Back when I entered into this wonderful world of Fly Fishing, my first rod was a Cortland GRF 1000. This was a wonderful sweet casting rod. I caught every thing in the world with this rod. I eventually up graded and handed this rod down to my wife. Recently getting things ready and checked for the upcoming new season I tried casting this old first rod. I still can cast with this rod and really throw some line. The rod still feels great. The rod is a wonderful entry or budget minded rod. I will tell you that my two favorite rods that you will never pry out of my hands are my Sade 586 SP and my Winston WT 8'6 three piece 5 weight. Last Memorial day I had gotten a deal on a 2003 Orion rod from LL Bean for $125 dollars. A nice 9ft 4 weight that cast beautifully. I am finding out that some of the lower priced rods and or good close out Deals by LL Bean and others are worth taking a look at. Honestly my next big purchase will be a Beaverkill rod that comes in at $325. Sweet casting rod and good quality. Now that I am on a budget I am saving for the rod I want and have found the Beaverkill to stack up against a Winston or Sage. Less money by about $225. Temple Forks has come along way with their rods, The only thing I do not like about them is not getting what I call a protective tube. Also I have looked at Browning and the better pflueger rods and was quite impressed with how they felt and casted. Good rod for the money. I am not trying to say that the less expensive rods are better than a Sage or my new Favorite Winstons. I'm just saying that there are really some decent to good rods out there that provides alot of fun and pleasure for the money. This year I really wanted an 8'6 4 wght medium action rod. I just did'nt want to spend the $575 on the rod and then have to buy a real and line which makes it more like $825. I am on a budget and know what I can afford with all I have got going this year, House improvements, vacation, just plain old living. I realized I just can't do eveything and decided the three Hundred dollars saved just took care of the rest of the money to go on vacation this year. So a BeaverKill rod with a Ross reel will more than make me a happy camper. Already have the line and backing. If it was not for the BeaverKill Rod, I would go with another LL Bean rod that I casted and liked for a few dollars less. It's just that I really wanted the Beaverkill. I am writing this post for all who need to watch there pennies to go an look at less expensive brands and be happy with it. I am seeing as I am maturing again a good rod does'nt always have to cost a fortune or small mortgauge. Also a top of the line rod does not make you a better fishermen. I have seen in my time some guys who's casting sucks, but boy can they catch fish. It's nice to see some one who can cast great, it's just nicer to see some one who can just catch fish. If you can do both than thats just plain old perfection.
Andy B
Andy B
