TFO Deer Creek Series Spey Rods
- This topic has 13 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated Mar 26, 2013 at 11:29 am by
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Hey Guys,
I’m getting organized for a thirty-day float trip next month down the Rio Santa Cruz and looking at buying a third Spey rod, just in case.
I have been fishing the 13’6 for 8/9 for the past three years. I think they are great values. Since I only get one steelhead trip a year (and my partners have backup rods) it’s been more than sufficient for me. I do like it better with the Rio Skagit line versus the standard Spey line, but that could simply be symptomatic of my poor casting ability.
For the same money, look at the Echo TR, especially if you have flipped to the Skagit darkside. I have a TFO and think it is a good value and ok rod, but the Echo is a really good rod.
As the rod is meant as a backup to a backup, just buy whichever has a better warranty. If it gets to that point, chances are good your luck is going to keep on that road so youll want an easy experience with replacements. ha ha
Hi Douglas,
What are the differences, in your view? Why/how is the Echo rod better? I’ve actually only been messing with Spey sticks for a couple of years now, and so am still in the process of learning the thing, and any specifics you could provide would be much appreciated.
The Echo TR has a stiffer butt and mid section, which I find makes it easier to lift big flies and sink tips and sinking heads. I’m not good at describing actions, but I personally think the Echo has a nicer action and feel (ie, I can put my casts where I want them whereas I feel like I’m just hucking the cast in a general direction with the TFO). I have a harder time with snap T’s using the TFO. I can cast further with the Echo.
The warranty and service are about the same for TFO and Echo with both being excellent. I know a lot of people who absolutely love their Deer Creek’s and everyone’s perception and opionion is different, so it wouldn’t hurt to cast both if you get a chance. Bob Meiser designed the Deer Creek series, and he knows what he is doing.
If you’re in the States, Poppy at the Red Shed Fly shop on the Clearwater river in Idaho has a program where he will loan out demo rods for the cost of shipping and I believe he carries both brands, so that may be a good chance to try both. I know you are buying a back-up, but either of these rods may become primary rods after you cast and fish with them.
Hope this helps, Justin.
I fish the switch model. Only complaint is the size of the rod tube.
I’d say the majority of rods on the Salmon River in NY last fall on our trip were Deer Creek. Being a gear dork and fish for a living I do pay attention to what everyone else is wearing, using, and fishing. I saw A LOT of TFO 2-handers.
The recommendations on the Echo are right on as well. My son spends many days on western rivers with one and it preforms well. He also fishes a Beulah switch rod. I used it in Alaska and on the Klickitat in WA and it’s a really sweet rod. A bit more expensive, and I think they are made in Medford, OR.
I think everyone’s really missing the point here… A THIRTY DAY FLOAT TRIP?!?! That sounds unbelievably epic. I did a few 4 or so day ones this season and they were physically draining enough (admittedly we pushed the boundaries of daylight)… I can’t even imagine thirty days. That sounds absolutely fantastic though. How are you planning on dealing with things like camera batteries for that duration?
I think everyone’s really missing the point here… A THIRTY DAY FLOAT TRIP?!?! That sounds unbelievably epic. I did a few 4 or so day ones this season and they were physically draining enough (admittedly we pushed the boundaries of daylight)… I can’t even imagine thirty days. That sounds absolutely fantastic though. How are you planning on dealing with things like camera batteries for that duration?
I agree. It’s unbelievable that a 30 day float trip is even possible anymore. That is unreal. After listening to your podcast episode recently, Justin, I must say that I am extremely jealous of your lifestyle.
I think everyone’s really missing the point here… A THIRTY DAY FLOAT TRIP?!?! That sounds unbelievably epic. I did a few 4 or so day ones this season and they were physically draining enough (admittedly we pushed the boundaries of daylight)… I can’t even imagine thirty days. That sounds absolutely fantastic though. How are you planning on dealing with things like camera batteries for that duration?
I agree. It’s unbelievable that a 30 day float trip is even possible anymore. That is unreal. After listening to your podcast episode recently, Justin, I must say that I am extremely jealous of your lifestyle.
Hey Guys,
Sorry this has taken so long; I just got back in from Rio Pico with my last group of the year.
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