Looking For A Flyrod

[txdave]

Moved back from the Texas Gulf coast where I flyfished for redfish. Do not think my 9' 8wt will work for the trout. Need help I know 1 rod will not do it all but where do I start 5wt or 6wt and how long. No looking for the most expensive equipment nor bottom end equipment. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[ness]

Hi Txdave,

I fish primarily the smaller rivers and streams, with an occasional trip to the parks. I typically use an 8-1/2 foot 4 weight, and could go lighter than that. For Taneycomo, the White, etc. you'd want to size up -- I'll let the experts guide you on that.

I bought a couple Cabela's rods for my boys a few years back (8-1/2, four weights). They were two different models, but the one I like better is called a Traditional II. Nice looking, good components, and a slightly slower action. I also bought a couple cheap Cabela's reels -- one was plastic and the other painted metal. They work, but I wouldn't buy either for myself. My reels are all Orvis Battenkills -- nicely made, traditional look, Orvis no BS warranty.

[txdave]

Thanks Enchanter will look at better quality reels such as Orvis. May current rods are Sages just do not want to spend that much money because in 4-5 years I hope to be back on the Gulf Coast using them.

[Jason R.]

I'd get this reel (Lamson konic)

I'd get this rod (TFO Pro II)

I'd get this line (Cabelas Prestige)

[jdmidwest]

I think an 8 1/2 ft. 5 wt. is a good all around rod for most of our local fishing. It will cast well on larger rivers but can be cast well on smaller streams or ponds. The 5 wt. is a pretty good weight all around, you can toss streamers, poppers, nymphs, and dry flies with it. If you want to get technical, then you will need a 4 wt or a 7 wt of various lengths and actions.

I am partial to all of the Orvis products, I would recommend a Superfine series with the Battenkill reels. But all of their products are covered by an excellent warranty and service.

[brittsnbirds]

I agree with Jason except for the rod. Recommend a Cabela's rod if they are close. If you break it or it fails they replace it no questions asked, except which one do you want.

I had a TFO, it snapped and I had to pay a replacement fee. I think Cabela rods are decent quality and comparable to TFO.

[Jason R.]

TFO's replacement is cheaper that say Sage. It is 25 or 30 to replace a rod. Sage is 50. Free would be better- I agree with that. Cabelas makes very decent rods.

[strangercreek]

Lamson has another inexpensive reel in their line up now...called the "Liquid", $100, looks pretty nice. I bet the fit and finish is good even for a cast reel, due to their manufacturing reputation (the body is made over seas).

I think the blank for the Konics are made overseas and then "skim cut" in the US....but it looks like the body of this reel is made completely overseas, but has the same US Made drag system they are known for...

http://waterworks-lamson.com/products/lamson-liquid/

Throw that on a Cabelas Traditional 2 or TFO Signature Series with RIO Mainstream and you will be set!!!!

[podum]

Two cents: 5wt if you'll only buy one rod. If you'll buy two eventually, get a 4wt first (8 ft or 8.5 ft) and add a 6wt (9 ft) later. You can fish any of the MO/ARK trout and smallmouth waters with those two.

Reels: I LOVE the Allen reels. Been slowly replacing all previous purchases with the Allen stuff. Simply awesome.

[strangercreek]

Two cents: 5wt if you'll only buy one rod. If you'll buy two eventually, get a 4wt first (8 ft or 8.5 ft) and add a 6wt (9 ft) later. You can fish any of the MO/ARK trout and smallmouth waters with those two.

Reels: I LOVE the Allen reels. Been slowly replacing all previous purchases with the Allen stuff. Simply awesome.

Hey Podum, which Allen reels do you have and what do you think of them?

Thanks