New Fly Rod

O

oakbrookjeff

Steelhead
I haven't bought a fly rod since the late 90's or the early 00's (all of which I'm still very happy with). A recently retired friend asked for advice in purchasing a starter fly rod. I can advise him on length, weight, and lines etc. What I haven't kept up with is rod makers. Any suggestions on low to moderate priced fly rods.
 
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oakbrookjeff said:
I haven't bought a fly rod since the late 90's or the early 00's (all of which I'm still very happy with). A recently retired friend asked for advice in purchasing a starter fly rod. I can advise him on length, weight, and lines etc. What I haven't kept up with is rod makers. Any suggestions on low to moderate priced fly rods.
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Never cast one… but Echo seems to turn heads around here for a great rod on a budget…. Stay away from Farbank…
 
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oakbrookjeff said:
I haven't bought a fly rod since the late 90's or the early 00's (all of which I'm still very happy with). A recently retired friend asked for advice in purchasing a starter fly rod. I can advise him on length, weight, and lines etc. What I haven't kept up with is rod makers. Any suggestions on low to moderate priced fly rods.
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Buy a used rod that you know about and would recommend. Older rods are way less than new ones and IMHO way more caster action friendly.

Big time IM6 fan...

Redington CT series (now discontinued) is highly recommended as well as Echo on this site.
 
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oakbrookjeff said:
I haven't bought a fly rod since the late 90's or the early 00's (all of which I'm still very happy with). A recently retired friend asked for advice in purchasing a starter fly rod. I can advise him on length, weight, and lines etc. What I haven't kept up with is rod makers. Any suggestions on low to moderate priced fly rods.
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Too bad Redington stopped making the Classic Trout, which ran about $150 and was a nice casting, moderate action rod. You can find them used.
 
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@oakbrookjeff,

Morning. When u have a minute, take a look at "The Fly Shop", in Redding California. They have an excellent House Setup called the "Fresh H20 Fly Rod Combo". Can choose between 4-8 Weight Rods. Can also pick between two different Reels, both of which are very nice. I dont think there is a better deal around period. Customer Service is Excellent. Been using their products now for over 30 years. Fantastic Fly Tying Selection to boot.

Have fun helping your friend out.

Bob
 
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My recommendation is dependent upon the intent of the user..

If a person is serious about fishing and will be fishing weekly for years I suggest the Sage Foundation.

If they aren't going to be serious honestly it doesn't really matter that much. Echo carbon Redington classic trout
 
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A "starter " rod should be in the "moderate " action flex .
A beginner does not know rod loading enough to start with a "fast action" rod.
A moderate rod will provide the feed back for a beginner to understand loading.
Just my Opinion.
I think Cabelas still has a few Redington Classic Trout.
 
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I have enjoyed my Echo Carbon rods. I actually prefer them over my Loomis NRX's. I have noticed the price had gone up a bit over the past few years. I have heard that Cortland makes a decent rod. I held one the other day. Didn't seem to bad. Echo and Cortland also offer complete kits, which I've heard aren't bad without a huge investment.
 
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Bugmeister said:
I just bought one for someone as a wedding gift (the couple that casts together lasts together you dig?). Might be out of stock but at least as of last month not discontinued
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I didn't check, I was remembering someone here trying to get one repaired and he was told (I thought) that they aren't making them anymore and so there were no replacement sections. If I'm wrong, I'm very glad to be wrong!

I have a CT 3wt, 8', 6-piece that I absolutely love with a 4wt line!
 
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Zak said:
I don't check, I was remembering someone here trying to get one repaired and he was told (I thought) that they aren't making them anymore and so there were no replacement sections. If I'm wrong, I'm very glad to be wrong!

I have a CT 3wt, 8', 6-piece that I absolutely love with a 4wt line!
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I remember that post also. Dang if I can find it.
 
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The CT is a fine rod, really like my 864.
Lotta folks will point to the Echo Ion XL, have a couple along with a couple of same price Fenwich Aetos rods, prefer the Aetos action and finish.
 
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"Morning. When u have a minute, take a look at "The Fly Shop", in Redding California."

I bought my first good fly rod from them. Had to send them snail mail to ask for a catalog, make my choice , send a order form with funds and hope they ship it soon! Ended up being a great rod, J.K. Fisher 9ft 5wt. Wish I still had it.
 
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