Lower $ Fly Rods

[andy-ap emerger]

Oh yeah! I love this topic. I have two favorite low $ rods that get most of my casting time.
One, is a no-name 5/6wt 9'6" fast as h3ll too!!
I bought it @ a "mega-low-mart" style sporting goods store cause it looked so cool :smile: it actually says on the shaft 'Pacific Northwest' What ever in the heck that means??? But for $38.99
Wow! It's the rod I fly fish for Carp on nearly every day.
Second>>> is the venerable WW.Grigg "custom Made" 8Wt. It was a $79.00 stick that claimed my first steelhead on the fly! It is cheap, ugly, deadly and gets used in the DB when I have others riding w/ me. My primary signle hander for myself is a St. Croix Ultra legend (holy cow! I love this rod)
But when there is 2 or more beer drinking thugs in my DB, I hide the good rod and put out the ww.Grigg. It casts really well too!

[andy-ap emerger]

ps...I should also mention that once while retrieving the line out from the overhang below Bonnie Lure, I snapped the 8Wt Grigg. I sent it in and they repaired it & sent it back to me immediately & for FREE!!!!
So, just because the name isn't advertised in 'Northwest Fly Fishing' doesn't mean it's not a decent rod!

[FallRiverGuy]

I have to "second" the WW.Grigg "custom Made. For the $ they are a good rod. I have a 6.5 ft (2-4 lb line rating) rod that I use for jigging kokanee that I love.

[will_e_fish]

I will have to try to find a WW Grigg flyrod and give it a try.

Fall River Guy- you say you use a Flyrod for koke jigging? That sounds fun especially if they rokket off doing acrobatics. Is that like a buzz jig or a marabou jig?

[True]

Will_e_fish,

I've got the skinny on a $25.00 9ft. Scientific Angler's 7-8wt. I just ordered one for myself from the East coast. I've used the 5-6wt model and was impressed by its performance.

The WW. Grigg model sounds good too.

Let me know.

True

[Gizmo Man]

What size rod you looking for.

I have seen some 4, 5, and 6 wt 9' Custom (brand) built rods at Gart in Clackamas marked down to $49.00.

I have also seen some nice looking rods with wood insert reel seats at ...ready for this...Walmart ...for $39.95. These also look like Custom rods. (I think that is a ww grigg rod)

I bought one of the 4 wts at garts last year and find nothing wrong with it....

Giz...

[Grantspastor]

I bought two Pflueger SUMMIT IM-6 graphite rods from Wal-Mart for less than accomplished fishermen to use while fishing for Steelhead from my drift boat. They look pretty good...not all dolled with tinfoil wraps...not cheesy looking like most inexpensive rods. They turned out to be pretty decent casting rods. I like them, and paid about thirty-some dollars.

[will_e_fish]

On the community board talk on inexpensive rods made me think about my G-Loomis Flyrod and the one that gets used the most.
The rod that get used the most, caught more fish, and I won't get rid of it. Abu Garcia, old brown rod, has been broke by chinook on the Kalama, spooled by steelhead on the NF Nehalem, got coho everywhere and cost $30 17 years ago. Bought some other Abu Garcias thinking replacement, NOT, but the kids use them. I am looking for another lower price flyrod. Still like G Loomis, just not all the time though.

What Inexpensive rod have you used that you will not let go of?

[Joe Schwab]

As stated on the other thread, I have been using W.W.Grigg Custom Made rods for a number of years now. The 7-8s are perfect for reds and stand the abuse well. The GX series is by no means an ugly rod. Very well made and feels good in the hand. If they are seeling the GX with wood reel seat for $39.95 I'm going to go get some. :grin:

[will_e_fish]

I am looking for a 8-9wt that when I go to Alaska it might be able to handle the bigger fish up there. I also would like to find a 6'or 6.5, 4-5 wt for family members as it seems everyone want to flyfish. I am going to look at the Wal-Mart and Gart stores especially if they carry rods with a warranty like a WW Gigg.

