65 replies to this topic

[MichiganFishing1997]

Im looking into getting a new fly rod, 8 weight. Im thinking maybe anywhere from 250 to 350? 400 max. Under 250 works too. What brand or model would you suggest? im gonna use it for pike, steelhead, and other fish in that area. Gloomis, Orvis, TFO, Sage? I know orvis has a 25 year waranty which is good. Thanks for the feedback!

[Michael DiNardo]

All are great rods. I have a 9 1/2 7 wt, that handled some big silvers and chums in AK. Mine is a St. Croix Elite series which is within your budget. It is a very nice rod. A 9' 8 wt will handle everything you want to do as well. May I suggest a 4 piece, it is very handy to pack. Whatever you get, also buy quality line, don't scrimp on line. I would suggest a WF, weight forward, floating line.

Mike

[Jacob34]

I would also recommend going to your local fly shop (If you have one.) or fishing store and try casting a few different rods. Fly fishing isn't like regular fishing per say, each individual has a different casting stroke. Go cast a few and pick which one feels the best to you. If you're going to spend upwards of $400.00 you really can't go wrong with the rod manufacturers you listed. Each have lifetime warranties.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Thanks, i will definitely get a 4 piece, and hopefully they will throw in some good line haha.Any problems with the St.Croix? And Jacob i love the suggestion of going to a local fly shop but i cant find one close, i have gotten all my stuff for tying and fishing from BPS.

[Michael DiNardo]

No problems with the St. Croix. I will say it might be a bit heavier, half an ounce, heavier than a Loomis, but I'm 270 pounds, so that does not matter to me. It is built very well. I recommend the St. Croix. If you go to a flyshop, don't be surprised if they do throw in the flyline, I would ask, if you buy a higher end rod and reel.

Mike

[MichiganFishing1997]

Good to know. Yeah weight 135, so wight can make a difference here. Now what speed do you prefer? Mid? Fast?

[Jacob34]

If this is your first fly rod outfit I would recommend a mod./Fast action rod. A little slower of a rod really helps with the learning side of things. If I where a betting man I would say that the Orvis Access is the lightest rod out of the bunch you listed followed by Sage. I personally throw the 9' 8WT Sage Vantage and love that rod. It has landed many a steelhead and a few salmon, not to mention tiger musky,pike and wipers. It's a fairly light stick at 3 3/4 oz. Sage's customer service is great as is ST. Croix's. G-loomis on the other.... let's just say I'll never buy another product from them again. Also I own an older ST. Croix Legend Ultra 5WT. and love that rod as well. I've had it for almost Ten years now and still use it alot.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Good to know, im not new to fly fishing, i got my first rod in february, but i learn quick. I can cast well, still working on presentation, i know my knots, and iv landed many bass and blue gill on my 5wt. Its just one of those BPS intruders but it works well for the money. And i know its expensive but what about a Orvis Access outfit, the colors on the rod are beautiful to me.

[Michael DiNardo]

I prefer a fast action rod. If you are already good at it, I would recommend a fast action.

Mike

[Jacob34]

I had the opportunity to throw the 9' 5WT. tip flex Orvis Access earlier today on the river and it's one sweet stick! Liked it better than my St. Croix Legend Ultra. It handled big old stone fly dries and nymphs and well as smaller dries superbly. I'm thinking it will make a great X-mas present

[MichiganFishing1997]

I just love the look of that access! how fast is that action?

[Jacob34]

Honestly Orvis rod's action are somewhat different than other manufactures. The 9.5 Tip Flex Orvis Access that I used today compared to a Sage fast action fly rod (Like the Flight or VXP.) Or even my ST. Croix Legend Ultra is noticeably slower to me. Not to say it's not a fast action fly rod. It's just a bit slower than rods mentioned above. Another thing you might want to look at is if you can find an Orvis Hydros on sale it would be a steal. They retailed around $500.00, but probably can be had for much less. My Brother has the Hydros and it's freaky lightweight. I didn't realize that Orvis stopped selling them (I assume they did, they're not on the website anymore.)

[MichiganFishing1997]

Ah alright, now how did the action affect your casting?

[Jacob34]

Not at all. Me personally I like the moderate fast action fly rods. I also throw a bamboo rod too, which is ridiculously slow action. You just have to adjust your casting stroke to the rod. If you have never thrown a faster action rod it will take some time to get the timing down right, but since you have a good idea of what you are doing it really shouldn't be a problem.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Okay good to know. Now do you have an Orvis shop near you? I do and i was wondering if they let you cast the rods.