Rod opinions?

[JonJon]

Hi all, sorry for putting this in the "general" section, but I couldn't really find a good location to ask. As a "rookie" fly fisherman, I'm still learning all the essentials of the sport, and everything that goes with it. I was planning on taking a trip up to my local Bass Pro Shop one night this week to look for a new rod/reel since I enjoyed fly fishing so much last year with my little junky Pfleuger starter rod I bought.

I've heard great things about St. Croix, and was hoping to pick this rod up, but would like some opinions before I jump in head first.

Wanted to go with the 8'6", 5 weight, as it will be a pretty much general purpose rod. Thoughts? http://www.basspro.com/St--Croix-Imperial-Fly-Rods/product/10211678/-1539185


Thanks in advanced,
-Jon

[briansII]

Looks like a good choice to me. By the way, I have a St Croix Imperial 5wt. It's the older model. The new model should be lighter, and a bit faster.

If your cap is around $200, every US based fly rod company I know of has a rod in that price range. You certainly have plenty of choices.

briansII

[unskunkable]

(ducking and heading for cover) You should get plenty of opinions here, just remember it has to feel good to you regardless of what anyone else says.

[Flyjunkie]

(ducking and heading for cover) You should get plenty of opinions here, just remember it has to feel good to you regardless of what anyone else says.

I agree, it doesn't matter how a rod feels for other folks, you certainly need to cast the rod before purchasing it, make certain it's Comfortable for YOU.
Take your time trying various rods from various Companies.. never rush into buying a rod....

[Lee-B]

First off, what do you plan to use it for? One species? Multi species? Saltwater? Fresh? Both? You get the picture.......

[JonJon]

(ducking and heading for cover) You should get plenty of opinions here, just remember it has to feel good to you regardless of what anyone else says.

I agree, it doesn't matter how a rod feels for other folks, you certainly need to cast the rod before purchasing it, make certain it's Comfortable for YOU.
Take your time trying various rods from various Companies.. never rush into buying a rod....

Ya, that's why I was going to try and head up to Bass Pro so I could see a larger selection and try out as many as possible. My local shops (that I am aware of) don't have a very large selection.


As for what I'll be using it for; mainly Trout up in my local area of the Sierras. I'm an avid dual sport rider, so after riding up in the mountains for so long I got tired of running into beautiful fishing locations, without anything to fish them with! With that in mind, I'm also looking for something that can be broken down relatively small, which is why the 4-piece caught my eye.

I will definitely spend a lot of time going over every detail I can when actually purchasing the rod, just kinda wanted everyones basic opinions on anything I might overlook as a beginner.

[Sasha]

(ducking and heading for cover) You should get plenty of opinions here, just remember it has to feel good to you regardless of what anyone else says.

What no mention of Scott rods



Ok seriously this is great advice.

[Flyjunkie]

.


As for what I'll be using it for; mainly Trout up in my local area of the Sierras. I'm an avid dual sport rider, so after riding up in the mountains for so long I got tired of running into beautiful fishing locations, without anything to fish them with! With that in mind, I'm also looking for something that can be broken down relatively small, which is why the 4-piece caught my eye.

I will definitely spend a lot of time going over every detail I can when actually purchasing the rod, just kinda wanted everyones basic opinions on anything I might overlook as a beginner.

Check out the T.F.O. rods, they have the Lefty Kreh Professional and Signature series, they are fine economical Trout Rods at very doable prices...

[nick562]

.


As for what I'll be using it for; mainly Trout up in my local area of the Sierras. I'm an avid dual sport rider, so after riding up in the mountains for so long I got tired of running into beautiful fishing locations, without anything to fish them with! With that in mind, I'm also looking for something that can be broken down relatively small, which is why the 4-piece caught my eye.

I will definitely spend a lot of time going over every detail I can when actually purchasing the rod, just kinda wanted everyones basic opinions on anything I might overlook as a beginner.

Check out the T.F.O. rods, they have the Lefty Kreh Professional and Signature series, they are fine economical Trout Rods at very doable prices...

Indeed with the greatest warranty hands down so if you run it over with you O.H.V its all gravy!

[hpskiff]

Without getting into brands, consider number of pieces/pack size, your preference for reel seats (I don't like the cigar band type), action - fast, slow, etc., Extras (type and quality of rod tube, length of warranty, conditions, costs and turn around time on that warranty vs. the price of the rod.

[unskunkable]

(ducking and heading for cover) You should get plenty of opinions here, just remember it has to feel good to you regardless of what anyone else says.

What no mention of Scott rods



Ok seriously this is great advice.

Scott really lays it down, but only with the orange distance backing.

[Sasha]

(ducking and heading for cover) You should get plenty of opinions here, just remember it has to feel good to you regardless of what anyone else says.

What no mention of Scott rods



Ok seriously this is great advice.

Scott really lays it down, but only with the orange distance backing.

Dunno about that. When I really want to lay it down; I find that blue backing with a DT fly line in dun works the best

[JonJon]

Going to make my trek to Manteca today after work. Should hopefully be coming home with a whole new setup. I'll let ya guys know what I end up going with.

Thanks for all the advice!

[JonJon]

Well, after 3 hours in the fly department of Bass Pro, I walked away with this setup..
Rod:http://www.basspro.com/Temple-Fork-Outfitters-Lefty-Kreh-Finesse-Fly-Fishing-Rods/product/88853/-1497796
Reel:http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/gloomis_2010/us/en/fly/reels/venture.html

Tried to go up into the hills this weekend to test it out, and of course didn't catch anything, but it was nice to be able to walk the streams, and try to figure out how to cast my new setup. (Still need a loooot of practice)

[RichardCullip]

Well, after 3 hours in the fly department of Bass Pro, I walked away with this setup..
Rod:http://www.basspro.com/Temple-Fork-Outfitters-Lefty-Kreh-Finesse-Fly-Fishing-Rods/product/88853/-1497796
Reel:http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/gloomis_2010/us/en/fly/reels/venture.html

Tried to go up into the hills this weekend to test it out, and of course didn't catch anything, but it was nice to be able to walk the streams, and try to figure out how to cast my new setup. (Still need a loooot of practice)

Congrats on the new setup. Should do the job for you.