Orvis Fly Rod Question

[Wondering]

Hello, everyone!  Just retired, and planning on fly fishing again as in my younger days, mostly for bluegill, crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass.  Just acquired a 4-piece Orvis Rock Mountain series (gray/black blank) on E-Bay for $63.  8'6", 3 5/8 oz, 6 Wt.  Just curious about the history and quality of this rod, and what its relative value might be (not looking to sell it!).  Also looking for advice on what kind of line might be most appropriate for this kind of fishing...know I will need to get down a few feet because of summer heat.  Thanks, all!

 

[fishinwrench]

Everyone is different but for me it would do for the gills and crappie, but not for the bass.  I guess it depends on what size "bugs" you wanna throw and how serious you are about it.  

No idea on the history but as far as I know Orvis never produced any "junk".  

I would expect a decent quality WF-6-F and a variety of leaders (both mono, and 5ips sinking) in the 6-8# tippet class would have you properly geared up.  

I'd stay away from 1/2 heavy lines like the Rio Grande or SA GPX as that rod is likely to be a bit slow and easily overpowered.

[kjackson]

I'd start with the weight-forward floater and then see if I needed to go deeper, depending upon where you're fishing and the timing.  Once you get a handle on the water/current/depth/fish, I would pick up sink tip or sinking head depending upon the conditions.  With most of the fishing I've done with a fly rod for 'gills, I was completely happy with a floating line and, when I needed to get deeper, using a weighted fly.  

 

[Krazo]

I have a rocky mountain series 5 wt 2 piece. It is a slow rod. It throws small bugs fine but as wrench said it can be easily overpowered. 

[jdmidwest]

The Orvis Rock Mountain was produced in the late 80's at their mid grade rod. It carried the 25 year warranty and had a medium action. Good rods, never owned one. I started with Orvis at about the same time the rod series was phased out in early 1990. 

[Wondering]

Thank you, all, for your responses!  They were very helpful!!!