Good rod to start with?

[TroutTamer]

Wanting to try my hand at Spey fishing. Basically my fishing buddy has gotten into, so I have to keep up..

Been looking around for a rod with at a minimum has the following..

1.) romoved this criteria..

2.) Not going to break the bank... $500'sh total set up (added this, sorry)

3.) can grow with..


So I tried going for this orvis rod on Ebay, but am outbid at this point.. oh well was a nice try..

What does everyone think of this Rod?

http://www.castawayflyfishingshop.com/pages/loop-products/rods--double-hand/adventure-g3.php


Noah..

[SSPey]

geologists simply refer to that politically divided land mass as "eurasia"

[Flyborg]

That's a Loop Adventure rod, and it's made in Korea. You will find very few European companies that manufacture in Europe. I can't think of a single one that makes their own blanks off the top of my head.

[TroutTamer]

hmmm I am going to have to rethink this...

maybe buy a cheaper set up for now till I get decent at this style?

[herl]

I believe St. Croix makes all their rods in the US if that's your criteria. I hear (from someone sponsored by them) that their new two handers are supposed to be good. I have no personal experience with them and I'm not sure of the price. Sage has a couple lower end ones (Fli, Vt2) though they are still up around the $400 mark I believe..

..come to think of it, I have a Sage 7136-4 traditional (13'6", 4pc. 7wt, graphite IIIe, green) that I don't use much. Many would consider it a summer rod but it could be an all-rounder if you went with a Skagit setup during the winter and a longer belly floater in the summer. It is certainly a great rod by all accounts. The only thing with this one is it makes a faint creaking sound from somewhere on the handle section - just enough to notice. I've been meaning to drive it over to Bainbridge for repair/replacement but haven't got around to it. I'd sell it for $350. PM me if you're interested,
Eric

[Coonhound Jed]

Beulah! you cant beat the rods for their price, they start at $410 and go up to about $460. I have the 12'7" 7/8 and I absolutley love it, another option that is a little cheaper would be a switch rod. If beulah is too much $ check out TFO Deer Creek Series.
jed

[hendersonbaylocal]

Whats your beef with rods built overseas?

Actually, if you don't mind a project, you might think about building up a Forecast 11'6" 6/7 spey (really more of a 7/8). Won't cost more than $150 with all materials. Casts great with a skagit 450.

[Red Shed]

The term "not going to break the bank" is pretty subjective. If you will define your price point criteria a little clearer I'm sure one of us can help you find a workable setup.

[herl]

Beulah, TFO and Forecast rods are all made overseas.. Great rods, but location of manufacture was one of the original criteria.

[Flyborg]

St Croix's less expensive rods are manufactured overseas as well.

[TallFlyGuy]

I have a CND Custom, I'm gonna sell here soon. I broke the tip and CND in Idaho sent me a brand new rod ($75). It's an 8/9. A great little stick. I'd sell it for $250. Let me know if you are interested.

Here is a review done by Dana Sturn of Speypages.com

http://www.speypages.com/cnd.html


Justin

[TroutTamer]

changed my criteria a little because well, lets face it... Its not going to be possible on my budget..

I was reading in another Thread, where the Person who runs Red shack had a set up for someone in the $550 range..

Echo rod, lamson reel.. and I forget the line type?

My partner is saying I should really go with a 9/10...???
Will spend most of my time on the "S" rivers....

Thanks everyone...

[Buck]

the best thing to do is to cast a number of rods with lines and see which best suits you.
Trust me.

[herl]

I think you are going to be way over gunned with a 9/10 for local rivers. I prefer a #6/7 for summer and #7/8 for winter. Depending on the rod design this is plenty for around here, unless you are going to be specifically going after chinook most of the time.

I would say a good overall rod for here would be a 13-14' #8 and if you are doing away with your made in the USA criteria, the field is wide open... There are lots of great rods out there in the $200 - $350 range. It becomes a matter of matching the a rod to your preferred casting style (traditonal, skagit, scandinavian - and your personal take on the style you chose). This is something you can only figure out by casting rods. I would highly recommend checking out one of the local, free spey clinics that are held every weekend (held by: River Run Anglers, Carnation; All About the Fly, Monroe; and this weekend, Creekside Angler's, Issaquah).