True & Grantspastor- does the Scientific Angler or Pflueger have a similar warranty?

[Grantspastor]

Don't know what their warranty is...sorry

[True]

I haven't seen the Pflueger warranty but the S.A. rod does have a limited warranty. I don't think I'll need it with the rod only costing what it does but who knows? I'm looking forward to trying out that 7-8wt on the Hood.


True

[andy-ap emerger]

As far as a good reel for the $ to go with the rods...
Hands down, the Pflueger Medalist is my reel of choice!
Like I had mentioned in previous post, the back-up steelhead rod 8/9wt by Grigg is matched to the 1496 Pflueger medalist. Stron strong strong reliable, cheap. long lasting.
Now, I wish my 300.00 Orivs LA reel had that type of disclaimer!!! :laugh:
ap"emerger"

[andy-ap emerger]

I should have prefaced that last post by this: When looking for a lower $ reel to match w/ the rod, Dont go TOO CHEAP! Meaning, those really thin, open hoop cast/aluminim reels. Why? Because once you drop it (YOU WILL DROP IT!) it's bent for good!
It seems a Medalist will cost just 5 dollars more, actually have a decent drag AND withstand all types of droppings.
graemlins/dork.gif Because hey...I wouldn't know about that would I???

[omnivore]

While it's true that you get what you pay for, the justification for the difference in performance probably is a lot smaller than the difference in price. The modern grphite rod technology has seen a convergence in quality while the manufacturing costs have dropped substantially.

[Grantspastor]

Note to Will_E_Fish. I took one of those Pflueger rods with me as a backup on my last Alaskan float trip. I ended up using as a primary rod to catch dozens and dozens of Fresh Sockeye. These are very fast and powerful fish...capable of abusing equipment. I've broken the handles off of three fly reel spools on my knuckles with these fish. The rod performed without a hiccup. I also agree that the Pflueger Medalist is a great reel for the money. They are priced like a Chevrolet, but built like a Hummer. Not as lovely as my Hardys but truthfully...lots stronger

[toonboater]

The price one pays fora flyrod is all relative. If you want a decent 3-5 wt for dry fly fishing you will need to pay more than say for a 5-6 wt for nymphing a 7 or 8wt for swinging steelhead flys. If you're like me, there's nothing like the feel of a rod that becomes an extension of your arm. Typically, the price will be higher forthis :hoboy: but there is a limit. Mine is when the cost goes over $300. Anything over that is a waste due to the lack of increased value. :hoboy:

[rob allen]

Though you don't always get what you pay for you rarely ever get what you don't pay for.

I bought a wwgrigg rod for a friend a 9'5wt for 80 bucks? it was a piece of junk it was one of their north by northwest rods in a two piece configuration. Quite frankly it was the worst 9ft 5weight i can remember casting. I think one is much better off going up to the Lamiglas factory outlet store and picking up a second with no warrentee for 120 bucks.. Thats just my opinion so take it for what it's worth..
There are also a number of other inexpensive rods on the market designed by people who know how to design fly rods.
Scott has their Voyager series
Sage even has a low end rod now as does winston. and Tim reijeff (sp?) is not marketing a line of excellent inexpensive rods under the name of Echo.

Now again this is my opinion but I suggest buying a rod from a company that has a reputation for fly rod building...

[Haftafish]

St. Croix rods are inexpensive, lifetime warranty, and good performance. My lamiglass is a good rod but does not compare. I have three St. Croix rods now and will have more. I don't want to pay the high dollars for a Sage or other high end rods. My .02 worth.

[Snap-T]

Rob Allen is right. You get what you don't pay for. Most of the rods described above are top heavy and loosly constructed.
The Sage DS (Discovery Series) and the Winston Ibis are the models of the lower grade rod built by professinals, that R A is talking about.

I did have a ABU Garcia rod that was my first rod many years ago that I casted a couple years ago and thought I needed to fish it. I didn't.
Why waste your time buying junk. Fly Fishing is a difficult sport as it is. Why make it harder? Fly Fishing is also an addicting sport, if you buy a cheap rod the pure love of the sport will push you twords excellence in a matter of months.

