eagle claw featherlight rods

[Guest flyfishBDS]

Dano _ your on, Just not the 10th or 11th of Feb, Im going to be at the Arlington Fly Fihsing Show that weekend, doing a presentation, running a booth.

Cheers

Steve

[Greg]

Steve that is some of the best no-nonsense commentary on fly rod design and the fly rod industry that I have ever read. I particularly agree with you on the subject of "lightness". To me a super light fly rod just doesn't feel right. That's why I seem to gravitate towards mid priced fly rods. Like the St. Croix Avid, TFO professional, etc. They seem to be at the midway point in lightness and stiffness (moderate fast) and just suit my casting and fishing style.

Obviously since the XP is your favorite rod you prefer a faster rod than I do. But of course not everyone casts or fishes alike.

Greg

[Tightline]

Got my little Featherlight this week,and got the reel and line today.When I first put the rod together I thought to myself this is a little bit too noodley,but after casting it today I think it is going to be just what I needed.When I slowed down,it really did make a sweet cast.Thanks Dano for the heads up about these rods,the best thing,its the first time in a long time I haven't felt guilty about dishing out more money for another rod!!!!

TL

[Danoinark]

Good deal TL..did you get the 7fter?

What reel and line did you match to it?

Hope you have fun with that new toy..and I know about the guilt man, I sure do

Dano

[Tightline]

Yeah Dano, I got the 7 footer and put WF6F line on one of the low end Pflueger reels.Also got some sinking tips for the when the Whites start.Thats going to tell the story of the rod ,is when I hook into a 3-4 lb male White Bass! I think it will do just fine.

TL

[Guest flyfishBDS]

Thanks Greg, writing about gear I tend to get asked questions like Dano's a fair bit and I ponder these sorts of issues from my own perspective. Im just another fly fisher with an opinion lol

But I recognize there are a whole bunch of different tastes out there.The only answer is in the casting.

But on the way to work this morning I think I've worked out the best reason for a new rod, whether its cheap or expensive, second-hand, a gift or a purchase. Its the smile on your face when it becomes youw own, the grin when you load it in the car, the sense of pride when you walk the bank.

I'm no different new acquisitions stay in my vehicle for an extended period even when I have "better/moreexpensive/old favorites" sitting at home.

Cheers

Steve

[Greg]

Steve - I know what you mean. It does put a smile on your face when you have a new rod in hand. I have about 15 rods now and I really only need 3 or 4. My problem is that I have an old favorite that always wins out over the new ones. So I tend to only use my new ones once or twice and then they start gathering dust. Kind of wasteful but I suppose there are worse things/vices out there.

Sorry didn't mean to hijack this thread on the featherlight rods. I have a 7 footer that I like a lot. It's one of the ones I've actually kept using. I like a 5 wt line on mine though - even though it's rated for a 6 wt.

Greg

[Danoinark]

I'm no different new acquisitions stay in my vehicle for an extended period even when I have "better/moreexpensive/old favorites" sitting at home.

Cheers

Steve

Oh Steve, it will get worse when you tie the knot... You will be so creative in finding hiding places...hahahaha

I have to agree with Steve. I have an old 8ft 5wgt LL Bean Classic double L that I prolly use most of all. It was made by Dorber in Flippin, Ar when they were making the Bean Rods. Its slow to medium action is just what I love. I can go to the rod closet and decide to pick a rod and 8 out of 10 times I will grab the Bean tube. Its like an old friend always raring to go.

[armyflyfisher]

I just picked up a 7' Featherlight on ebay for $14.25.....can't wait to sling a fly or two with it.

David

[gonefishin]

I think that most fly rods, as most fishing equipment, is made to catch the fisherman. The higher priced the equipment gets the better it is at separating the fisherman from his money. For example the average fisherman who is going to hit the water 5 or 6 times per year probably is better served with lower priced equipment rather than a $700/800 rod and $300/400 reel. Don't get me wrong I dont have anything against higher priced equipment. If a person fishes or travels to exotic fishing location and therefore demands a lot out of his/her fishing equipment then better equipment is in order. I am just not sold on the idea that $700 rods are one bit better than $150 rods for the average fisherman or in general for that matter.

I have heard some argue that if you are going to travel then you need to buy the best equipment because something might break on a fishing trip. I am not sure I buy into this argument either. I am going to use Sage and TFO as examples simply because they are well known rods. Lets say a person is looking at a $700 Sage rod vs a $150 TFO rod. If the determining factor was thatI was worried the TFO might break I would simply buy a second TFO for a backup rod. Then I would have $300 in two rods rather than $700 in one rod. I could use the $400 I saved to go on a fishing trip or buy some other equipment or whatever.