your opinions

[jdmidwest]

One should never buy a rod on price alone. What are you going to use it for? What size water and flies are you going to fish the most? Do you travel to places on a plane? Is there a dealer or a friend that has one so you can test cast it? The best advice would be to hook up with an experienced fly fisher or reputable fly shop and test cast a few different types of rods. I noticed that you did not specify a line weight or rod length, just price. In order of importance while fishing, the rod first, the line, then the reel. A poor rod or line will ruin the cast to the fish. The reel only comes into play if you hook up..........

[RiverRunner]

I am looking at a 5 wt, 9 ft. I fish the White, Norfork, and Little Red, both wading and from a boat. I don't plan on taking it on an airplane. The closest fly shop is about 85 miles away, so I am going by info that all of the expertise that anglers on this board have shown. I have decided on the TFO because of their value and their excellent warranty. I just can't decide which rod to choose.

[snagged in outlet 3]

In my humble opinion the only reason to go 4 piece is if you travel on a plane. I believe that is why they were developed in the first place to fit in an overhead compartment. They are probably heavier than a two piece and you have more ferrels that might crack or loosen.

Don't buy until you cast. If you have to wait a couple months to get around to casting some rods it will be worth it for the years you will own it.

Snagged.

[jdmidwest]

Riverrunner, the best way to choose a rod is to use it. Every rod maker claims the best of everything, but till it gets in my hands, the final decision will be made. Orvis has a 30 day trial period on their rods thru mail order and the best service and product in the business. The best way would be to go fishing on the river, whether it be Norfork, White, or Little Red and spend a little of your time at the local fly shops trying the rods. Or you can buy a TFO based on price and you can always sell it on Ebay if you don't like it.

[Danoinark]

I agree with Snagged. Unless you plan to travel with that rod I wouldn't go with the 4 piece. Also there are less pieces to "break". I have never been convinced either that a 4 piece rod cast as well as a 2 section. Many will argue that though. Dano

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I'm going to have to agree with the group. Try before you buy! I've ordered from catalogs and ended up selling or trading the rod later because it just wasn't what I thought it'd be. You know what you like and how the rod should feel for you. That's the most important factor . . . does it fit you? I also agree with the group regarding two piece vs. four piece. I have both, and althought I've not really noticed much difference between the weight's, I'm still not conviced that those extra ferrels don't add "something" to the rod. They (the 4 piece) are much handier to pack and travel with compared to the longer 2 piece. But my two cents say to stay with two. Event thought I take all my rods with me when I go fishing it seems I always revert back to my favorite . . . a two piece sage. Good luck, and remember, cruising the catalogs is half the fun.

[John Berry]

The rod I reach for most often is a two piece. That said, I now only buy four piece rods. The travel thing is the factor. The small weight premium is offset by the convenience of carrying a smaller package.

[Terry Beeson]

RiverRunner... check your PM in box...

Advances in technology have made 4 pc rods almost equal to 2 pc. I have both and don't see a lot of difference except when putting them together. I know the 4 pc take up a lot less space behind the seat of my truck and are easier to transport.

I love TFO rods myself. I have 3 of them and every one is a jewel for the money. My priority for a "new first real fly rod" would be - Line - Rod - Reel... in that order... Just don't get the cheapest reel on the market...

[Greg]

RiverRunner

I don't own either but I have looked at and cast both of them. So my .02 is that they are both fine rods. I think you would do well with either. In my opinion the professional is a little bit faster rod (in action). But I think both cast very well. I would buy on the basis of if you want a 4 or a 2 piece rod.

Or if one rod appeals more to you visually. Personally I like the green blank on the series one but the reel seat is kind of plain looking. On the professional there is a fairly sharp looking graphite reel seat with matching gunmetal hardware.

Greg