Expensive Fly Rods, Worth it?

[Off in the Bushes]

I was thinking of getting a TFO BVK and was looking at some other rods today and am begining to rethink that idea. Are the expensive rods $375+ worth it. The guy at Wholesale helped school me today on rod and reel choices (Big Thanks to WSS). Is there a point where the rod is to advanced for the angler to grow into, and it is a waste of money. I know an expensive rod is not going to make me catch more fish or bigger fish but will a amatuer/ intermediate angler notice and benefit for a pro level rod, or will it be over their head.

[tacklerunner]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I was thinking of getting a TFO BVK and was looking at some other rods today and am begining to rethink that idea. Are the expensive rods $375+ worth it. The guy at Wholesale helped school me today on rod and reel choices (Big Thanks to WSS). Is there a point where the rod is to advanced for the angler to grow into, and it is a waste of money. I know an expensive rod is not going to make me catch more fish or bigger fish but will a amatuer/ intermediate angler notice and benefit for a pro level rod, or will it be over their head.

Tough questions... yes, no, maybe. You will definitely notice a difference between a budget rod and a brand name such as TFO and it will be easier to hone your techinique too. As far as spending $375+ for a Sage or some other rods, I doubt you would notice a difference. TFO is one of the best rods for the money IMO. But I don't think you need to spend $375 for a TFO unless you're including the reel and maybe line. Lots of good stuff out there for $200 - $300 complete.

Now having said that, I assume you are going to get something around a 5 wt. Also, you need to assume you will get addicted to fly fishing and your gonna need more rods Lots of them, a 3-4 wt for the sport, an 8 wt for catching monster pike etc.

Start reasonable and you will be very happy. Then anything after that will be a special treat when you have the experience to appreciate. I would definitely go with TFO under your specific circumstances.

[chubbdarter]

some of the 700 buck plus rods are designed to really haul line...pumping the line to load the blank.
maybe its not a matter of you out growing the rod....is the water you fish going to out grow your casting pleasure?
Most rods in the range you speak of will do well in any water in Alberta streams....but they all act alittle different so it comes down to personal choice and waters fished.
A top of the line Sage feels alot different than a top of line Loomis and the list goes on.

[fishstix]

Any rod will do. As long as you are having fun catching fish, you've got the right rod.
I had a friend who went out and dropped 1 grand on his rod. Nice unit, but now every move i make around it comes with a quick 1000$ warning. "hey man, watch out, my rod is right there on the ground" His fishing days are now more about protecting his 'investment' and less about enjoying the act of fishing itself.

[Daceminnow]

Originally Posted by fishstix

Any rod will do. As long as you are having fun catching fish, you've got the right rod.
I had a friend who went out and dropped 1 grand on his rod. Nice unit, but now every move i make around it comes with a quick 1000$ warning. "hey man, watch out, my rod is right there on the ground" His fishing days are now more about protecting his 'investment' and less about enjoying the act of fishing itself.

agreed. another age old debate. all rods will catch fish in a guys hand that knows what he's doing. came across this a while back. i'd be the guy on the left, and i catch a few fish. this is a classic.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7795583/

[pikergolf]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I was thinking of getting a TFO BVK and was looking at some other rods today and am begining to rethink that idea. Are the expensive rods $375+ worth it. The guy at Wholesale helped school me today on rod and reel choices (Big Thanks to WSS). Is there a point where the rod is to advanced for the angler to grow into, and it is a waste of money. I know an expensive rod is not going to make me catch more fish or bigger fish but will a amatuer/ intermediate angler notice and benefit for a pro level rod, or will it be over their head.

I get the feeling you want to spend the money on a more expensive rod?
It definitely won't be over your head, but as others have said each Co. has unique equipment, and you might not be able to tell the difference until you have more experience. I got my one and only good rod after fly fishing for two years, bought it at a little shop in Kamloops 25 yrs ago. When I told the salesman/owner what I wanted he picked out about 6 rods got his son to go to the park with me and cast. Being a prairie boy I was no great shakes so I got about 30 min of lessons on the double haul, had a great time and never second guessed my purchase. Yes it was expensive, but as I say I never once doubted that I had the right rod for me.

[Off in the Bushes]

Originally Posted by tacklerunner

Tough questions... yes, no, maybe. You will definitely notice a difference between a budget rod and a brand name such as TFO and it will be easier to hone your techinique too. As far as spending $375+ for a Sage or some other rods, I doubt you would notice a difference. TFO is one of the best rods for the money IMO. But I don't think you need to spend $375 for a TFO unless you're including the reel and maybe line. Lots of good stuff out there for $200 - $300 complete.

