Expensive Fly Rods, Worth it?

[MK2750]

The Gold is a great line. If you do get a faster action rod try the Grand WF. It takes off like a rocket and you can really feel it load up. It seems to cut through the wind better.

The Gold does seem to lay down small drys nicer if that is your fly of choice.

[Kingfisher]

I have owned many fly rods over the years. Today I don't honestly know how many I have. But each rod is different and so the advice others have given you about going to a shop and casting a rod is good advice. I love my Sage Z axis. It is a fast action rod. But for half of that price my Reddington CPX is a similar type of rod with nicer components. Remember something Sage spends millions and millions of dollars on advertizing each and every year. Where does that money come from? It comes directly from the consumer. Yes they do put a lot of money into new technology and I certainly appreciate a good rod. But I've been fly fishing for over 30 years. I'm not saying that a person with a dozen years or less won't appreciate a Sage or Loomis rod. But there are a lot of other rods out there that will give you the same results without breaking the bank.

You said you have been fly fishing for more than a decade. So I would say go ahead and get yourself something in the mid price range now. There are several questions that you need to answer before you even start looking at which rod is best for you.

Do you like a rod that is slow, medium or fast action? What do you fish the most? Rivers, creeks, lakes, ocean? I guess the real question is what is the application that you will be mostly using the rod for?

Will you be fishing out of a boat trolling? Or will you be casting from either a boat or off shore.

The modulus ratings of rods are an important for you to look at. A high modulus rating rod will be far more brittle than a lower modulus rod. So if your going to be trolling in a boat then you may want to use a lower modulus rod which will be a stronger rod.

What species of fish do you target the most? If you are mainly fishing pike then do not go with that high end high modulus rod. If you are casting clousers with a bar bell head then you will be dissapointed the first time you nick the rod and it breaks when you have fish on.

Again talk to your dealer. Have the answers to the questions here. Even write them down. Then go to the store. Talk to the guys tell them what your looking for and what you will be using the rod for. I am sure they will be able to assist you along the way.

Good luck with your search.
Rob

[Dust1n]

there well worth the money if you buy a more expensive fly rod. you get for what you pay for.
lighter,stronger,can haul line better.more sensitive, the list goes on and on.
but with TFO u got warrenty if it snapps so your coverd.
once you cast a mid to high cost sage contact me youll never go back to wall mart rods where there too heavey to make 100 casts or bulky.

[walking buffalo]

I see the word "Warranty" has finally been mentioned.

I haven't had to replace any of my Sage rods recently. Are they backing up their warranty? I recall a period of time that Sage was getting tired of replacing all the blanks that were breaking.

Over the years I've sent a few rods in for replacement. It's reassuring to know you will get a replacement rod in a timely fashion when one breaks for unknown reasons. It makes the investment easier to make.

For brands, I sure like my Scott rods.

[Bigtoad]

I love both of my TFO rods and feel like I have my money's worth out of them. Admittedly, I have not tried a $500+ rod like a sage or orvis because I can just not justify the $$$ for better casting so I can not speak about them. Just make sure you get one with a lifetime warranty and that you like it. Also, get a good reel.

Last year, I bought a 4pc 4wt TFO Finesse rod, matched it with a Pflueger reel, and put some Rio gold on it. I love it. My dad and I were out at Prairie and he has a generic 6 wt with generic line. He was having a buggar of a time trying to cast across the river to a rising brown. He got a wind-knot so I gave him my rod to use while I undid his bird's nest. Immediately he was casting effortlessly across the river and missed the take on the brown. I had to pry that rod out of his hands. In retrospect, I probably should have let him just use my rod but his felt like such a stiff fence-post that it was just crushing my sole using his....

I had the same experience with another buddy of mine that does quite a bit of flyfishing and has a descent setup. We were trying to cast to wary browns downstream of Dickson dam but they were WAY out in the current. He couldn't quite reach them so I told him to try the 4wt because I was just using my 5wt. He was immediately casting as far as I was, even with the smaller weight. He was easily casting 15-20 feet farther with the TFO.

So... rod, reel, and line are very important (as is warranty) but I'm not sure if the $$$ is worth anything more than a good TFO, IMHO.

