Taneycomo Night/Fall rod discussion

[drew03cmc]

I would lean towards a 7wt 9' because it will do everything. If you want to bass or saltwater fish, it will work for smallies, largemouth, night trout, bonefish, small stripers, hybrids, whites, almost anything that the run of the mill 5wt cannot do. Brand, I like either St. Croix or TFO for this task. The Pro (TFO) or the Reign (ST Croix) are both in the $130-150 range, leaving plenty of operating capital for a nice reel and line. Just my .02.

[Terry Beeson]

Another consideration is what else you might fish with this outfit rather than only dragging it out at night. Look at other fishing options.

Steve... Dude... Mate... NEVER ...I mean NEVER say that around my wife... I'm trying to convince her I need a few more rods for different types of fishing...

I like what you mentioned about tippet... Good point. I'm leaning toward a 2 ft section of 20 lb Amnesia with 8 lb mono tippet... maybe a 3 ft section of 15 lb Amnesia in between. Some guys are tying a very short cut leader (high diameter butt end) and directly to a 6-20 lb tippet. So, that thought should be in mind when looking at the rod to use... or vice versa...

[vanven]

This is exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks.

I think I like the idea of the 7 weight. I dont have many options for smallies in the Kansas City area but i can drag my float tube out and get into some nice largemouth.

I do really like my Orvis TLS 5wt. but it feels significantly stiffer than my wife's TFO Pro. I cast both of them well but the TFO just feels better. It is easier for me to feel it load while casting. I expect that to change as i become a much better caster.

I believe i read that Cabellas lets you cast their rods now. It might give me a chance to get a couple of the above mentioned rods in my hands without having to make a split second decision. I will at least save my pennies and see if Michael can have one ready to go for me when I drive through.

I realize that asking about specifics in a message board when rod shopping doesnt help near as much as handling the rod in person, and casting the rod provides much more information than that little flipping action we all do when we handle a 9 foot rod under an 8 foot ceiling at the fly shop. If someone here says the Sages tend to have a faster tip while the TFO tends to be closer to a medium action rod, that is something i can quantify in my mind as I pick a new one out. I can cast them both and walk away saying ok now i know that I like faster rods.

-Jerod

[vanven]

I am excited. One of the few Kansas City area shops has several of the rods and reels that I have been googling for the past month. I am going ot have to get in on a weekend and spend some time casting each to decide. I have narrowed it down to a few:

Rods:

TFO Pro series 7wt

Sage Launch 7wt

TFO TiCrX 7wt

Reel:

Sage 1580

I am not set on the reel. A lot of it depends on how balanced it feels on the rod. I do like the Sage a lot, it is good looking, and the large arbor is a big bonus. it is a new model and the reviews are hard to find so far though.

I will post back with my n00bish results.

-Jerod

[Greg]

VanVen

I'm not 100% sure but I think that sage reel is a cast aluminum reel. I think maybe for the price of that reel you could maybe get a machined aluminum reel. I think cast reels are fine - BUT if you drop one they are sometimes toast (they bend). Machined reels are generally stronger and have less tendency to wobble. Just something to think about. Sage just doesn't make bad products though so I'm sure this is a good reel.

There are several fine machined fly reels at less expensive prices. The Teton Tioga is one.

Great choices on the rods.

Greg

[trout fanatic]

Just to add my thoughts to the mix. Last year I bought the TFO 10 foot Pro 7 weight for steelhead fishing in the great lakes tribs. It handled the job fine and I wasn't tired after a long day of swinging big streamers (okay, change that to read "wasn't too tired"-almost forgot how old I was, slinging steamers all day in a raging river is hard work but all the fun makes it pain free). The extra length makes for easy mending amd the price ($185) makes it bearable, especially with the TFO warranty service. In short, I like the rod

[Steve Dally]

Any of tghose rods would work nicely.

But Ive got to correct Greg slightly. The 1580 is a cast reel (sealed drag) but at $99 prices. Way under the Tioga etc.

I think Greg is thinking of the 2500 series which is over $300 and machined and my reel of choice currently. NP mate

The 1580 is one of the few truly Large Arbor reels at that price.

Cheers

[Leonard]

Vanven...

If I had a choice of another rod..

Id have to go with another Redington.

I may have to go longer like the 10'

Leonard

[Greg]

Steve I think we are actually both right.

The Tioga if bought at retail price costs roughly $120 to $180 depending on the size. But there is a dealer that sells them on ebay (new or blems) with a full factory warranty for way under retail. I have a Tioga 6 large arbor and a #4 regular arbor and I paid less than $100 each time. Sometimes you will see a blem (slight color mismatch) for $80!!!

She even engraved my initials on my 6 LA for just a few extra bucks. They are great reels at any price. Tough as nails and with a super smooth drag to boot.

I'm not knocking the sage reel at all. I'm sure its a good reel and a good value. But I think in most instances a machined reel will hold up better.

Greg

[vanven]

Greg,

I appreciate the information and I will have to look into the Tioga. K&K Flyfisher here in KC sells the Sage and Launch in a package deal here, but I dont believe they offer it in a 7 weight. The reels skip from a 1560 (6wt) to a 1580 (8wt). Any thoughts on a slightly mismatched setup?

I am not sold on the Sage reel yet. I just recognize the name, there is a limited selection of true large arbor reels in my $80-$130 budget, and well I love the way it looks (specially the 1880). I also like the Cortland Endurance #2 LA Fly Reel.

What I wouldnt give for a reliable fly fishing gear review site....

Steve you need to open a shop up north so I can give you some business.

-Jerod