7 replies to this topic

[CharlesRiver]

Starting into the world of fly fishing, and looking to purchase a rod, and I have a few questions... (lots actually!)
I currently have a 9'6" 8/9 wt fiberglass rod which is huge for the fishing I plan on doing. I will keep this one for my trips to the Mirimichi! The poor little perch that I practically tossed clear of the river when I tried to set the hook would attest, its too big of a rod for smaller bodies of water!
My second rod is a combo fly/spinnig set up by crystal river. This kit just sits in the back of the 4 wheeler, doesn't get much use, but its handy to have. As a fly rod, its awfully weak to start out on!
I'm looking at a St Croix rod Triumph rod, and I am unsure of a few things! I think that an 8'6" 5 wt would be ideal, but still thinking back to the 9', and wondering if I should go up to 6wt. I think that I like the idea of a 4 piece rod as well, the smaller size makes it easier to pack up for travel etc. Do they perform any differently than a 2 piece rod?
I live about 5 mins from the Hammond river, and thats about the biggest body of water I will fish with this rod.
Thanks!

[flyfish]

Since you already know the basics of casting you may do better than the "beginner's" 6 wgt - the rod I most often recommend to those starting out - a 9 foot 6 or 7 wgt depending on species preferred. For you, it looks like you're thinking small stream and lighter tackle, so your choice of 5 weight is probably the best. The 9 footer will roll cast a bit better, the 8'6" will be less likely to get tangled in bushes and so on, so the length difference isn't a big one - either would work well. Todays 4 piece rods are really not very different than 2 piece, either because they are manufactured so well. I have four 5 wgt rods for teaching casting, two 4 pc, two 2 pc and it is very difficult to tell the difference while casting.
Hope that helps,
Bill

[pmorris]

The best "anything" is the one you have with you at the time. You are more likely to have a four-piece rod with you than a two-piece rod because of the convenience of transport and storage.

Paul

[Tony]

I own one of those triumph's in 4 w...nice lil rod...girlfisher posted on here saying they were basically giving them away from one retailer..

[marsh]

I like the two piece rods. I have no problem with them, throw it in the case and put it in the truck. 4-piece more pieces more changes for something to go wrong.

[LSF]

4pc rod is the way to go IMO they pack down and store nice.......&.......performance wise ....like Bill said no differance

[Bassman]

I'm a fan of the 4pc as well just for the sheer convenience of travelling, brought one with me to BC all packed up nicely in a suitcase. Not that I have anything against the 2 pc, still have the 2 older ones. As mentioend I noticed no difference with my casting. I went to 4pc's a couple years ago, 8wt & 6wt, planning on going down to a 4pc 4wt for next year.

[Leaper]

There is no such thing as an all around fly rod but many say that the 7wt is the best compromise. As for length it does not make much of a difference but I would recommend the 9'. I would recommend a 4 piece rod for the fact they are easier to pack.