Budget 4wt shorty recs?

If you like older stuff, Sage made the RPL in both a 480 and 486 if I recall correctly. I’ve owned a 490 which was the first nice rod I ever bought and likely the only Sage I’ll never sell. I have no doubt the shorter versions would do what you want if you could find one.
SF
 
Mike Ediger said:
RCF is spot on.
In the last few weeks the following 8'6" 4wts have all sold on the auction site under your $350 budget: Winston BIIIX, Sage SLT, Orvis Recon, Sage Mod, plus lots of others. You might put out a WTB for 8'6" 4wt and see what is offered up.
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I'm fine with used, although I tend not to see a lot of under 9' 4wts from the past say two generations in my price range. Maybe I haven't spend enough time looking.
 
Matt B said:
Yes, and IMO my 8’6” 4 weight CT starts to “fold” with 4 weight lines when I push casts out past 50 feet or so. It gets mushy. And I really enjoy that rod for dry fly trout fishing. So, I think maybe you’re right and you might want to look for a used higher end rod that has more “booty” for occasional distance.
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This is exactly what I worry about. Thanks for the data point!
 
SurfnFish said:
A 864 4 wt CT is my funnest rod for casting small flies. Though rarely do I ever find myself needing to cast more than 40' in the conditions I fish, it's doable. If I was fishing the Met a bunch I'd go 9'.
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Yup, already have the 9' 5wt. Just using middle Met as a general river size.
 
someguy23 said:
This is exactly what I worry about. Thanks for the data point!
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No problem. And, I’m no Rajeff but I can cast just fine. I tend to suspect the folks telling you so declaratively that your concern about fishing occasional long casts off a shorter 4 weight CT is only a technique thing and not a materials thing, have no direct experience with this rod.
 
chief said:
I agree, a forty-foot cast with an 8' rod breaks down to this - rod 8', line 23', leader 9'. I don't know of any modern rod that can't cast 23' of fly line. Your concern about the rod not having enough power tells me you are not a good candidate for a moderate action rod. Look for something used - fast with feel - Hardy Zenith, Scott Radian, Orvis H2. Those are the rods that will bring you joy.
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I dunno man, you don't know me and haven't seen me cast. You don't know what my leader rig is. All I can say is what I've already said before. Not sure why you feel the need to diagnose a person's cast you haven't seen and suggest that they're not a strong fly caster with no actual evidence. I'm using "beyond 40" to try to avoid saying "50+" because if I say that, people will say "don't ask a 4wt shorty to do 50+." Consider looking at the responses made about that actually referencs the specific rod under discussion as well as my explanation(s).
 
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Matt B said:
No problem. And, I’m no Rajeff but I can cast just fine. I tend to suspect the folks telling you so declaratively that your concern about fishing occasional long casts off a shorter 4 weight CT is only a technique thing and not a materials thing, have no direct experience with this rod.
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I tend to agree.
 
I guess I just personally haven't ever had that "folding" issue with the CT 4wt I had (the very model in question)...not with a true to weight line. Deep flexing into the butt is a little different than folding imo.

I wouldn't be so quick to discount the comment on amount of line one would typically carry for a 40' cast. Hope you find something that suits you.

Also agree with the comment of going with a 9' for general use on the Met. It's going to just work better....but you probably already know that since you say that you fish there a bunch.
 
someguy23 said:
I dunno man, you don't know me and haven't seen me cast. You don't know what my leader rig is. All I can say is what I've already said before. Not sure why you feel the need to diagnose a person's cast you haven't seen and suggest that they're not a strong fly caster with no actual evidence. I'm using "beyond 40" to try to avoid saying "50+" because if I say that, people will say "don't ask a 4wt shorty to do 50+." Consider looking at the responses made about that actually referencs the specific rod under discussion as well as my explanation(s).
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I am sorry you took this as a personal afront. I was just echoing back the words you were writing and the concerns you were expressing about the rods in question. Why do you want an 8' moderate action rod if you are concerned that it won't suit your casting style and ultimately won't help you enjoy your day on the water? I was just advocating that you should get a rod that will do the job and not be so hung up on what the industry thinks you should be using. Lefty Kreh could cast an entire fly line using only the tip section of a two-piece fly rod. No matter what rod you select any 4wt shorty can cast 50+ feet in the right hands.
 
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chief said:
I am sorry you took this as a personal afront. I was just echoing back the words you were writing and the concerns you were expressing about the rods in question. Why do you want an 8' moderate action rod if you are concerned that it won't suit your casting style and ultimately won't help you enjoy your day on the water? I was just advocating that you should get a rod that will do the job and not be so hung up on what the industry thinks you should be using. Lefty Kreh could cast an entire fly line using only the tip section of a two-piece fly rod. No matter what rod you select any 4wt shorty can cast 50+ feet in the right hands.
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I didn't say I wanted a moderate rod that I recall. Indeed, I said in a reply that a moderate-fast would likely be a better option for me.
 
I guess it's time to close this thread out. Seems like the CT is the only rod anyone has experience with. Used is an option, but right now there's not much on the auction site in my budget.
 
I'll keep my eyes open for you. 4wts are my favorite rod, and I have had them from 7' to 10'. I currently have glass, and multiple plastic 4wts from 7'10" to 9'. I totally get overthinking it. While true, it is part of the fun sometimes.
 
someguy23 said:
I guess it's time to close this thread out. Seems like the CT is the only rod anyone has experience with. Used is an option, but right now there's not much on the auction site in my budget.
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My 1990s Sage LL Graphite III 8'6" 4wt is my favorite rod and can easily cast 40+ feet. I have a quiver of rods from 6' 2wt on up and I keep coming back to the LL. You might keep an eye out for one used. I believe the Sage VPS was the same blank as the LL, with downgraded components at a lower price.
 
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