Stuff Happens

[Paola Cat]

OK ... I'm trying to keep my composure while writing this post. Last night I was prepping some gear for a trip to BBSP for some C&R. I've been using an older Ovris Superfine and thought it might be a good time to rig up something else for a change. I was rigging up an older Sage 4 weight custom rod (made for me by a now deceased gentleman) in the living room .... and then I was going to go out and lawn cast it for a few minutes. I didn't notice the wife's cat was in the room. Anyway, the cat grabbed the furled leader and took off. Snapped the tip off the rod.

After a few deep breaths and a moment of silence, I then rigged up a 3 weight Lamiglass Appalachian. I went out into the yard and cast it for a few minutes. On the way back into the house, I missed the first step onto the front deck and fell. Snapped the rod in 2 places.

No alcohol was involved in either of these incidents!

Out of sure pity and I guess in a true moment of weakness, the wife has given me the go ahead to replace the rods (I'll also get the Sage repaired).

My dilemma is, I haven't purchased a rod in about 3 years. Been eyeballing the Sage Launch, TFO TiCr, and St. Croix Avid. I'm looking for any feedback on these. Thanks PC

[JobyKSU]

I'm a huge fan of the Sage Launch. See some previous discussion HERE. It has great backbone and fairly soft tip to protect tippet. It is nice and light, and has definitely become my go-to rod. I think everyone should cast one before they purchase anything else.

I personally am not a fan of the TiCr. I just don't like the fast action fly rods. I have fished the Avid and I like it, but it doesn't hold up to the Launch in my opinion.

If you are looking for a replacement for you the Lamiglas, I would definitely cast before you by. If the close-in precision offered by the Appalachian is important to you then you might need to look elsewhere. There are some really superb small stream rods out there, but I'm not sure any of these three qualify.

[Paola Cat]

JobyKSU .... Thanks for the info. I've got another Appalachian in a 5 weight and might just make do with it for the close-in-precision. I'll definitely check out the Launch. PC

[Danoinark]

I am just thankful the Superfine is safe and intact!!!!

Dano

[Greg]

What a sad story. It's just really heart breaking when a nice rod is broken. I have a custom made rod that's one of my favorites too. It would be really hard to replace - the blank is no longer made and the guy that made it is either deceased or no longer builds rods. I hope you can get your custom made rod fixed.

To your question - I've cast a Sage Launch. I love the action. Very nice rod. I just can't get past the strange (to me) color though. But that's minor. I don't care for the TFO Ticr. Too fast for my tastes. I don't own a TFO but if I did I would get the Pro or Finesse. The St. Croix Avid would be my pick of those 3. In fact the custom made rod I mentioned above is built on an older Avid blank. I've cast the newer Avids and like them too.

I would be interested to know how your repair of your custom rod goes.

Greg

[The Caddis]

Ouch! Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

As in the post before, the Launch is hard to beat.

[Paola Cat]

Just ordered the Launch .... I've been told it will ship today. PC

[back2roots]

I've had my Launch for a bit over a month now. Best fishing purchase I've done.....best bang for the buck.

Bill

[Paola Cat]

The launch arrived today .... nice. PC

[JobyKSU]

Doesn't the Launch feel nice? Let us know what you think about it after you spend a day on the water

Quick question - do you still have your broken Appalachian laying around? I just spoke to another person that broke the tip section in a beverage-related incident. Lamiglas replaced it for a rather low fee.

I'd give them a call and see what they can do. Can't hurt to try.