[sesro1978]

Hi-

I'm looking to purchase a new rod this spring and need suggestions (realizing of course that the best way to find a good rod is to go and cast a couple). I'm looking to narrow down my choices a bit.

I fish mainly small to mid-size streams/rivers with some overhanging brush. I'm going to be fishing a 5-wt. line (mostly) and am looking for fairly responsive rod. Up until now I was using (lost in a house fire last year) an Orvis Clearwater 8.6' 5-wt but I see they've changed their reel-seats from wood to graphite (a change I'm not all-together, thrilled with).

Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks,
sesro1978

[BigCliff]

I'd look the ECHO classic 5wt or a TFO Pro or Finesse series. All 3 are great rods for the money, and have a great warranty as well.

[sesro1978]

Originally Posted by BigCliff

I'd look the ECHO classic 5wt or a TFO Pro or Finesse series. All 3 are great rods for the money, and have a great warranty as well.

Great, thanks! I'll check out those rods...

[GRN]

Where are you in VT?

What action do you like in rods?

What's your budget?

[sesro1978]

Originally Posted by GRN

Where are you in VT?

What action do you like in rods?

What's your budget?

Hi-

I live around Quechee, VT (Ottauquechee River)...recently moved here and have not fished it but it certainly looks promising :-)

I generally like a medium action rod and I'm trying (girlfriend might throw a fit if it goes over this) to keep it under $200.00...

[GRN]

In that price range for a med/fast I like the Sage Launch a lot... for a more moderate action, head to West Lebanon and cast the LL Bean Double L (try to hook up with Steve Cole, he runs the outdoor discovery program and is a NH Guide - and a very cool guy). I just bought a 6'6" 3wt Double L that is a hell of a sweet stick for $195. If you need help connecting with a local Sage dealer, PM me and I'll steer you to one over here that's great about putting together nice packages.

TL's~

[sesro1978]

Originally Posted by GRN

In that price range for a med/fast I like the Sage Launch a lot... for a more moderate action, head to West Lebanon and cast the LL Bean Double L (try to hook up with Steve Cole, he runs the outdoor discovery program and is a NH Guide - and a very cool guy). I just bought a 6'6" 3wt Double L that is a hell of a sweet stick for $195. If you need help connecting with a local Sage dealer, PM me and I'll steer you to one over here that's great about putting together nice packages.

TL's~

Nice! Thanks a bunch! I'm pretty familiar with the LL Bean you speak of but not it's fly-fishing department (moved here last year, had a house fire, lost everything and now trying to re-build stock); I'll definitely check it out.

What do you think of Diamondback fly rods out of curiosity?

Thanks!

[Joe D]

Originally Posted by sesro1978

Hi-

I'm looking to purchase a new rod this spring and need suggestions (realizing of course that the best way to find a good rod is to go and cast a couple). I'm looking to narrow down my choices a bit.

I fish mainly small to mid-size streams/rivers with some overhanging brush. I'm going to be fishing a 5-wt. line (mostly) and am looking for fairly responsive rod. Up until now I was using (lost in a house fire last year) an Orvis Clearwater 8.6' 5-wt but I see they've changed their reel-seats from wood to graphite (a change I'm not all-together, thrilled with).

Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks,
sesro1978

Orvis also changed the tapers and went to a carbon fiber scrim. The new rods are lighter than the older ones. You might want to check out the trout Bum series. They might fit the type of water you're fishing a little better.

But, as you already stated, the only real way to go about rod selection is to cast a few and pick the one you like the best.

[GRN]

Originally Posted by sesro1978

Nice! Thanks a bunch! I'm pretty familiar with the LL Bean you speak of but not it's fly-fishing department (moved here last year, had a house fire, lost everything and now trying to re-build stock); I'll definitely check it out.

What do you think of Diamondback fly rods out of curiosity?

Thanks!

I think their glass rods in 2-4 wt are some of the best fishing tools made for the $... but I fear the longevity of the product support maybe in question... not that I'm nearly as close to that brand as I am others.

[sesro1978]

Originally Posted by GRN

I think their glass rods in 2-4 wt are some of the best fishing tools made for the $... but I fear the longevity of the product support maybe in question... not that I'm nearly as close to that brand as I am others.

Fair enough.

On a related (sort of) note; I've noticed that many manufacturer's have moved from 2-piece rods to 4-piece rods. Do 4-piece rods fish any differently? Is this a trend in manufacturing?