Oh, I do have a TFO reel (the "Prism" I think?) on my 5wt and I would not recommend this reel. The extra $$$ for an Amundson or Pflueger would be money well spent.

Cheers.

[nick0danger]

have not had a problem with warranty on any rod I have broken.

[pipco]

[

QUOTE=fishstix;850453]Any rod will do. As long as you are having fun catching fish, you've got the right rod.
.[/QUOTE]

I disagree. There is a distinct difference between a $50 rod and a $300 fly rod. After owing and using a couple of entry level rods including Martin, a few TFO's, a Sage and a Loomis I'm convinced there is a definite difference. Not having tried many other brand names out there I can't say which is the best but believe it will be personal preference.
The TFO's have a good warranty and you'll need it if you use the rod often. Out of three of these rods two have been replaced due to faulty guides. The Sage was a joy to use while I had it. The #5 Loomis was purchased for around $250, has been my go to rod for a couple of seasons
(100+ trips), it loads well, is a very castable rod and Canadian made.
I don't know if there is a big difference once you get above the $300 price range as I'm too cheap to spend that kind of money at this point.
Happy shopping!
stan

[pikester]

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 hope this comment doesn't come off as being ignorant or arrogant but if you're asking that question, then for you the answer is no! There is nothing wrong with a TFO or an entry type St. Croix etc. If you are not already a seasoned flycaster then a $700 plus rod will not make you one quicker. It's kinda like someone who needs an everyday getting around car asking if a BMW or Ferrari would make him/her a better driver than a Chevy or a Dodge would.

BTW, even most veteran flyrodders (myself included) usually have a TFO or two, or something similar in the garage or rod rack for a reason; they work just fine

[lifesaflyin]

I wrote a whole page about what was better. but decided I didnt want to confuse you. but summed up, it really comes down to this.

cheap rods are just that. cheap dont bother.

mid ranged price rods are great! TFO is a good starting rod.

expensive like sage and even higher are better, but put use vs price to choose one.

line.... this IS the most important part. buy a good line. anything under 60 bucks dont even bother looking at it. after you build up your skill than you can look for a better bargain.

skill. you need alot of skill to enjoy the more expensive rods to their full potential. stick with a mid range rod like TFO until you master it. then move up when you feel your skill exceeds the limits of the TFO.

when starting with a real cheapo rod you can bet you will not enjoy fly fishing as much. tangles, hard casts, limited accuracy and overall frustration with inconsistent casts.

for you, I recommend the TFO with a RIO WF line on it.

if you need to cheap out ,cheap out on the reel. I have only had maybe 6 fish on the reel in the last 2 years. all it does is serve for a line storage.

like posted above. seasoned fisherman still use them, so they cant be that bad.

[Daceminnow]

Originally Posted by pikester

I hope this comment doesn't come off as being ignorant or arrogant but if you're asking that question, then for you the answer is no! There is nothing wrong with a TFO or an entry type St. Croix etc. If you are not already a seasoned flycaster then a $700 plus rod will not make you one quicker. It's kinda like someone who needs an everyday getting around car asking if a BMW or Ferrari would make him/her a better driver than a Chevy or a Dodge would.

BTW, even most veteran flyrodders (myself included) usually have a TFO or two, or something similar in the garage or rod rack for a reason; they work just fine

but back to the age old question...........won't a $700 plus rod increases your line speed, accuracy, distance and hook setting and be almost impervious to breakage and be the only rod a guy will ever need!

[pikester]

Originally Posted by Daceminnow

but back to the age old question...........won't a $700 plus rod increases your line speed, accuracy, distance and hook setting and be almost impervious to breakage and be the only rod a guy will ever need!

Only if you have enough experience to recognize & appreciate those atributes! Trust me, I have owned about 15 flyrods including top of the line Sage, & Thomas & Thomas rods along with TFO rods; the expensive rods break just as easy (if not easier) than the more affordable ones Of all the rod failures I've had, 99% have been broken tips due to user neglect lol, nothing to do with lack of quality

Having said all that I suspect your question was more tongue in cheek no? :P

[Okotokian]

Don't depend on our opinions. Form your own. Take each rod, loaded with reel and line, out into the parking lot or behind the store and try them out... the expensive ones, the cheap ones, and those in the middle. If the store won't let you test like that take your business elsewhere. Lots will. I bought rods at both Country Pleasures and the now-deceased Russell's, and both let me go outside the store to cast.

