Best 3wt. fly rod?

[Groundhogger]

Hey guys-I asked this question in the wrong forum recently, but interested in everyone's take. I don't live in Alberta, but I've fished there plenty of times. I've come to realize how big a factor wind is in that beautiful province, but I have to imaging some of you take light rods into smaller creeks too. I only ever brought a 9', 5wt. 4pc. when fishing out there.

Anyhow, I spent a couple of decades obsessed with fly fishing but in the last 5 years or so, that obsession has been varmint hunting and reloading. Looking to get back into it, but I cleared out everything under 4wt.

I've had at least once really memorable rod, a T&T 8'2" "Horizon" in 2wt. WF3wt. line-that was a very capable rod. I've had more mushy 2/3 wt. rods than anything else, and there aren't many around to go and test drive. Especially nicer ones.

I see myself needing a faster rod, as I want the option of fishing weighted nymphs, possibly small streamers in close. (fished light nymphs in plunge pools, etc.) I once owned a 7'6" 4wt. Sage XP that actually didn't fish as well as I'd hoped. I still use an XP in 9wt. for big pike here.

I've never owned a Redington rod, but the "Vice" model appears to be a fast 3wt. None around I can go and test/feel.

I know it's subjective, but any ideas?

[FinnDawg]

What’s your budget?

[Parker Hale]

I use a 7'6" Echo Carbon XL for my small stream cuttie fishing. It's a great littl rod, reasonably priced.

[Groundhogger]

Originally Posted by FinnDawg

What’s your budget?

Budget is flexible, I'm prepared to save for a good one if necessary. Anything over about $300 I won't buy without trying it or at least getting one in my hands for a look.

[goldscud]

Buddy has an older Orvis Helios (pre stupid white or blue stickers). Light as a feather with lots of power. Mossy green blank. Perhaps too stiff

He prefers to fish with his old Sage LL 4wt for Cutties

[Lornce]

Originally Posted by goldscud

Buddy has an older Orvis Helios (pre stupid white or blue stickers). Light as a feather with lots of power. Mossy green blank. Perhaps too stiff

He prefers to fish with his old Sage LL 4wt for Cutties

The Sage LL is my favourite.

[lannie]

I have 2 T&T's. One is a 2 weight Paradigm and the other is a 3 weight Horizon. One is 7-6" and the other is possibly 8"2. Both are beautiful rods to use.