Now having said that, I assume you are going to get something around a 5 wt. Also, you need to assume you will get addicted to fly fishing and your gonna need more rods Lots of them, a 3-4 wt for the sport, an 8 wt for catching monster pike etc.

Start reasonable and you will be very happy. Then anything after that will be a special treat when you have the experience to appreciate. I would definitely go with TFO under your specific circumstances.

I have been Fly fishing for more then a decade and for the last 3-5 years I have been using a entry level TFO in a 6 wt. It has been a real treat to use it as my other rod was an Omni and it was like casting a shagetti noodle. It is just that I feel I might have out grown this rod and was looking for one that would allow me to continue growing my skills.

[Hooker]

If you don't presently have any bad casting habits then an expensive rod with excellent loading capabilities will certainly make the sport more enjoyable. If you haven't had any casting lessons I would urge you to get some before going any further.

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I have been Fly fishing for more then a decade and for the last 3-5 years I have been using a entry level TFO in a 6 wt. It has been a real treat to use it as my other rod was an Omni and it was like casting a shagetti noodle. It is just that I feel I might have out grown this rod and was looking for one that would allow me to continue growing my skills.

now that youve said that....i believe your ready to move up to a faster rod.
im not saying the tfo is a bad rod and many good fisherman use them....but they feel like a wet noodle to me.

[Off in the Bushes]

Originally Posted by Hooker

If you don't presently have any bad casting habits then an expensive rod with excellent loading capabilities will certainly make the sport more enjoyable. If you haven't had any casting lessons I would urge you to get some before going any further.

I have taken lessons for it and enjoyed them and make use of the lessons each time I am out.

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by Daceminnow

agreed. another age old debate. all rods will catch fish in a guys hand that knows what he's doing. came across this a while back. i'd be the guy on the left, and i catch a few fish. this is a classic.

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7795583/

agree to a certain degree i guess
but heres a example....its a major windy day on the bow....prime hopper time.....some rods no matter even in the hands of a expert ...just cant punch a big bug to the target.
High end rods have there place in all types of fishing....same reason many use a high end loomis or st croix for jigging for walleye....they could use a 20 buck rod ..i guess.

This fellow is ready to move on.....congrats and enjoy your new flyfishing experience.

[Daceminnow]

Originally Posted by chubbdarter

agree to a certain degree i guess
but heres a example....its a major windy day on the bow....prime hopper time.....some rods no matter even in the hands of a expert ...just cant punch a big bug to the target.
High end rods have there place in all types of fishing....same reason many use a high end loomis or st croix for jigging for walleye....they could use a 20 buck rod ..i guess.

This fellow is ready to move on.....congrats and enjoy your new flyfishing experience.

for sure chubb. there's a reason there is wide variety of gear on the market. everything has its place. i think that clip is great though cause everyones ran into "that guy" on the stream, geared to the nines that couldn't catch his a** with both hands.

[chubbdarter]

dont go cheap on your line either....if there is one thing you can save a few pennies on a Alberta set up it would be the reel....lots of reels in the mid range market will do the job.
But if you got the cash go crazy.

[goldscud]

Chubdarter, will you ever own a Sage or are you only a Loomis guy?
Just curious, I don't own either

[tacklerunner]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I have been Fly fishing for more then a decade and for the last 3-5 years I have been using a entry level TFO in a 6 wt. It has been a real treat to use it as my other rod was an Omni and it was like casting a shagetti noodle. It is just that I feel I might have out grown this rod and was looking for one that would allow me to continue growing my skills.

I understand now. I have 5 fly rods. Can only tell you what I did & it was rewarding. Get a Sage. I love mine but others will say they're over priced etc. Or even better PM Kingfisher & get him to supply you with the components, materials and "the book" on how to build your own. I did it. Took a week & that's bout all I did in my spare time. Kinfisher is a top shelf guy, on team Canada's flyfishing team & either way can advise you beyond our capabilities.
My 4 cents (since I already gave you my 2 cents)

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by goldscud

Chubdarter, will you ever own a Sage or are you only a Loomis guy?
Just curious, I don't own either

owned a few sages mostly heavier rods.
when i started using loomis rods for walleye fishing i kinda switched over to loomis fly rods also.
both served me well

[rielbowhunter]

If you have the money spend it you wont be disappointed. IT sure wont hurt your fishing.
I will say this too. I have 4 cheaper rods in the garage. That I wont use again. really I keep them saying if I need one in a back up. then i have one , But the truth is if I had to wait well my rod was getting warnty fix. I would buy another one, just couldn't go back to those old noddles.

[Off in the Bushes]

Can you wear out a rod? Will the action and rod eventually break down so that you are casting a noodle again without physically breaking the rod? If I get an expensive rod I want it to last a very long time as it is quiet an investment.

