Second Rod for the Salt - Advice?

[Benn]

I am proud to say that I’ve convinced my wife that our world would not be complete without a new (to me) fishing boat:thumb:. I am sure I will be spending more on spa treatments and pedicures for her than gas for the boat, but that is the way these things work out.

I want to have a rod that I can keep in the boat rigged up so I don’t have to run all the way home to get my stuff in the event I can sneak out of work early. It will also serve as an extra rod for all the new "friends" to use who seem to come out of woodwork when they find out you have a boat.

I live in Seattle and plan to have the boat in salt-water moorage for most of the summer and fall, then in a storage yard for the rest of the year with time spend on the street in between. I don’t have a parking spot at my house. The boat is your basic center console glass fishing boat with no locking rod storage.

I would like to purchase at least one relatively cheap 7 wt rod that is a decent performer to pair with an Okuma Integrity 7/8 and Cortland 333 clear camo line. I have found both of these to be excellent performers for the price. I am thinking something $100 or less so I won’t cry too hard if it is ripped off or broken.

I am not a huge snob when it comes to rods. I have a Sage RPL that I like very well but Sage isn't putting out too many road in this price range. The older RPL is a relatively fast rod and suits my casting style pretty well. I have mainly been shopping GI Joes and the other big box stores, and I can't find a rod in that price range that either doesn’t feel like a wet noodle in my hand or has abolute crap for components that would not last 10 minutes in the salt. So I think I'll have to give up and go with Ebay or a direct online seller, but I hate to buy a rod sight unseen.

Any recommendations? Has anybody purchased one of Hill’s private label rods? These look nice on the web (but doesn’t everything). How about FlyLogic’s “premium” series? You regularly see these on ebay for about a Benny. I also want to know if anybody has tried the Lamiglas G200 series? They have a 9’ 7wt they say is “fast” action.” Has anybody thrown this rod? Other suggestions (and yes, I have bought Les's book and read the gear recommendations for those of you who always like to throw that out there...that's why I'm considering Lamiglas)?

Thanks much!

[Double-D]

Temple Fork, Echo both are fairly inexpensive and are great rods for the money.
If you plan on leaving it in the boat without being locked up then go with a broom stick even then your taking a chance.

[allenro]

I'll second the TFO's. I have the original IM6 9wt that I use as a beater rod for kayak fishing. It is constantly getting tossed around and dunked. I also had the 8wt version but the tip section busted when it had a chance meeting with a clouser one night. TFO customer service was outstanding. Not only did they offer to replace the tip within a week but they let me upgrade the rod to a TiCr. I only had to pay the difference in price and pick it up at a local shop.

[David Loy]

FYI - There's a couple RPL 8wts going off in 4 days on Ebay. I'd estimate them to sell between 150 & $200. One is currently at $50 but don't expect it to stay there. Once a great rod, always a great rod.

[hikepat]

My first 8wt was a Lamiglass G series rod and still today that is the one my fishing partner uses. Funny thing is at times it cast better for me the my St Criox that I dearly love.

[Richard]

The older RPL is a relatively fast rod and suits my casting style pretty well. I have mainly been shopping GI Joes and the other big box stores, and I can't find a rod in that price range that either doesn’t feel like a wet noodle in my hand or has abolute crap for components that would not last 10 minutes in the salt. So I think I'll have to give up and go with Ebay or a direct online seller, but I hate to buy a rod sight unseen.

For a salt stick in that $100 range, the best value will be the TFO (I think the $100 rod is called the Series 1). It is a 2 piece stick, and casts very, very well, and looks good, too! I have a few friends/acquaintances who have bought these rods in various weights, and none have regretted it. One guy bought the 5 weight, and has since purchased 3 more of that model in different weights. Lifetime warranty, good performance - tough to beat!

Lamiglas fly rods are very overlooked, but at that $100 price point they can't compete with the TFO for both warranty and performance. Although it casts nicely, I think the G200 offers a 1 year warranty? The G1000 series isn't the sexiest looking rod in the world, but it's a great performer for the money, but will be north or $150.

The Echo is a nice rod, but it's in the $150 range. The Cortland CL is a very overlooked rod at about $100, and Cortland is going to be around a while to honor any warranty issue.

If you don't go the TFO route, for the budget you're tossing out, check out the WW Griggs rods. They won't have the warranty the TFO does, but they'll be a little less money, and still perform well for you.

Lots of great options out there! We've been spoiled . . . but that's ok!

[Benn]

Thanks much for all your advice. I didn't even consider that I could get rod with a good warrenty for anything in my price range. I'll definately look into the TFO rods and keep my eye on eBay in the next few days!

I appreciate all your input.

[Sloan Craven]

SOmething to think about with this might be whether you want to go as cheap as you can buying second hand or if you want to try to find a new TFO on sale. It depends if you want the warranty or not.