[tca1954]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to replace my redington rs2 9' 4 wt. rod and need some advice. Currently, I own several rods of various wts. and actions, an Orvis Silver Label 8' 1 wt., TFO Pro Series 8'6" 3 wt. Orvis Power Matrix 9' 6wt and of course the redington mentioned. I enjoy all these rods and fish mainly for panfish, bass and carp.

I would like to upgrade my 4 wt. because this is the rod and weight I like to fish the most. The bass in my area (Chicago) average around 1-1.5 lbs. with lots of 2-3 pounders in between. Also the carp I catch average around 5-7 lbs. with the occassional 10-12 pounder. As a matter of fact I caught a 12 lb. carp last summer on my 1 wt. and had quite a handful, but landed him in about 5-7 min.

I do fish for bass and carp regularly with my 4 wt. and have had very good success with this rod. I like the 6 wt. Orvis but I am the most accurate with the 4wt. The 1 and 3 wt. are fun for bluegills and I will always use these rods for this type of fishing, but the 4 wt. is a sweet stick and I would really like to get a good one.

My budget is not limited, thank you Lord and my wife, and I would like to have some input on, of course, the best 4 wt. any of you guys have had experience with.

I like moderate to fast action rods and my current redington I believe falls into that class. What I would like to know is, would an 8'6" 4 wt. be a good choice or should I stay with a 9'. Actions, fast, moderate, something else? Good line and reel choices?

I will be fishing for all the species mentioned above with the 4 wt. and would like to know what fly sizes the 4 wt. can handle adequately, bass bugs, streamers, dries, nymphs, etc.

And one more thing, I prefer 2 piece rods.

I realize that the best advise is to test cast as many rods as possible, but in the area where I live there aren't really any fly shops where I can do that. I have a Bass Pro Shop nearby, but their selection is limited. One fly shop in my area does handle Sage and TFO rods, but that is about it. So I will have to chance an internet purchase. And this is why I have all these questions for you guys.

So this is my dilemma and any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[imxer]

Hello,
Am a 4wt enthusiast too & prefer an 8 1/2 ft rod to a 9. I find them easier to control & cast. That applies to me , recommend you try both before buying to see which you prefer.
There are a lot of good rods out there, the best for you is whichever you prefer & will enjoy fishing. Since you are not limited financially, suggest you include the Loomis GLX in you trials.
Best of luck with your selection & the fishing that will follow.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi tca1954,

"One fly shop in my area does handle Sage and TFO rods, but that is about it."

Since your fly shop carries Sage you should look at the Z-Axis rods. They are fast action and come in 2 piece. I prefer a 9' rod but you may like the lighter in hand feel of a shorter rod. Sage is one of our premiere rod makers.

Frank


Sage Z-Axis



There is also the Sage ZXL. It is not available in a 2 piece and is slower in action.

Sage ZXL