[nick0danger]

I own lots of rods, sage Scott and a couple t and t's. but for the last few years I've been casting beulahs and they are solid, thinking bought selling the rest. snow bee greys, amundson all make better rods in he sub 300$ price point than tfo. but if I was gonna recommend a rod for a newbie it would be a rio santo from saint croix solid casting beginner rod, that will keep you happy for a long time.

[MK2750]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I was thinking of getting a TFO BVK and was looking at some other rods today and am begining to rethink that idea. Are the expensive rods $375+ worth it. The guy at Wholesale helped school me today on rod and reel choices (Big Thanks to WSS). Is there a point where the rod is to advanced for the angler to grow into, and it is a waste of money. I know an expensive rod is not going to make me catch more fish or bigger fish but will a amatuer/ intermediate angler notice and benefit for a pro level rod, or will it be over their head.

I too have been looking at a top end rod. Sage is a great rod but their better rods are $600-700. I wouldn't trade my TFO for a Vantage or Flight. Nothing wrong with them, but they are over priced for little gain.

The BVK is getting very good reviews and in that under $400 price range they seem like a good value.

The CPX Redington feels very good at $300. I really like the look of it as well. Reviews are mixed on the net or I might have grabbed one.

You might want to get a look at Pieroway rods as they seem to get great reviews in that range.

IMHO there is not a lot of difference between a good $150 and the $400 rods, but when you get in to the $500-800 rods there certainly is. When I handle the top end G Loomus, Sage and Orvis they feel awesome.

I am leaning towards a Sage Z-axis in a 6 weight. I am still undecided but it is my favorite so far. Would like to find someone that has fished one before I make a final decision.

[Off in the Bushes]

Originally Posted by MK2750

I am leaning towards a Sage Z-axis in a 6 weight. I am still undecided but it is my favorite so far. Would like to find someone that has fished one before I make a final decision.

I really wish that there were demo days, (like for skis) where you can go out and test out a few rods to see what you liked best.

[nick0danger]

Originally Posted by chubbdarter

dont go cheap on your line either....if there is one thing you can save a few pennies on a Alberta set up it would be the reel....lots of reels in the mid range market will do the job.
But if you got the cash go crazy.

I don't spend more than 40 bucks on line and can cast the whole thing

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I really wish that there were demo days, (like for skis) where you can go out and test out a few rods to see what you liked best.

im not sure but call the Crowsnest Angler/ vic bergman...i think you can demo a rod with a credit card deposit

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by nick0danger

I don't spend more than 40 bucks on line and can cast the whole thing

how long is that line? Either way congrats

[nick0danger]

Originally Posted by Off in the Bushes

I really wish that there were demo days, (like for skis) where you can go out and test out a few rods to see what you liked best.

if you want to cast rods come to Calgary go to the south bow fly shop, and or fish tales and go nuts, they will cast with you all day. that said everyone likes there z axis and orvis hydros and Helios, if they say they don't it's personal as they are sweet casting rods.

[nick0danger]

Originally Posted by chubbdarter

how long is that line? Either way congrats

80 feet is all, does not look pretty and I cant shoot the backing very yet.

[DuckBrat]

The best choice in the many fly rod purchases I have made, was downgrading to the Redington CPX. My 10 foot 7 weight goes everywhere with me, cast beautiful loops at long and short distances. The best thing, it only cost me 204 dollars which is many dollars less than the other rods I have purchased. I have suggested this rod continually for the last two years. Best of luck.

[chubbdarter]

theres no hard and fast rules to rod selection....compare it to golf clubs and baseball bats.
but from what youve said i believe your looking for more backbone and tip speed

[Bamm Bamm]

Last year I bought a Z axis 6wt, I took it home and was having second thoughts about spending that kind of money on a rod. I decided to take it back to the store and got my money back. I then bought a sage Flight for alot less money. I couldnt get the Zaxis out of my mind, I loved that rod and the ones I test casted suited my casting stroke to a tee. Long story short I know own a Z axis 691-4 with the wells grip and have no regrets. You should come to the fishing hole sale at the end of March (i think) sage will have a booth there, come test some rods. G loomis might have a booth as well, Pieroway is coming to the boat and sportsman show in Edmonton and they have a casting pond they bring with. I know most stores will also let you test cast rods as well. Any yes Line is very important. If you spend the money on a good rod then spend the money on a good line. Rio Gold is an amazing line.

[Off in the Bushes]

I bought some Rio Gold for my rod last year I and just going to transfer the line the next rod I get and worry about a better reel then my Batten and Kill when I have more money.