Have fun with it!

[Panhandle]

That's a Loop Adventure rod, and it's made in Korea. You will find very few European companies that manufacture in Europe. I can't think of a single one that makes their own blanks off the top of my head.

Buying Loop supports the local economy in this region and supports a good local shop.

If your objective is to find a rod and outfit with every component manufactured in the U.S...... good luck to ya?

[LG Mix]

Trout – I’m just a step ahead of you on this spey business. Don’t be in a hurry to clunk down your money. My paying attention tells me there are some good rods for around $300. TFO Deer Creek and Echo Classic. There has also been recent buzz about a Dec Hogan line of Echo rods out in December. Poppy “Red Shed” above is highly regarded source of (1) wisdom and (2) gear. There are a lot of knowledgeable members here and over at the SpeyPages site. Hang out and bone-up. I’m also intrigued by the good things I’ve heard about the Beulah spey rods. Like the spey experts are always saying: “Slow down.” Hope this helps.
-- Larry

[Salmo_g]

TT,

There are several alternatives in the reasonably priced range, with the DIY Forecast 6/7 being the cheapest to the TFO Deer Creek series, Echo Dec Hogan series, and Buelah - that 12' 7" 7/8 is a wonder to hold and cast.

I agree with Herl that your buddy's suggestion for a 9/10 wt is way over gunned for the S rivers and anything else around here, unless you're targeting chinook. They're heavy just to pack around and cast and leave 12# steelhead feeling like tiddlers. I think a 6/7 and 7/8 will cast any fly you'd want or need to fish and play any steelhead that will ever be hooked in WA state. I notice a lot of heavy Spey rods, especially lower priced ones, showing up in the used rod market. Do ya' think maybe the owners decided to scale down some? When you consider that an 8 wt single handed rod is the most popular steelhead fly rod, and that Spey rods of a listed size generally have the grain throwing window and dead lift strength at least two sizes higher in single hand rod terms, then a 6 or 7 wt Spey rod is all anyone would need to play the largest steelhead in the world. I used to use a Sage 9140 (classic) and decided it was a thunderstick for any steelhead under about 15 pounds, and unfortunately almost all the steelhead I've ever caught are under that size.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

[Ian Broadie]

I will put in my vote for the TFO Deer Creek, mainly because I have the Deer Creek 7/8 and it performs above its price of 339.00.

I am also biased to the entire line because I know Mike and I would not be fishing the long rod if it wasn't for him.

Also since you are looking for a whole setup I would recommend the Airflow Delta Multi tip. It is a great all around line that is very easy to cast and you can learn both the traditional and modern spey casts well.

For a reel look for a Teton Tioga on Ebay you can probably find a 11/12 for a reduced price by going to sporting goods->fly fishing->reels and searching on Teton. I have found them for as low as $125.00. The Tioga is a little on the heavy side but it's a bulldog of a reel and can handle any fish you will catch in Western Washington with relative ease. Also the things are so durable you can dunk the thing in wet sand and fix it by rinsing it out in the river (yes I know this from experience :o).

[Marty]

My vote would be for the Echo DH (Dec Hogan) only problem is you may have to wait. The December date has been moved back to Feb. 9/10 way to much rod, 8/9 with a Airflo Delta. The Echo Classic 8/9 and a nice Hardy off of Ebay would work. Look for the deals I just got a Salmon 2 for $99. It easy to get caught up in all the hoopla so just remember when learning how to cast a two hander a more moderate (full flex) action is more forgiving.

[fredaevans]

I think you are going to be way over gunned with a 9/10 for local rivers. I prefer a #6/7 for summer and #7/8 for winter. Depending on the rod design this is plenty for around here, unless you are going to be specifically going after chinook most of the time.



Have to agree here with the above. I've spey rods from 5 wt's to 11 wts and 90% of my fishing is with a 6 or a 7wt rod. Trust me most 9wt's and above, save for winter work/Salmon, are 'over kill.' I might add that rod lengths of much over 14 feet (there ARE some major exceptions to this) also fall into this category.

