What rod to get?
- This topic has 17 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated Oct 12, 2008 at 3:45 pm by
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Well it’s my birthday on Sunday and that means I get to reward myself with another fine piece of fly-fishing equipment.
The first thought that comes to mind is that if I had an employee discount on fly rods at Orvis, I’d get myself the “Penns Creek” bamboo in the two-piece version (Battenkill).
I’d be surprised if the discount extends to bamboo, or is as deep if it does.
You’re in a great position and many people on this board would envy you.
I’m able to get Orvis at “pro” prices as well and I’ve got a 7wt Helios on order for trips to the Salmon River! Ithought the Helios was all hype but it sure is nice! It’s also a “forgiving” rod if you blow a cast once in a while. Sounds to me like you may just want to get a 3wt like Zak mentioned. I’d look at the Trout Bum Rods!
Where do you live in Virginia? I’m in Central Virginia about 30 minutes away from the western slope of the Blue Ridge – about an hour and a half
If you fish smallmouth bass a lot get yourself a Sage Bluegill – I know its not an Orvis but its just a beautiful rod to fish with.
Morsie
The only caution i have, is that i hated the rod when casting it with a 3 wt line on it – it felt lifeless. It Definatly needs to be overlined.
Eric, I totally agree with you with my 3 weight also.
I would definately give the T3 a look. I like it as well or better than the Helios, and the price makes it even better.
I’m not saying you can lay out 80’ers with a 6wt line on a 3 wt helios, but casting out to 35′ or so, where i would guess 90% of peoples fishing happens, it fished really well – especially roll casting which you have to do alot of on michigan rivers, and shot line like a rifle.
Craig, I know you’ve probably already bought the 7’6″ Orvis, but I’d like to recommend you stay with 8′ with a 3 wt. I fish in Rocky Mountain National Park and on small remote high country creeks, and I appreciate every inch on a 3wt.
The first thought that comes to mind is that if I had an employee discount on fly rods at Orvis, I’d get myself the “Penns Creek” bamboo in the two-piece version (Battenkill). Then again, I’ve got bamboo on the brain.
Sorry guys, but current Orvis’ bamboo rods are NOT considered good value for money.
For that amount of money (even with employee discount) you can get a much better rod.$1250 for regular priced Orvis Bamboo, minus the discount?
Check out:
For around $700-850 there are some amazing makers which include AJ Thramer and Lew Parks.
For around $1200-1400 there’s even more choice (at least well known 10-15 makers).
For above $2000 the choices gets limited again. Mainly due to long waiting lists from top valued(?) makers like Bob Summers, James Reams, Mario Wojnicki, Per Brandin, etc.Jay
Ps. My suggestion would be a solid 9ft #5 rod. Just the most versatile rod for trout fishing in streams & rivers.
PS – Yeah, Orvis doesn’t give much of an employee discount on the cane rods. There’s very little margin in them for Orvis or the dealer.
Bamboo rod making skills are probably just to make sure Orvis keeps their heritage alive as one of the oldest and all round rod making company.
Something a bit like at Winston. They never made much money on their boo rods.
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