new fly rod, maybe

[Richard B.]

Hi Folks,

It's my birthday in a couple of weeks and I was pondering a new fly rod, specifically Echo Shadow ll.

Does anyone fish with this rod and can you share your thoughts?

r.

[Parker Hale]

I use a 7'6" 3 wt Echo Carbon XL when I am chasing cutties on the streams and rivers around Cranbrook. It's a great little rod, one of my favourites.

[pikergolf]

The shadow ll is a specialty rod designed for nymphing. Is that what you are after?
https://echoflyfishing.com/project/echoshadowii/

[Richard B.]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

The shadow ll is a specialty rod designed for nymphing. Is that what you are after?
https://echoflyfishing.com/project/echoshadowii/

good information thanks - no I'm looking for a more general fishing rod

[pikergolf]

What weight rod are you looking for?

[Richard B.]

8 ft 4w

[Remps17]

What’s your price range? That will eliminate a pile of options there.

[Richard B.]

$250 to $400

[pikergolf]

I would Google your paramiters and see what pops up. Then do a review check.

Loop Q should be in your price range, not sure if they make an 8'6" rod though.

[Mr Flyguy]

Originally Posted by Richard B.

good information thanks - no I'm looking for a more general fishing rod

In that case the 9ft 5wt Orvis Clearwater would fit quite nicely for all round use. And the cost will be in your budget range.

[goldscud]

How Fast of an action are looking for?
Clearwater is a pretty soft rod.
TFO professional II is a medium fast rod.
Lots of new rods are quite stiff/fast that don't offer much feel if you want a 4wt for dry fly fishing. There is a compromise between feel and the ability to cast into a stiff wind.

[Richard B.]

I'm too old to cast into a stiff wind - LOL

I have both a Clearwater (5) and a TFO (3) maybe I'll stick with them as I like both rods.

[Bigwoodsman]

Originally Posted by Richard B.

I'm too old to cast into a stiff wind - LOL

I have both a Clearwater (5) and a TFO (3) maybe I'll stick with them as I like both rods.

2 maybe 3 years ago, I bought a fennwick Aetos in a 4wt. Great rod and sub 250.00 back then 4 piece included a tube. I love the rod, nice smooth cast great sensitivity.

BW

[Remps17]

My take on a fly rods is a mid to higher end USED fly rod is a lot better then a NEW low end rod.

I would go through the buy and sell or other classifieds and find a good fly rod on there. You have all winter to wait for a good deal.

[Bolete]

Originally Posted by Bigwoodsman

2 maybe 3 years ago, I bought a fennwick Aetos in a 4wt. Great rod and sub 250.00 back then 4 piece included a tube. I love the rod, nice smooth cast great sensitivity.

BW

This man speaks truth. They are an excellent rod that outperforms many others which cost much more. I have three Loomis Nrx rods and some Hardy’s but the aetos rods still see use, especially on silty water like the NSR. Yellowstone Angler always gives rave reviews on this rod.

[Bushrat]

Originally Posted by Bolete

This man speaks truth. They are an excellent rod that outperforms many others which cost much more. I have three Loomis Nrx rods and some Hardy’s but the aetos rods still see use, especially on silty water like the NSR. Yellowstone Angler always gives rave reviews on this rod.

Agreed, they perform far above their price point.

[spurly]

I think the Aetos, is the best bang, for the buck,on value.
TFO being in Calgary, holds the edge on warranty if needed, and also has a large variety on rod models, and price ranges.