I am a new guy. I have an 8wt z-axis for river fishing. I am looking for a great quality rod for fishing trout streams. I will be fishing the driftless area in Wisconsin next year and trout streams in Rocky Mountain national park. I need a rod that is sensitive for a nice presentation but has some versatility. I thought the z-axis 4 or 5 wt would be good but not if it is too hard to get a soft presentation or accurate short cast with. I looked at Orvis superfine Touch today..thought they were nice. I am seeking your suggestions. I have a 3 wt Echo Carbon 7ft 6 and would like to have a 4 or 5 wt that i can use all around.
need help
- Thread starter vango
- Start date
newby
Well-known member
IMO the Orvis Superfine Touch is a very fine rod, but it is slow action. Having a rod that flexes to the butt in the driftless region is not necessarily a good thing. On really windy days you will not want a slow action rod. Trying to cast in the wind with one is fruitless and very frustrating.
You say you want something that can handle a wide variety of things. I would pick something in the 7'6" range in, a three or a four weight. If you are going to be fishing open streams in the driftless and want to toss dries delicately and also possible throw a nymph or streamer further down the road you are best off with a medium action with some back bone or a medium-fast action rod.
I don't care for fast action fly rods on small creeks like those in the Rockies. Sure there are some set-ups that are OK for short distances and will load decently and maybe even land a dry softly, but you are better off with something a little slower so you can get those short precise casts as well as deal with the wind.
My recommendations for the fishing you describe would be something along the lines of a 7'6" 3wt. Redington Tempt (cheaper, but sweet), a 7'6" 3wt. Scott A4, or a 7'6" Sage ZXL 3wt. The ZXL is also available in that length as a four weight. A 3 or 4wt Winston WT would fit the bill nicely as well.
If you are looking for an even higher end rod that is a bit more expsensive, Scott also makes the G2 which is totally blinged out- simply gorgeous. I would go with a 7'7" 3 or 4wt. A 3 or 4wt Winston WT would fit the bill nicely as well. Winston makes a Boron IIt that is 7'6" in 3 and 4 wts. A 7'9" 3 or 4wt Winston LT would be something else to consider.
Those last ones are all over $700 MSRP, don't know if that is out of your budget or not, but I figured I'd list them since you mentioned you were after a high-end fly rod.
You say you want something that can handle a wide variety of things. I would pick something in the 7'6" range in, a three or a four weight. If you are going to be fishing open streams in the driftless and want to toss dries delicately and also possible throw a nymph or streamer further down the road you are best off with a medium action with some back bone or a medium-fast action rod.
I don't care for fast action fly rods on small creeks like those in the Rockies. Sure there are some set-ups that are OK for short distances and will load decently and maybe even land a dry softly, but you are better off with something a little slower so you can get those short precise casts as well as deal with the wind.
My recommendations for the fishing you describe would be something along the lines of a 7'6" 3wt. Redington Tempt (cheaper, but sweet), a 7'6" 3wt. Scott A4, or a 7'6" Sage ZXL 3wt. The ZXL is also available in that length as a four weight. A 3 or 4wt Winston WT would fit the bill nicely as well.
If you are looking for an even higher end rod that is a bit more expsensive, Scott also makes the G2 which is totally blinged out- simply gorgeous. I would go with a 7'7" 3 or 4wt. A 3 or 4wt Winston WT would fit the bill nicely as well. Winston makes a Boron IIt that is 7'6" in 3 and 4 wts. A 7'9" 3 or 4wt Winston LT would be something else to consider.
Those last ones are all over $700 MSRP, don't know if that is out of your budget or not, but I figured I'd list them since you mentioned you were after a high-end fly rod.
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I've never fished the driftless region, but if you're getting one rod for trout, I recommend a 8'6" or 9' 4 or 5wt. I love my short rods (fish a lot with my 6'6" and 7'6" rods) but do find there are a lot of times I would like more reach. There's a fair bit of nymphing going on out here in the Rockies and the small streams often have a lot of different currents you might want to get over. The longer rod helps with a good drift with a nymph or dry.
x2 for the wind issues
That said, I'm really learning to love my slower action rods.
x2 for the wind issues
That said, I'm really learning to love my slower action rods.
comeonavs
Well-known member
my humble opinion being someone who fishes the Rocky Mt Park alot. I love my ZXL 376-4 and TXL 3wt up there but if I had to choose 1 rod for the park and 1 only it would be my Sage TXL 4710-3.