[Daceminnow]

Originally Posted by pikester

Only if you have enough experience to recognize & appreciate those atributes! Trust me, I have owned about 15 flyrods including top of the line Sage, & Thomas & Thomas rods along with TFO rods; the expensive rods break just as easy (if not easier) than the more affordable ones Of all the rod failures I've had, 99% have been broken tips due to user neglect lol, nothing to do with lack of quality

Having said all that I suspect your question was more tongue in cheek no? :P

yes sir. did you see the little clip i posted at the top of the thread? it was in relation to that. have come real close to slamming rods in the rear door of my truck more than once. gotta get into the river...........

[pikester]

Originally Posted by Daceminnow

yes sir. did you see the little clip i posted at the top of the thread? it was in relation to that. have come real close to slamming rods in the rear door of my truck more than once. gotta get into the river...........

Haha, I hear ya! Not just in a hurry but also being lazy & using my 5wt to chuck 3/0 streamers with a 1/8oz of splitshot hehe

[tyee33]

If your just starting out, cheap is Ok, I have 2 Sages, 2 G-Loomis, and a couple of top end Fenwicks, been fly fishing since late 80s and use them all.The 12 weight Loomis I use for Mahi Mahi in Mexico and Tarpin in the Baha.In AB, especially up here in the Cold Lake area,a medium of the road outfit will do as there is NO flyfishing except for the hatchery mud trout that we have.In B.C, I use my Sage for buck tailing Coho in the ocean, my 9 weight for steelhead and believe me, a high end system is the way to go, at least for me anyway.I bought cheap until I knew that flyfishing was for me, now, my rods have lasted over 15 years and still going, like buying a K car, compared to a Porche, you get what you pay for

[Off in the Bushes]

Well that was a lot of advice to take in and I am leaning on getting a more expensive rod, thanks for all the advice on where to go and test some rods so I know what I am getting.
Unfortunately the funds for a toy of that caliber is a little lower then needed so it is going to be next years rod and this year I will just make due with what I have.
Thanks again for all the great advice and knowledge/ education on rod choices learned a little more today.

[Heron]

Rods are like boats... you need lots of them. I have too many rods from size 3 to 11 and they each have their purpose. Kingfisher gave great advise. It depends what you are doing. Small creeks my medium action short 3wt. or bamboo 4wt. Medium rivers with wind my stiff 9ft 5wt with sharkskin. Bonefishing my high modulus 8wt. On and on. This appoach means I go medium price range and assemble many of my own from the likes of Dancraft, Hook and Hackle, St. Croix etc. A rod a year and my quiver filled up nicely. Suddenly I feel the need for a softer action strong 8wt for pike...where's the phone?

[JEP]

OK I'm going to ask an embarrassing question, in the spirit of this post:

Is the "White River 270" from BassPro rod and reel combo considered "cheap"? It cost $269. I like the reel actually. The 3-piece rod, I'm not so sure...takes a heck of a lot of work to cast in the slightest breeze...or without breeze. 6wt, for fishing on the Bow.

I need an excuse to buy a better rod...I think I'm getting that from this post.

[tacklerunner]

It was probably a decent rod to start with but it's not exactly... well you know. It's not that great. You will definitely notice a huge difference with a better rod. Lots of great info in this thread. Take your reel to a store, match it with some 6 wt brands mentioned above and test them. You will be impressed. Then you can determine what you like best and if you think spending $300, $500 or $700 will suit you best. If you can't justify it, don't go crazy on price. Nevertheless, you will be pleasantly surprised compared to your existing rod.

Another thing to consider, based on your budget, is getting a 5 wt with a new reel as a second rod. Reels aren't that expensive and as important as the rod and the line. You might find a 5 wt to be a little more fun to use and may even be able to cast further with the size of flies we use on the Bow.

[MK2750]

Originally Posted by JEP

OK I'm going to ask an embarrassing question, in the spirit of this post:

Is the "White River 270" from BassPro rod and reel combo considered "cheap"? It cost $269. I like the reel actually. The 3-piece rod, I'm not so sure...takes a heck of a lot of work to cast in the slightest breeze...or without breeze. 6wt, for fishing on the Bow.

