Chuck,
You've been given a lot of good advice...but there is nothing like trying the
rod out. Although there are a lot of rods out there to try, try and find
one that fits your style. The only way to do that is to cast it. Although
there are no fly shops here in Lake Charles, I've cast all kinds of rods, by
bringing my rods to our local fly club casting clinics (and yes I'm aware of
the relative scarceness of fly clubs in Alabama.) and trying and trading rods
with other club members. All that being said, I've never picked up a TFO rod I
didn't like (I don't own any though) or a St. Croix that I didn't like. Many
of them I've liked a lot better than some of the higher Sage, Loomis or Orvis
rods I've tried. It's too bad you couldn't make it to the Gulf Coast Council
FFF conclave here in Lake Charles in May. the local shop that carries TFO rods
(not a fly shop, just a tackle shop) was selling an introductory TFO fly rod
set up in conjunction with the TFO reps for $129 I
think...that included the rod, reel backing and fly line, your choice of
weight.
I've also always kept an eye out at Sierra Trading Post as mentioned for
clearance deals as well (sometimes great deals on fly lines and rods). I got
my 10 wt rod through them, for $85 plus shipping...a Redington RS 2. But I'd
cast RS2's before so I knew approximately what I was getting (turns out the rod
works better overlined).
If there are any fly conclaves anywhere near you that have a fly rod
representative or vendor there, you might want to go...they ALWAYS have rods
set up for people to try.
Lefty Kreh was one of our featured guests at the GCC conclave in May. On
Friday night My wife, daughter and I took him out to dinner (he didn't care to
try the crawfish that everyone else had, so I was elected.) He said that in
his opinion even the lowest of the 2 piece TFO rods probably cast better than
the highest end rods of 4-5 years ago. I've come to the conclusion, that I'll
find a rod that fits my style, and there are plenty out there that do for very
reasonable prices.
Mark Delaney
Chuck Alexander <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Folks:This is sorta
hypothetical but here goes..One of these days I'd like to get myself (or maybe
my wife or kids will get it for me) a good , quality fly rod (and reel)..My
question is, if you have never tried a certain rod, how on earth could you
ever order one online and get what you want??? My case in point is that I have
four "cheap", "Inexpensive" whatever word you want to use 5 wt rods...All say
5wt, yet a cpl are as stiff and heavy as a 2 by 4..(and they both say MEDIUM
action) One is limber as a wet noodle. (and I cannot cast a fly that weighs
over 1/10,000th of an ounce with this one)..Then the one I use is "Just
right".. VERY lightweight..I can cast flies from a #18 Midge, to a Size #2 or
so bass bug. Pretty slow action, it's just what I like.. Course it's what I am
most used to also... Thing is, if one were gonna order a rod online, are you
"shooting in the dark"??? If you have never
actually tried out a certain rod???? If I ever do get the money to buy such a
rod, i think I'll take the time to drive to Birmingham or Atlanta to "try
before I buy", but what if I couldn't make it to one of those places????
Thanks, Chuck
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