[flybill]

changed my criteria a little because well, lets face it... Its not going to be possible on my budget..

I was reading in another Thread, where the Person who runs Red shack had a set up for someone in the $550 range..

Echo rod, lamson reel.. and I forget the line type?

My partner is saying I should really go with a 9/10...???
Will spend most of my time on the "S" rivers....

Thanks everyone...

That would be a great setup! No need for a 9/10 for the local stuff you'll be fishing.

I will put in my vote for the TFO Deer Creek, mainly because I have the Deer Creek 7/8 and it performs above its price of 339.00.

I am also biased to the entire line because I know Mike and I would not be fishing the long rod if it wasn't for him.

Also since you are looking for a whole setup I would recommend the Airflow Delta Multi tip. It is a great all around line that is very easy to cast and you can learn both the traditional and modern spey casts well.

For a reel look for a Teton Tioga on Ebay you can probably find a 11/12 for a reduced price by going to sporting goods->fly fishing->reels and searching on Teton. I have found them for as low as $125.00. The Tioga is a little on the heavy side but it's a bulldog of a reel and can handle any fish you will catch in Western Washington with relative ease. Also the things are so durable you can dunk the thing in wet sand and fix it by rinsing it out in the river (yes I know this from experience :o).

iagree Save money on the reel w/ an Okuma Sierra or other budget option, whatever the big one is. Spend you money on the rod and line and make sure they're matched up correctly!!

I think you are going to be way over gunned with a 9/10 for local rivers. I prefer a #6/7 for summer and #7/8 for winter. Depending on the rod design this is plenty for around here, unless you are going to be specifically going after chinook most of the time.

I would say a good overall rod for here would be a 13-14' #8 and if you are doing away with your made in the USA criteria, the field is wide open... There are lots of great rods out there in the $200 - $350 range. It becomes a matter of matching the a rod to your preferred casting style (traditonal, skagit, scandinavian - and your personal take on the style you chose). This is something you can only figure out by casting rods. l would highly recommend checking out one of the local, free spey clinics that are held every weekend (held by: River Run Anglers, Carnation; All About the Fly, Monroe; and this weekend, Creekside Angler's, Issaquah).

Have fun with it!

You live in an area where you can try before you buy, so that is the best thing you can do. Not only will you be able to find a rod, reel and line to fit your budget, but you'll find one that matches you abilities and casting skill.

Good luck and have fun!
Bill

[Old Man]

Bill, I'm with you on this. But it is easier to ask questions than actually go out and try a rod and look like a fool in front of everybody that is there.. All of us that have tried Spey casting was a newby at one time. This is one sport that you just can't pick up a rod and go to casting. You have to practice,practice,practice, And then do it all over again. It took me a long time to get 80' out. But with practice it was getting better.

Jim

[flybill]

Bill, I'm with you on this. But it is easier to ask questions than actually go out and try a rod and look like a fool in front of everybody that is there.. All of us that have tried Spey casting was a newby at one time. This is one sport that you just can't pick up a rod and go to casting. You have to practice,practice,practice, And then do it all over again. It took me a long time to get 80' out. But with practice it was getting better.

Jim

I agree in part, but I've found if you're open with these guys about your budget and interest they will really help you out! I started off going to Aaron's Saturday sessions when all I had was an 8wt single hander and a multi tip line. He spent the first month showing me how to single hand spey and then we would cast a few of the spey rods off the rack.

I spent most of my first year only practicing and trying everthing he had available regardless of budget! Simply, I couldn't afford even the most basic setup at that time since I was unemployed.

Anyway, after I got back to work and saved up a bit I got my first setup. It was just under a year between when I started and then actually bought my rod, reel and line. I doubt most people would do this, but I think this time is what built the foundation for my casting and being a somewhat competent spey caster.

So if people are worried, they shouldn't be! Ask newbie questions and struggle through it like most of us do. That's what these spey sessions are for! Plus while you're practicing, I'll plan on fishing and get a little piece of water to myself for the morning! ;)

Bill :cool:

[TroutTamer]

Wow, thanks for all the advice..