Not saying get that exact rod because you might have different tastes, but here is why I find it the perfect "ALL AROUND" rod for the park.
7'10" is short enough for the tree lined creeks, yet long enough to mend when necessary
50' casts are doable with it so if you go hit the lakes distance wont be an issue
Strong enough to throw dries and droppers in the wind, but yet can land a size 20 BWO so nicely.
It is definitely considered a faster action rod but it protects 6 and 7x tippet very nicely.
Not saying get that exact rod because you might have different tastes, but here is why I find it the perfect "ALL AROUND" rod for the park.
7'10" is short enough for the tree lined creeks, yet long enough to mend when necessary
50' casts are doable with it so if you go hit the lakes distance wont be an issue
Strong enough to throw dries and droppers in the wind, but yet can land a size 20 BWO so nicely.
It is definitely considered a faster action rod but it protects 6 and 7x tippet very nicely.
newby
Well-known member
I must not have seen this. Or this was added after I read it. Anyways use the Echo Carbon for whatever streams you fish.
Substitute an 8-9' 5wt in the same rods as my previous post and you still have some great high-end options.
---------- Post added at 10:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------
Great advice. I was assuming he was asking for a small stream fly rod intended for those two regions and must have missed that he wanted a 4 or 5wt for all around trout fishing.I've never fished the driftless region, but if you're getting one rod for trout, I recommend a 8'6" or 9' 4 or 5wt. I love my short rods (fish a lot with my 6'6" and 7'6" rods) but do find there are a lot of times I would like more reach. There's a fair bit of nymphing going on out here in the Rockies and the small streams often have a lot of different currents you might want to get over. The longer rod helps with a good drift with a nymph or dry.
x2 for the wind issues
I, too, have a thing for slower action rods as long as the wind is not in play. Something about feeling the rod flex smoothly, the line loading no matter the distance, just makes it feel more like fly fishing .
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WilliamHJ
Very helpful ideas thanks!
---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------
I have a big Sage in the Z-axis 8 wt..hope it will fit the bill for pike, bass, large trout and salmon here in the Southeast Wisconsin area...my 3 wgt Echo carbon can be used on small trout streams if wind is light. I really like the quality of the Sage so the ZXL sounds very nice to me in a 4 wt. Would you know how to compare it to the Scott G-2s. Yes i do need this rod to have some backbone if in typical windy conditions. I will probably elect to go with at least an 8 ft or more. The Scott A-4 sounds nice too. I do want American made. I would like a really nice rod that is easy to cast and can lay a great presentation. Thanks for your support in this fishy endeavor!
---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 AM ----------
I have a big Sage in the Z-axis 8 wt..hope it will fit the bill for pike, bass, large trout and salmon here in the Southeast Wisconsin area...my 3 wgt Echo carbon can be used on small trout streams if wind is light. I really like the quality of the Sage so the ZXL sounds very nice to me in a 4 wt. Would you know how to compare it to the Scott G-2s. Yes i do need this rod to have some backbone if in typical windy conditions. I will probably elect to go with at least an 8 ft or more. The Scott A-4 sounds nice too. I do want American made. I would like a really nice rod that is easy to cast and can lay a great presentation. Thanks for your support in this fishy endeavor!
Very helpful ideas thanks!
---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:44 AM ----------
I have a big Sage in the Z-axis 8 wt..hope it will fit the bill for pike, bass, large trout and salmon here in the Southeast Wisconsin area...my 3 wgt Echo carbon can be used on small trout streams if wind is light. I really like the quality of the Sage so the ZXL sounds very nice to me in a 4 wt. Would you know how to compare it to the Scott G-2s. Yes i do need this rod to have some backbone if in typical windy conditions. I will probably elect to go with at least an 8 ft or more. The Scott A-4 sounds nice too. I do want American made. I would like a really nice rod that is easy to cast and can lay a great presentation. Thanks for your support in this fishy endeavor!
---------- Post added at 09:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 AM ----------
I have a big Sage in the Z-axis 8 wt..hope it will fit the bill for pike, bass, large trout and salmon here in the Southeast Wisconsin area...my 3 wgt Echo carbon can be used on small trout streams if wind is light. I really like the quality of the Sage so the ZXL sounds very nice to me in a 4 wt. Would you know how to compare it to the Scott G-2s. Yes i do need this rod to have some backbone if in typical windy conditions. I will probably elect to go with at least an 8 ft or more. The Scott A-4 sounds nice too. I do want American made. I would like a really nice rod that is easy to cast and can lay a great presentation. Thanks for your support in this fishy endeavor!
