Fess Up, What Do You Really Use!

[dennis boatman]

White River DC78, Pfleuger Medalist 8' 6 wt......

[Flysmallie]

I haven't seen a $800 rod or a $600 dollar reel that catches more fish. I think most of these guys are just on a bad ego trip.

Rods - Echo, Redington, White River and Scott.

Reels - Orvis, Redington and Ross.

Went to Roaring River on Sunday and saw guys fishing expensive rods and dressed like they were on an expedition. But I did not notice one other person catch a fish.

[ness]

I use what I like not what's trendy. I like a well-built product most of all. Second consideration is the company and it's customer service. Third, but not always third, is styling. I'm a bit of a reverse snob--latest and greatest is a negative to me. I need a product to be proven before I buy, and I'm a natural-born skeptic so I don't go in for something because it's new and hot. It will typically be more tradional than cutting edge.

I've got Orvis Battenkill reels and vest, Bean waders, Simms boots, and a hodge-podge of rods -- mostly ho-made. I stick with proven flies--and could care less about the latest thing. And, I don't give a rip what the other guy uses because that doesn't make the man

[dennis boatman]

...nothing beats Ho-made...

[fishinwrench]

I have bern a St. Croix LU/LE freak for many years, but the sweetest rod I've handled lately is that TFO BVK. I'm reeeeally impressed with those rods but I am not capable of buying just one of anything so since I can't afford to buy 6 new BVK's I'm gonna stay loyal to the folks in Park Falls, they've been really good to me. I skimp on reels, have never owned a fly reel that cost over $80 brand new. I choose one that balances a rod and is designed well, then do a little custom shimming and tune up the drag system. Anyone with some machining/mechanical knowledge can easily convert a "decent" fly reel into one that'll do everything a $300 will do.

[exiledguide]

This fall I lost my balance in my boat and my knee broke my glass st croix linear s glass rod I used for a spinerbait rod that I've had for a long time maybe 20? years and I can't really cast as well with the new and improved spinnerbait rods I had tried to replace it over the last few years still don't feel as good as that old rod. I guess i'll audition a new St croiw over the next couple of months. I still have a 61/2 foot 6wt glass St Croix Birch Bark rod from 1978. That was a pretty high dollar rod back then and 2 glass home made Fenwick rods.As a matter of fact my favorite rods and reels are pretty old and made in Sweden France or the USA If someone wants to pay big bucks for equipment good for them. I've never felt a need to. If thats what it takes to catch fish.............

[timsfly]

I use a 6' glass rod most of the time, it cost me 100$, I have several reels, I use a peerless.#1

or an old ATH I've had for years, as long as the drag is smooth and starts moving with out sticking

It is a good reel for me.

[LittleRedFisherman]

Fly gear

4wt TFO Lefty Krey Professional

5wt TFO Lefty Krey Professional

Spinning gear I've got a mixed bag, I used to be one that liked a rod for every bait..lol

Main rod is a Berkley lightning rod with a Fleuger President ( which i've had for 9 years, best reel i've ever used).

Trout (zig jig rod) is a Daiwa med/light rod and reel combo 6.5 ft, (think it's called a terminator series)

I've got a few old cheaper setup's I don't really use anymore I couldn't tell you what they are anymore, but I do have an old Abu Garcia round baitcaster I use for Catfishing on the Mississippi River, it can winch in a big one!

[laker67]

Quality rods and reels are like a quality set of tools that you would use on the job, day in and day out. Take care of them, use them for what they are intended to do, and they will last and perform well for several years. Bought my first sage rod in 86 and it still performs without fail after all these yrs. I have used SA reels since the 70's and have never had one fail when fighting a big fish.

[ness]

...nothing beats Ho-made...

Yep. A lot of satisfaction comes from ho-made stuff.