8 Wt for Saltwater trips and Carp when I'm home

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tilikumsrevenge

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I am located in the Midwest but was finding valuable discussion here on rod suggestions. I am in the market for an 8 wt and just really don't know what to go with. I think at this point in time, I am between an Echo Boost Blue or a TFO Blitz, but I am open to other suggestions. My budget for the rod really tops out at about an Orvis Recon, but I can't say that is a rod I'm really interested in based on conversation with a couple different shops.

As far as how I plan to use it, its main use will be for LMB and Carp. However, I do have some salt trips planned with the soonest one coming in April chasing bones in Hawaii so I believe some wind resistance is in order based on my research. Will also come in handy with our consistent winds out here in the middle of the country.

If it helps for reference, I have a 7 wt Echo Streamer X spooled with the AirFlo Streamer Max long and I cannot get on with casting that rod so would like to avoid rods with a similar butt section and taper. Lastly, our outfitter that carried the best selection of rods within 150 miles just closed in December so kind of buying blind at this point.
 
Echo Boost Blue. Great rod, reputation and value. It will perform very well in your applications. Replacement sections are easily purchased too.

Top it off with a Lamson Liquid Max and you have a combo for salt that will rock at ~$500.
 
I have a Redington Crux 890 in the classifieds for $150 obo. It’s not as “crisp” (for lack of a better term) feeling as the Boost Blue - of course personal preference on rod characteristics is subjective - but it will do everything you are looking for out of an 8wt.
 
Rod makers have tended to focus their best designs on their most popular rods, 5 wts and 8 wts. As a result there are a lot of great 8 wts out there and a lot of reviews on these rods. I find the ones from Trident Fly Fishing really good although Red’s Fly Shop and Mad River Outfitters have some that also are worth seeing. Of course they tend to spend more time on top shelf equipment but scan through their YouTube videos and you will find a range different price points reviewed.

Personally I am a fan of buying the best rod you can (or can not) afford and suffering once instead of getting something and then feeling that you need to upgrade later. My personal 8 wt is an old Sage One that has performed flawlessly for 20 years (no it ain’t for sale). I did cast a TFO Mangrove Coast that had a very castable medium fast action. It is a little heavy for hours of blind casting for bass but would be no problem for sight casting carp or bones.

Good luck and I appreciate the problem of buying a rod you can not cast first. Fortunately most good mail order shops are willing to take returns or even sent you a couple rods for comparison and let you keep the winner.
 
I have 10 and 11 wt Boost Blues, which I love. I also have an 8wt Echo Ion XL that I use for carp and bonefish, which I also love. I just don't think you can go too wrong with Echo rods.
 
tilikumsrevenge said:
I am located in the Midwest but was finding valuable discussion here on rod suggestions. I am in the market for an 8 wt and just really don't know what to go with. I think at this point in time, I am between an Echo Boost Blue or a TFO Blitz, but I am open to other suggestions. My budget for the rod really tops out at about an Orvis Recon, but I can't say that is a rod I'm really interested in based on conversation with a couple different shops.

As far as how I plan to use it, its main use will be for LMB and Carp. However, I do have some salt trips planned with the soonest one coming in April chasing bones in Hawaii so I believe some wind resistance is in order based on my research. Will also come in handy with our consistent winds out here in the middle of the country.

If it helps for reference, I have a 7 wt Echo Streamer X spooled with the AirFlo Streamer Max long and I cannot get on with casting that rod so would like to avoid rods with a similar butt section and taper. Lastly, our outfitter that carried the best selection of rods within 150 miles just closed in December so kind of buying blind at this point.
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I started a similar post a couple of days ago. I folded and bought a boost blue for 290 and kept shopping and ended up pairing it with a three pack lamson liquid s. Should be an awesome setup for bass, pike, and coho 🙈

Additionally, I’ve been searching extensively for 8wts the last couple of days and the axiom 2x is on sale on trident for 330$ I also bought my boost blue for 290$ from ugly bug fly shop. I also looked at the 84B which is similar range for you.
 
I only ever used my 8wt for trips to cape cod to fish for stripers. Because it was always a travel rod, I got a Cabela's 6-piece teacher rod that breaks down into a carryon. I still have it and I like it. I bought a 6wt in the same rod, and with a Rio multitip line it's a good go anywhere rod.
 
I called a couple additional shops that I made sure had both. Obviously going to lean a specific way if they only carry one of the options. Seems like the overwhelming majority amongst them and here is the Boost Blue. I think you all have helped make my decision.
 
Zak said:
I only ever used my 8wt for trips to cape cod to fish for stripers. Because it was always a travel rod, I got a Cabela's 6-piece teacher rod that breaks down into a carryon. I still have it and I like it. I bought a 6wt in the same rod, and with a Rio multitip line it's a good go anywhere rod.
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Checked again and it is a 7-piece, not 6-piece. It looks like Cabelas does not make the "Stowaway" rod anymore. There are some used ones out there, like this 5wt:

www.ebay.com

Cabela's Stowaway 7 Fly Rod 8' 6" - 5 Wt & Prestige Plus II Reel with Case | eBay

This is a Cabela's Stowaway 7 fly rod, Prestige Plus II reel and case. Fly Rod & Reel. I don't know what line is on the reel. Hard travel case. Length 8' 6".
www.ebay.com

It is a good rod for the money.
 
tilikumsrevenge said:
I called a couple additional shops that I made sure had both. Obviously going to lean a specific way if they only carry one of the options. Seems like the overwhelming majority amongst them and here is the Boost Blue. I think you all have helped make my decision.
Click to expand...
It sounds like you're sold on the Boost Blue - a rod I've cast once and liked but don't own. I currently fish an Echo Ion XL 890 for carp, it works perfectly for me. I took this rod to Alaska for coho where it worked perfectly (and it's $110 less than the Boost Blue). Good luck.
 
It looks like the Sage ONE was introduced in 2012. It is a rare thing for us old farts when something is younger than we think it is. It is not a rare thing for us to be wrong.
 
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