If you have a 3wt I would go after a 5wt for pitching larger flies. A 4 isn't going to give you much horse power advantage over the 3 you already have. Some trout flies I have like larger bead head woolies actually sling better with a 6wt but are manageable with my 5.
So i am looking for a rod that has some backbone for windy conditions, some versatility, an action that supports a soft presentation which will not spook the trout, and a nice quality build here in the USA..I like the Sage ZXL. Any other recommendations. I would be interested in the Scott brand (made in Colorado). Would the Z-axis lack the feel and touch for soft presentations in close? I am thinking 5 wt now.
MoscaPescador
Well-known member
This is one area that 5 weight Z-Axis excelled. For a quicker 5 weight, the Z-Axis fished nicely close in due to its very soft tip. That is one reason why I have not upgraded to a One.
If I was going to buy a replacement for my 5 weight Z-Axis, it would be the current Winston B3X. The rod still has plenty of backbone to fight fish and to adapt to different payloads. It has a very soft tip, and it bends slightly further down the blank than a Z-Axis. The benefit to that is better shock absorption which will help in tippet protection.
Dennis
mi_trouter
Active member
I agree with the earlier suggestion of a 5 wt., look at the 8'6". The Sage ZXL and the Scott G series would be a great place to start. Some very good prices on ZXL's right now....
Hi Vango,
Welcome to the forum, as you see it does not take long to get some feedback here. I hope you'll stick around and keep us up to speed with your fall fishing.
Ard
Welcome to the forum, as you see it does not take long to get some feedback here. I hope you'll stick around and keep us up to speed with your fall fishing.
Ard
newby
Well-known member
The Z-Axis (if you didn't know) has been discontinued. You can still find them on ebay, maybe at a local fly shop, or maybe at one or two places online, but by and large they may be a little harder to find then something else.
I really appreciate your support. I will be looking into the Sage ZXL (sounds like a great presentation rod with some authority too) the Z-Axis for the same reasons (not the One) I need help with the presentation. I will also look into the Scott G-2. Have not made up my mind on 4 wt or 5 wt. I like alot of people like a long cast but my priority is catching trout not winning casting contests so trying to make a wise decision here. Something that can make a delicate presentation at short yardage but also handle a decent distance and the wind. A great performing all around rod.
comeonavs
Well-known member
Two more cents from me
I have the 490-4 Z axis and if I could make a decent deal I would trade it for a 486-4 ZXL. Dont get me wrong the Zaxis is great but I find the ZXL just a tad better.
I tend to set the hook like Roland Martin on a 8lb largemouth so I tend to pop alot of tippet. The ZXL is slightly more forgiving for me and my hammer handed methods.
I have the 490-4 Z axis and if I could make a decent deal I would trade it for a 486-4 ZXL. Dont get me wrong the Zaxis is great but I find the ZXL just a tad better.
I tend to set the hook like Roland Martin on a 8lb largemouth so I tend to pop alot of tippet. The ZXL is slightly more forgiving for me and my hammer handed methods.
mike63
Well-known member
I'm no expert but for it's worth the 590-4 Z-Axis has a cult following out here in Colorado and is especially popular with guides. They swear by it and fish it everywhere, dries, droppers, nymph rigs. Finding one will take some patience, however.
I've only been fishing for a couple years and don't get out all that often but still find that nymphing is the way to go for much of a typical day. Depending on where you go, flows will vary considerably and I would choose a rod that is versatile enough to drift dual nymph rigs, strip streamers, and land tiny tricos softly.
I've only been fishing for a couple years and don't get out all that often but still find that nymphing is the way to go for much of a typical day. Depending on where you go, flows will vary considerably and I would choose a rod that is versatile enough to drift dual nymph rigs, strip streamers, and land tiny tricos softly.
Thanks Mike. I would really enjoy having a 590-4 Z-Axis! I have been surfing through Ebay to find a used Z-Axis or ZXL. I have an 8wt Z-Axis and am not very good at casting it yet for the bigger river fish..but I enjoy using it so much. That's half the battle.
I am really happy to have folks on the forum to listen to. It all led me to a beautiful Sage ZXL 486-4. I found it used but just like new. I am still learning to cast so when i get up to speed this should be a great trout rod here in the Driftless area and in Colorado. I have been spin fishing my whole life and love it but there is nothing more peaceful to me than walking a stream..if i ever get the casting down..it will be awesome! Dan