brownbass
Well-known member
Keep your eye out for a G Loomis NRX LP for sale. It would be exactly what you are looking for at around your price point or slightly more.
Bill
Bill
Best dry fly rod
- Thread starter Robbo5
- Start date
NCAndy
Well-known member
I think for the money it is hard to beat the Fenwick Aetos rods. I've swapped with friends while on the river to try their Aetos rod and I think they are a great value. I've only tied their 905, but recently picked up a 908 on closeout as a boat rod. The 908 isn't the best streamer rod, I'd prefer a stiffer tip and more drive through the mid of the rod, but it casts a floating line very well. The 905 does everything well, not top tier obviously in any measure, but very serviceable. I would expect the 4wt rods would be as well.
The previous gen Fenwick Aetos with the blue blank is an excellent dry fly rod. Pair it with an Orvis Battenkill III click pawl for aesthetics and swing weight. I fished this setup many times with dries and couldn't believe how well it fishes. I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if you can find one on closeout.
LePetomane
Well-known member
My wife has that rod and I couldn't agree more. Another nice Winston is the pre-IM6. I have an 8 foot one that is rated for a 5 weight line. It actually handles a Cortland 444 in a DT4 better. I've had the rod since the 80's and use it regularly. These rods received a lot of negative criticism in the 90's, stereotyped as being painfully slow by the fast action crowd.
They sell for a good price now too. If you can find one. Ebay has one now and then.
upstreamcast
Well-known member
A very good option for a Dry Fly rod at a mid-price level is the Orvis Recon. I would highly recommend the 8'4" 3wt for any dry fly enthusiast from neophyte to aficionado. If you want a rod with a little more utility as well as Dry Flies I would suggest the 9' or 8'6" 4wt Recon. Either will serve serve you well....depending on the breadth of your fly fishing. Medium action, well balanced (especially with the proper reel weight), I think Orvis has hit a real sweet spot in the Fly Rod arena. JMHO.
Recon® 3-Weight 8'4" 4-Piece Fly Rod - Orvis
The Recon 3-Weight 8'4" 4-Piece is an exceptional dry-fly rod with a moderate length for excellent control and the accuracy desired to make superior dry fly presentations. This length/weight configuration has been around for decades and is a favorite among dry fly purists. This new Recon version...
www.orvis.com
Unknownflyman
Well-known member
The best one is the one that performs the best for the fishing conditions and casts you need to accomplish that feels right to you.