Fly rods: 2-piece or 4-piece (3, 5)? Which do you prefer?

[fly_baby]

Thanks for everyone's input. I have only 4-piece rods because of space and convenience. I have the same issues as everyone else - limited space in the car, hiking, etc. I haven't been fishing long enough to have used the early 4-piece rods so I only know how good 4-piece rods are now.

Classic rods show up on ebay and they're usually 2-piece ones and are priced pretty well - thinking of Sage XP 4-6wt models.

Any suggestions on less expensive cases that allow you to keep your rig setup?

Thanks!

[NorcalBob]

They make them. But the good DR won't like it because it's ORVIS!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx ... t_id=12297

[midger]

There are a lot of travel cases available that allow you to keep your rods rigged. I have several, with my favorites being made by DB Dun and Clear Creek, but others are probably just as nice and would keep your rigs ready to go just as well. Just make sure the reel area is padded. Here is one seller on eBay:

http://stores.ebay.com/Chicken-Licken-Manufacturing_FLY-ROD-CASES_W0QQ_fsubZ2QQ_sidZ22133539QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

But there are always other types of cases offered if you just do a search for fly rod cases. In a quick search I noticed a couple of DB Duns for sale now.

I do prefer the double carriers so I can keep two rods rigged. The two piece rods go well in these carriers. Odd pieced rods not so well unless you break them completely down into individual sections.

[briansII]

They make them. But the good DR won't like it because it's ORVIS!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx ... t_id=12297

I have this case(not the same color so they may have updated it)in a 3 rod configuration. Very nice case.

I have some of Blanton's Rigged N Ready rod cases/socks.

http://www.sealevelflyfish.com/Site/Acc ... _Bags.html

They work great when you need some, but not a lot of protection. Stashed on or under the backseat headed to the local river/lake, or in a boat locker. These don't look all that hard to make. Mrs Fly Bob?

briansII

[fly_baby]

I have this case(not the same color so they may have updated it)in a 3 rod configuration. Very nice case.

briansII

What case are you talking about?

[briansII]

I have this case(not the same color so they may have updated it)in a 3 rod configuration. Very nice case.

briansII

What case are you talking about?

The Orvis case that I quoted from Bob's reply.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx ... t_id=12297



It's on the expensive side, but a very nice case. Looking at the options, I believe my case is no longer made. Mine is made for 3 rigged rods. I can fit 3 trout rigs comfortably, but my bigger setups, 7wt and up, are a bit too tight in the reel pockets. That's probably why they went to a max of 2 rods.

briansII

[fflutterffly]

With the advent of 4 piece rods the price of 2 piece rods dropped. Now most places are giving them away. I like 4 piece for the ease when traveling. Since I've never packed in a rod I think that info should come from Papa or the other who do it often.

[briansII]

Today, in honor of this thread, I'm going to fish a 5 piece rod(LT5 4wt), and take a 3 piece rod(SP 5wt) as a backup. While both are great rods, they are a bit of a hassle to get to the river. Being they break down in odd numbered pieces, it doesn't fit in the back of my truck as nicely as a 2 or 4 piece. When they are rigged, the tip sections seem to have a mind of their own. I need to be extra careful about slamming the door on it. Sometimes little things like that mean they get left at home, and the other rods get out to play.

briansII

[whitefish ed]

i like one piece rods, so i buy 2pc ones and glue em together. saves a lotta glue over 3-4-5 piece rods.

[castaway]

How about a ten piece?

http://www.bluedun.net/RodsandReels_ang ... nglish.htm

[Papasequoia]

I have a six piece, 3wt, 7' long Redington Wayfarer that breaks down and fits into a 17" rod tube. I have used it a lot and it is a nice rod that casts fairly well. But, I would consider it a specialty rod. It tucks easily into a daypack or suitcase to bring along when you might do some fishing and don't want to take up a lot of space with gear. However, if you know that you will be fishing, a 4 piece rod packs down just fine for backpacking, day hiking for fish, or even squeezing into a good-sized suitcase. I have taken a two piece, 9' rod backpacking before and it can be a pain because it keeps hitting low hanging branches etc. as you hike along.

Edit: If you are looking for a four piece on the cheap, the current deal on Deals on the Fly is this:
Ross Worldwide Essence OS Outfit - Size:3/4wt - 8ft 6in 4pc
The Essence® fly fishing outfits include the following products:

* Essence® FS series fly rod, 4-piece design – great for travel
* Flystart® series fly reel outfit – pre-spooled with premium American made fly line, backing and a tapered leader
* Rod tube/case sold separately
* Lifetime warranty on rod and reel

I have no idea what kind of a rod/reel/line combo this is. However, at $69.95 (65% off the regular price of $199.95) it's kind of hard to go wrong.

[fly addict]

I really don’t care how many sections are in a rod. What is important to me is being on the water fishing. I have 2,3,4 pcs rods that are great fishing rods.

Mark

[fly_baby]

Thanks to all for your opinion. So, from what I gather 4-piece rods are the way to go because the size is right for travel, hiking/backpacking and fishing. 2-piece rods are great if you're staying in one place and size isn't an issue. Is that about right?

[rayfound]

Yep, the only advantage is the more pieces the easier it is to pack, store, fit in a trunk, etc...