This is simply my opinion. If I would have shot straight to the top, I wouldn't have so many un-fished rods.

Snap-T

[Haftafish]

There are plenty of good fly rods available you don't have to spend $500 on and are very good rods. Same with reels. A lot of people with money go out and spend bank on very expensive gear and don't have a clue how to even use it.

[andy-ap emerger]

Rob, since we're giving our (IMHO's)...My St Croix 8wt 9'9" Ultra Legend single hander simply blows away my 8wt Sage. Easily. Casts farther, feels better, looks better, 350.00 LESS $'s!!! Also, I use my Orvis Rocky MT ($89.00) reel more than any of my reels. (those include Battenkill LA, Redington, Bauer, Sage, SA) Why? It's cartidge system is near flawless & it's so durable...On the other hand (litterally :smile: I wouldn't use any other 2 hander than my sage 5190 Spey. I've tried all the nicer makes and that was MY own favorite.
As far as a quality low priced reel goes however, the Pflueger Medalist (IMHO) is The Best! It'll tackle a 25lb carp & a 10 lb steelie in fast deschutes water with simple ease!
I guess arguing a point of which rod is best for every individual is darn near rediculous! :cheers:

[bigfishon]

if you flyfish alot and can justify spending the bucks on a high dollar flyrod thats great, but if you only go out a couple times a year for kicks a cheap rod that works good for you is the way to go. I have seen guys with old fiberglass rods out cast many guys with orvis, winston, sage and other great rods. It is not all in the rod, alot of fly fishing is in takeing the time to just learn it. I have had some high dollar rods, I also have had ww griggs, cortlands, and others, I am not a great fly fisherman alot due to not haveing the time to put into it and this not really being a prime area to get me very excited about doing it (fly rods and brush lined banks & trees do not mix). I have been considering selling all my fly tying gear as I do not see myself going out flyfishing at all anymore. I hate to see it go, but I do not really have a use for the stuff anymore.

[will_e_fish]

I agree cheap rods are like using a 2x4 or a peice of rebar. I love my G Loomis Fly Rod but others work just as well for a third the price. Getting a good deal to get performance and not break the budget is what I am talking about.
If we could all affford the $500 for every weight rod we wanted I am sure the rod manufacturers would raise their prices to $700.
When fishing a lot of back country hiking up and down canyons with no trails. I just feel more comfortable taking the standby flyrod even though G Loomis has a warranty. I also feel good about giving the rods away if some kid wants to learn to flyfish.

[toonboater]

The biggest problem with buying a low cost rod is they are not carried by the typical fly shop and unlike flyshops, the Wal-Mart's and the like, won't let you take it out for a trial in the parking lot. :dance:

[Gizmo Man]

toonboater: Most Walmarts, gi joes give you a 30 to 90 day period to go play with your purchases. Don't like it, return it....no questions asked.

I have dealt with some local fly shops and once it leaves the front door it's your. If you should have a problem with it, then I was told to deal with the mfg direct. (I don't do business with that shop anymore).

I would say that some of the lower cost rods today are far superior than the rods we where buying 25 years ago when they where developing the graphites use in rods.

If you dont have the money to spend and want to get into flyfishing there are many good inexpensive rods out there. If you decide you like the sport and have the funds then you can step up to the more expensive rods.

I wonder what we did 25 years ago, before they started charging $400 for a fly rod?

Giz...