I need an excuse to buy a better rod...I think I'm getting that from this post.

How many times have we seen the “what scope to buy” thread end up with top of the line Leupold/Zeiss and followed by “don’t cheap out”.

I often drool over these impressive optics, but do I really need $1000+ piece of glass to put a bullet in a White-tail? I get along great with a VX111 and a couple of old Baush and Lomb. Those that are out there really given’er should buy the best.

I use to play a lot of golf and nothing looked more ridiculous than a guy with $2000 clubs shooting a hundred and a half.

My son is a fishing fanatic and drags me out there everyday he can. Last year we spent at least two full days a week on the water and three or four evenings on the river. There were occasions when I knew I was under gunned, especially on the Red Deer River. The only reason I even noticed is because we were out there rain or shine. Often there were good spots I couldn’t fish because of the wind.

If I was out there every other weekend and only if the weather was nice I would never consider paying any more than a couple hundred on a rod.

[Doc]

Originally Posted by nick0danger

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

I can see that with certain cheaper lines if you're a good caster and you must be a very good caster nick0danger. But for the most part, the better the line, the better the cast. Wonder how far you could cast a good Rio line?

[lifesaflyin]

just remember. from the above post. you dont need to cast out the entire line to catch fish. the majority of catches are within 20-40 feet. accuracy is the most important thing

[tim3500]

Not sure how much a person needs to use a expensive rod to justify it you just need to justify it to yourself but when it comes to flyrods there is a difference between low end and hi end just by the way they load the line or just picking the line out of the water I am a firm belever buy the best you can afford and if possible get lifetime warrenty too bad my shoulder is screwed from throwing a fly done so much this fall and winter had to pullout the gear chucker to keep going

[nick0danger]

Originally Posted by Doc

I can see that with certain cheaper lines if you're a good caster and you must be a very good caster nick0danger. But for the most part, the better the line, the better the cast. Wonder how far you could cast a good Rio line?

same can't shoot backing but there r lots of guys that can. besides is it really practical? just like the guys nymphing with Spey rods how do you properly mead that to get a good drift?

[Kingfisher]

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

I see the word "Warranty" has finally been mentioned.

I haven't had to replace any of my Sage rods recently. Are they backing up their warranty? I recall a period of time that Sage was getting tired of replacing all the blanks that were breaking.

Over the years I've sent a few rods in for replacement. It's reassuring to know you will get a replacement rod in a timely fashion when one breaks for unknown reasons. It makes the investment easier to make.

For brands, I sure like my Scott rods.

Yes, Sage has warranty as well as many other rod companies. Most companies charge a small fee $50 or so for the replacement part. So they can recover the cost of the actual replacement cost of the part from where ever they actually got the rod built. Yes it is a fact that a lot of companies today get their rods built in China, Korea and many countries around the world and they only cost a fraction of what the actual sticker price is. That's how they all make money.

Rob

[Fishfinder]

Ha, was just about to search for rod suggestions as I posted a flyrod thread, guess I'll start here lol.

[Don Andersen]

You pay cheap - you get cheap.

Most of the rod blanks cost about the same. Last I looked graphite was about $6/lb. so figure about $1.50 of materials.
The components is where the cost is + labor for construction.
Cheap rod mean cheap components. Reel seats can be reglued back on and so on.. Where you really suffer when buying junk is line guides. Some will wear out in weeks destroying the $50 fly line.
Top of the line rods use Hopkins and Holloway. Lower priced rods use Perfection with the bottom 1/3 using Pac Bay or worse yet a Chinese knock-off.

Rods >$500 usually have better components. The lower priced stuff is suspect. Watch your guides on the cheap crap and replace @ the first sign of grooving.

I've been @ this FF stuff for over 50 years and presently own about 40 or so fly rods. Been building the things for over 40 years.




Don

[DuckBrat]

In response to an earlier post. Sage and Redington are now the same company.

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by DuckBrat

In response to an earlier post. Sage and Redington are now the same company.

and i believe Shimano owns Loomis now

[goldscud]

And now Mr Loomis has joined up with Temple Fork