Hardy Rods

[rkfiske]

Hey guys,
So I recently read the 2wt shootout over at the fly fish ohio website (which if you haven't read it, it's pretty great) And while I learned maybe I should upline my 8' TFO Pro, I also learned that both short hardy rods I was interested in were well received. Do any of you have any experience with either the Hardy Glass Aln (the 5' 2wt) or the Hardy Classic Flyweight (6' 2wt). I really am eyeing the classic, my only concern is that it is two piece, I'd like something that breaks down a bit more. I'd appreciate any input you guys have, even if it has to do with lightweight rods that you own that you would recommend. I'm getting a bit tired of my 8' rod in alot of close quarters local fishing That's at least the excuse I've come up with

[castaway]

I own the 5' ALN... I love it.

But, you should be warned.... the rod is much much different from anything you have played with.

It is very soft and slow action... a 10" bass will bend it to the cork.

It took me about 30 missed strikes to figure out that with this super soft rod... I had to set the hook like I was bass fishing... only these were 10" fish. You can literally feel the fish swim by your fly.

Also... casting is different. I had problems getting the rod to load at short distances... so I uplined it to a 3wt triangle tapper... dont be fooled by the 3wt... its the most delicate ultra-light on the market - bar none.

I can land a stimmy on the water with nearly a ripple.... the fly basicly floats to the water.

Its a challenge to use this rod... but once you get used to it... it will haunt you in your day dreams while you sit at your desk at work...

I think the classic - is actually more of a modern graphite rod? so the action is more along the lines of something your used too. The aln is 'glass - more like bamboo.

Also, dont forget the 6' hardy brook 3wt... again its 'glass so dont be fooled by the line wt.

I live in bakersfield and would let you use it anytime if your ever in the area.

Also... just read the site... the bass pro shops reel they reviewed is the reel I use.... AWESOME reel!!!! and super light.

[castaway]

Joe Cornwalls comments are dead on

http://www.flyfishohio.com/2-Weight_Sho ... dy_aln.htm

Just read about the classic.... that rod sounds nice as well...

St. Croix and Hardy top of the list... my two fav. rods that I own as well..

Very interesting that the ERN# had the ALN rated at a sub 1wt... more like a 0 or 00 rod!

makes me wonder about sage....

[fly addict]

Ryan,

I have the Echo Carbon 6'6" 3wt 4pc that I bought for the streams you are talking about. I went through 3 other rods before I got the Echo. That rod excels at that type of fishing with pinpoint accuracy. It will toss a size 12 stimulator and a dropper at the close range distance that you will be casting, with out problems. It is also a blast to fish. And at a $170 it is not too pricey either.

Next time I go fishing you should come and try it.

Mark

[rayfound]

Hey guys,
So I recently read the 2wt shootout over at the fly fish ohio website (which if you haven't read it, it's pretty great) And while I learned maybe I should upline my 8' TFO Pro, I also learned that both short hardy rods I was interested in were well received. Do any of you have any experience with either the Hardy Glass Aln (the 5' 2wt) or the Hardy Classic Flyweight (6' 2wt). I really am eyeing the classic, my only concern is that it is two piece, I'd like something that breaks down a bit more. I'd appreciate any input you guys have, even if it has to do with lightweight rods that you own that you would recommend. I'm getting a bit tired of my 8' rod in alot of close quarters local fishing That's at least the excuse I've come up with

Being someone who fishes locals a lot, and friend of yours ryan, I have to say that I feel the benefits of a longer rod outweigh any disadvantages of being difficult to manouver in tight spaces. The line control advantages, and longer reach, I feel, are more important in small stream fishing... sure, once in a while I thing "man, if this rod was 2' shorter, I could cast from here".... but more often than not, i just get lower and dap or bow-and-arrow cast to those holes with a longer rod...

That being said, the action of a glass rod intrigues me. But my next rod (very soon), will be 7'10".

TFO makes a 6' 2wt, but its also a 2 piece. Gremlin makes a 6'6" 4 piece. Both are under $100 I think.


BUUUUUUT - Not everyone will fish the same. Sooooooo, you being a caster, I think a 6' rod would be a nice addition for you, so you don't have to get your waders dirty crawling in the mud!

[rkfiske]

Thanks Castaway (Gabe right?),
I think they have an Aln at fisherman's spot, I'll check that out next time. I rarely come to bakersfield otherwise I would hit you up about it. Good info though, that rod is definitely intriguing!

Mark,
I remember casting your Echo, it really is a nice casting rod and I'm still thinking about it too, I will admit I'm partly falling in love with the fit and finish of the Hardy rods, but the Echo would make just as much sense I think if not more.

Ray,
A few days back from your cruise and you're already digging into me?? I can get down and dirty and bow and arrow cast if I wanted, I just prefer to make epic casts is all! I hear yah on the long rod benefits, I might miss high sticking and the reach I get from the rod. I guess I won't know till I buy one though

[tomsakai]

Hey Ryan. I'm admittedly not an expert like Ray but I just started using my 6 1/2 foot 2 wt Forecast rod. I used it last week and it worked out well on the upper reaches of the same river that we fished at the 9 man'ner. For $99 plus shipping (but no tube), I think it's a bargain. Having said that, my other favorite rod is my 7 1/2 foot or 7 foot 9 inch 3 wt Echo 2 which is a great rod for small streams. Tom.

[unskunkable]

I personally love the Hardy glass rods and I rarely fish for trout. The action does take a little getting used to but it is so unique that it really does start to haunt you. I keep eyeing one for myself but I have to start chasing Salmonoids a little more before I pull the trigger.