To bad the wife put the kybosh on any new "fishing" purchases for now..

She wants an DSLR really bad, but she doesn't know I got her one about a month ago for xmas.. So I am thinking after the 25th I should be good to go..

That is if she doesn't decide she needs something else..

I try to get her involved, but winter fishing is out for her... She is all about warm weather and loves catching small trout.. go figure....

although she did love catching some Bone fish in Belize on the fly.. She definatly wants to do that again :)

[Will Atlas]

I think almost all 8 wts on the market are adequate for the S Rivers. I personally have a Sage 8139 VT2 which is a sweet rod. Retails for about 550 though, which wouldnt leave much money for a reel and line. I would say get either an ECHO or a TFO Deer creek special. Both are great rods for the money, the echo is like 270, throw a tioga reel on there 180, and a skagit line 120 and you're pretty close to 550.

Will

[stan]

Wanting to try my hand at Spey fishing. Basically my fishing buddy has gotten into, so I have to keep up..

Been looking around for a rod with at a minimum has the following..


2.) Not going to break the bank... $500'sh total set up (added this, sorry)

3.) can grow with..


So I tried going for this orvis rod on Ebay, but am outbid at this point.. oh well was a nice try..

THANK GOD!

What does everyone think of this Rod?

http://www.castawayflyfishingshop.com/pages/loop-products/rods--double-hand/adventure-g3.php

Dude, are you serious? $350? No frigging way!! It is TFO Deer creek all the way with a rio powerspey flyline.

Noah..

When Echo comes out with their Dec HOgan series it could very well be a contender. I cant believe you almost bought a orvis spey rod (not that their single handeds are so bad).

PS: stay the fudge away from TIoga. I am friends with Jon Kovich and they have a little problem with paying ANY commission checks to its sales reps.

[stan]

changed my criteria a little because well, lets face it... Its not going to be possible on my budget..

I was reading in another Thread, where the Person who runs Red shack had a set up for someone in the $550 range..

Echo rod, lamson reel.. and I forget the line type?

My partner is saying I should really go with a 9/10...???
Will spend most of my time on the "S" rivers....

Thanks everyone...

Dude, you are just being silly if you dont think you can get a great setup for $500. I would use this setup and I am a intermediate caster and honestly am not good enough to gain the casting distance a sage z axis would give me.

Deer creek 8/9 13.6 rod $340
TiCa Veteran G Machined 11/12 weight reel $54 from troutlet.com
Rio powerspey fly line (or line of your choice) $80

[stan]

changed my criteria a little because well, lets face it... Its not going to be possible on my budget..

I was reading in another Thread, where the Person who runs Red shack had a set up for someone in the $550 range..

Echo rod, lamson reel.. and I forget the line type?

My partner is saying I should really go with a 9/10...???
Will spend most of my time on the "S" rivers....

Thanks everyone...

BTW, you probably want to stay away from the TFO pro series spey rods, they are a bit outdated.

[Red Shed]

stay the fudge away from TIoga. I am friends with Jon Kovich and they have a little problem with paying ANY commission checks to its sales reps.

Yes the above seems to be a problem however it doesn't have a damn thing to do with this thread. To diss a reel because of problems between the reel maker and his sales reps is pretty dumb.

BTW, you probably want to stay away from the TFO pro series spey rods, they are a bit outdated.

Why are they outdated? While I no longer sell TFO rods there is certainly nothing wrong with the product. The TFO Professional series rods are as good a bargin today as they ever were and that was pretty good. I personally do like the Echo a little more but if one is on a tight budget the TFO Pro series rods matched with the right line will serve a person well.

[Sloan Craven]

Good thread. I would traditionally say to get out and cast them, but thinking about it overnight I have to disagree with myself. Casting rods isn't going to do too much good if you know little about spey.
The conensus for a budget rod on this thread seems to be an Echo Classic or Deer Creek and those are great traditional rods. Beyond that, those are rods that will do you well 4 years from know after your skills have been honed. Heck, my next spey purchases will be an Echo Classic and a Deer Creek.