High $ rods

[The Caddis]

I'm thinking about high $ rod. Are they worth it? I'm considering an Orvis Zero gravity, a Winston Boron IIx, and a Sage Zaxis.

One conern I have is that these are fast action rods and what about fishing light tippets on Taney? Will they be forgiving enough?

Any thoughts, comments, or wise cracks are appreciated.

[Gavin]

I havent cast the Orvis, but I've played around with most of the rods in the Z-Axis and the BIIx line. I really like the BIIx 4,5,& 6wts, there really smooth, really light, and they have a soft tips. The Z-Axis is a little faster, and lighter than the old XP models, faster than the BIIx, but not as fast as the old XP's. Frankly, I like the Sage SLT and better than the Z-Axis.

The SLT 590-4pc is a real honey, wish I could fish mine more often, but its my wife's favorite fly rod. The 8.5' 5wt BIIx is a great rod too. Cast them and see what you like best. Cheers.

[troutchaser]

I really think it depends on what fits your style best. For Taneycomo, you really don't need to be able to throw a fly that far. I prefer a medium action rod on calm days and a medium-fast rod on windy ones.

a couple of years ago, I was introduced to Charlie Reading who owns Reading's Fly Shop just outside Bennett Spring State Park. He spent some time with me at his casting pond, and we narrowed the selection down to two rods. I wound up buying a Scott A2 or V2 (I forget which one) and a Ross reel that balanced it perfectly. The total outfit, with Wulff triangle taper line, backing, rod tube and reel bag cost around $400. I've never been more pleased with a setup in my life.

Are big money rods worth it? Only if they fit your casting style and fishing areas. I'd try out those rods and maybe a few others before buying.

[Terry Beeson]

I totally agree with troutchaser. Go cast a bunch of rods to see what fits YOUR casting style. As for the "forgiveness" of a fast action rod, you might have to change your fighting style a bit, but there are too many fast and slow rods and everything in between used on Taney and similar waters to say it will have any BIG effect...

[armyflyfisher]

Cast a bunch...regardless of price.....then buy what YOU like ...regardless of price.

Why limit your selection to only high dollar sticks? There are LOTS of fine casting rods manufactured today that don't cost an arm and a leg that you might like....such as the Echo or TFO's etc etc.

I waved around Winstons, Sages, ST Croixs, G. Loomis rods and TFOs before I settled on my sweet little Echo 3wt. It's light, looks good (to me) and fit's MY style perfectly, and only cost me about $150 or so.

The money I saved was enough to invest in a nice line and convinced my financial advisor (the better half) that I will need a 7 wt in the near future!

Watch what Terry says.......after all....he drives a DODGE!!!

David (Drives a FORD!!!)

[jdmidwest]

The Orvis Zero G is a sweet dam rod, but money is not everything. I traded services for one last summer, I would not have shelled out the dough for it. Orvis has several other rods that are cheaper and cast perfectly. A few years back, I decided to buy a beater 4wt travel rod. Something to carry around in the truck. I could not touch a Orvis rod for less than $300, so I bought a 5 pc combo from Cabela's and loved it. It was the first rod I had fished other than Orvis in 15 years. I spent $120 for a 5 pc rod, disc reel, line, backing, leader and travel case. It is a slower action rod and I tossed the free fly line, it was junk, but the rest was a good deal and I use it alot. I own 7 Orvis rods also, all the upper end quality.

I agree with the others, try before you buy..............

[Greg]

Is a $600 rod worth the price? It's a good question. But one that only each individual person can answer. Personally I've cast several rods in that price range and owned one (that I later sold). For me they are not significantly better than the "mid range" rods costing $100 to 300. But that's just me. I may not be a good enough caster to appreciate the subtle differences between a $200 and $600 stick.

Greg

[John Berry]

Between my wife and I, we own several Winston, Sage, and Orvis rods. We have found that it depends on what you are doing. No rod does it all. I generally fish with a Sage Light Line. Lori favors a Winston Joan Wulff Favorite for fishing. When we practice distance Casting we use a TFO TiCrX. Fly fishing in the Smokies it is Bamboo or a soft Orvis. For the Salt it is a Sage RPLX. Some of these rods are over twenty years old and still used.

[SilverMallard]

Well, for me, the true cost of a fly rod over $200 would be the emergency room bill, legal fees, and half of everything I own...because my wife would beat me within an inch of my life! And I figure it just ain't worth it.

[troutchaser]

Amen, Mr. Mallard. Paying the surgeon for extracting said rod would probably be costly, as well. Especially if he could keep it intact.