[toonboater]

That's great info Gizmo. Can't tell you the number of times I've been on business trips near trout water with free time on my hands. Now all I have to do is buy a cheap combo outfit and return it when I'm done with fishing. graemlins/applause.gif

[Mad Mikey]

>> Now all I have to do is buy a cheap combo outfit and return it when I'm done with fishing. <<

That would explain why they have all those posters with your face on them in every little variety store between The Dalles and Madras. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
On the serious side though, I started with the cheap stuff and moved my way up. Some of my best memories are with that 4 piece 6/7 Eagle Claw fiber glass with the all plastic reel.
My first steelhead rod was a Lami G1000 9weight.
I thought it was the sweetest rod ever built :rolleyes: at the time and I had a lot of fun with it too. I still use it for throwing those nasty type VI sink tips.
When I got my 480RPL and the 790SP I was blown away by the difference in sensitivity and lack of fatigue at the end of the day.
Geo is right though, I wouldn't pay over $300 ever. I got lucky on my first two Sages with some good connections and picked up two more when I was in AK at a lodge.
I've casted some St. Croix trout AND Spey rods, can't say anything bad about them at all. Very good rods for the price. As a matter of fact I've got two St. Croix Wild River plugging rods that I like better than any of the Loomis or Lami's.
If I was just starting out and tight on the bucks I'd look into the St. Croix. When push comes to shove, go cheaper on the reel than the rod if you have to make a choice.

[Stew]

Originally posted by toonboater:
That's great info Gizmo. Can't tell you the number of times I've been on business trips near trout water with free time on my hands. Now all I have to do is buy a cheap combo outfit and return it when I'm done with fishing. graemlins/applause.gif <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">That is good info! No sense in being stuck with something you don't like especially if you haven't had the chance to cast it. Sometimes the cheaper outfits are not as well balanced as a more expensive one.

[ 02-15-2003, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: Stew ]

[will_e_fish]

Gizmo- curious what shop told you to deal with it. If you dont want to tell us I understand I think I have been there as well.

[Haftafish]

A St. Croix Imperial 9' 4wt or 6wt and a pfluger supreme reel. Price wise and performance don't get much better than that. There are several things that can happen to an expensive rod and reel that are not covered by warranty. Loosing it in the bottom of a lake, slipping on a rock on the Deschutes and losing it, theft (cuz its high dollar) etc. I fly fish hard and have seen lots of rods destroyed during a trip accidently. You pick. I know what I am doing.

[santiamflyguy]

Cortland GRF-1000, 8 1/2' 5/6, for the $35 i saved to get it when i was 10, the best rod i've ever owned. never was quite the same after i broke the tip and they sent me a replacement that didn't quite match the butt section...

Lamiglas 1298 (9' 8wt) that was picked up at a sportsman's show for $75...an absolute cannon with shooting heads, caught more steelhead on this than any other rod...

Scott SAS 9'6" 7wt, got it used for $125...

A new, yet untried el cheapo, a Cabela's Fish Eagle 11'3" 6wt Spey rod, $51.00 in their "Bargain Cave" section. Cabela's-- the only good reason to live in MN.

I also had a St. Croix Pro Graphite 8'6" 5wt which I thought was buttery smooth for less than $100.

As far as crap rods--

Daiwa anything.
Cortland GRF-1000 3/4 wt (doesn't feel right)
Fenwick 8' 6wt (noodle)
St. Croix 14' 9/10 Spey (shoddy workmanship)
St. Croix Pro Graphite 9'6" 8wt (too slow for me)

by far the best value in reels would be the Okuma line--

had a Integrity LA 10/11 on the St. Croix Spey, landed a 38" N. Santiam winter fish with no hiccups...a $60 reel

and currently with the SAS 7wt and Cabela's 11'3" are a pair of Okuma Sierras, for $29.99 each at Sportsmen's Warehouse, you can't go wrong! Spools at $13.99!

[ 02-24-2003, 09:58 AM: Message edited by: santiamflyguy ]

[papa bear]

Because I'm in a 7 foot boat with a homemade rodholder that best fits spinning rods, I bought a (don't laugh) cheap Daiwa that's a little bit soft, a seven footer designed for six pound test, and rigged it with my Scientific Angler reel (28 years old!) and a sinking line for my lake work. So's the butt will sit in the holder, the reel is seated right where it would be if it were a spinning reel. Looks awful, catches fish. In fact, the trout that have clammed up lately for bait fishing at Dexter are hitting wet flies reasonably well.