How Many Pieces?

[SlickFlyFisher]

Hi folks,

I'm in the market to purchase a new fly outfit. Since I've been doing MUCH more hiking than I used to, I'm considering rods with multiple piece (not the 2 piece rods that I'm used to). I've cast with a 4 piece rod about 10 years ago and REALLY didn't like the segmented feel of it. Have they improved since then or do they still feel weird compared to the standard 2 piece rods? Rod material isn't super important to me, I usually use a fiberglass 9ft 5weight 2 piece fast-action rod, that my father made many years ago. Also, I'm looking for a light-weight design reel. As small in diameter as possible, please. Remember, I'm trying to pack as light as possible now. I'd also like to keep the pricepoint under $400 for the complete outfit. I recently spoke with an Orvis rep and he suggested one of the Clearwater rods with a BBS reel, but I'm open for any and all opinions. I'm really happy with Orvis' lifetime warranty and I can't think of any other companies that offer that kind of safetynet. But like I said, I'd love to hear what you folks have to say. Point me in the right direction.

Tight Lines,
Slick

 

[Randyflycaster]

Cablelas makes seven and five piece models. I cast the seven-weight and was surprised at how well it casts. Albright makes a five-piece rod that supposed to be quite good.

The more pieces you go, the stiffer the rods tend to get.

Years ago I bought a seven-piece LL Bean. It was like a boomstick, but they took it back no problem.

Also, last year I cast a great seven-piece. I think it was a March Brown. It costs more than the Orvis, I think, but it was sweet.

Randy

 

[Fly Guy]

Got to Tight Lines and try a few rods. There are rods from Sage and TFO that you can get for that price. DON'T try a rod out of your price range. Some of the rods cast so well that you may not be happy with a cheaper rod. See if they have any Fli series from sage left.

As far as 4 pc rods. I never felt a problem. The new ones are tight. Try them before you buy and put on the real you want so you can feel the true weight of the setup.

Jeremy

 

[Pete]

I can second the recommendation of the BBS reel, (unless you object to sending some of your money to China). IMHO, it's of better quality than the older Orvis "Made in England" reels.

My "pack rod" is a lot older than 10 years, so I can't speak about recent progress...BUT.....

Fly Guy's recommendation "Try them before you buy..." is right on. Only you can decide if you'll be satisfied.

If you want to check out Orvis, you don't have to go to Vermont to try one. There are four Orvis Dealers in NJ, and an Orvis owned store in NYC. Orvis - Store and Location Search
If you go to a "dealer", call ahead to make sure they have the model, that you want to try, in stock.
The Orvis store in NYC, may actually be closer to Bayonne, but the "dealers" will give you the option of making comparisons with other brands.

 

[lufcus]

very very happy with my new 4weight 7 pieces very light, try to cast it to see with you like it,it became my everyday rod

 

[irish1]

I'm happy with my LL Bean 9' 7wt 6 piece that I got for Christmas last year. The tube is only 21" X 21/2", it packs well and is not too heavy. I have different packs depending on the duration of the hike and the tube fits both a day pack and big pack for week trips. I have retired a 4 wt 6' 6 piece that has been on many hikes in Vermont and it worked well also. I almost always go with an inexpensive reel and a good line. In addition to trying the rod you need to look at how you will pack it. A shorter rod is easier to pack but, as stated earlier, more sections often means a stiffer rod. Will the tube fit where you want to put it? Remember you will be buying a package (rod and tube) and they both must work for you.

 

[Catskill]

Screw these guys... You wont be doing yourself justice if you don't run out and pick up a brand spanking new Sage TCX 5wt. This bad boy is 4 pieces averaging $198.75 per piece. You can't go wrong, especially with the way todays economy is going. The way I look at it is that i you put it on Layaway and send them 4 easy payments of $198.75, you can have this rod by April! Now if that's not enough, couple it up with a really nice Bogden reel for $2000.00.

Hope this helps. By the way, when you find that you don't like the sport of Fly fishing, send me a PM and I'll buy the stuff back from you for dirt cheap.

 

[SlickFlyFisher]

By the way, when you find that you don't like the sport of Fly fishing, send me a PM and I'll buy the stuff back from you for dirt cheap.

Exactly how new to fly fishing do you think I am? I'm a returning enthusiast, not a new born... In any case, even if I HAD millions of dollars stashed away, I wouldn't buy outfits ANYWHERE near that price range. The thought of "A good carpenter is only as good as his tools" is a load of bull! I'm sure the other Stream Veterans will agree when I say that we can catch fish with just about anything. Ranging from the $3000 custom bamboo fly outfits all the way down to the $39.99 Cabelas newbie special. And by the way, once you find out that you can't catch fish EVEN WITH your top of the line "fisherman traps", let me know and I'll be glad to take it off your hands, dirt cheap. :-D

Hooked,
Slick

 

[Burtbords149]

Slick, glad you see the traps set by these companies. If you're looking for a pack rod, or any rod nowadays I would say you have to go with at least a 4 piece. It packs nice and small but the feel isn't compromised by too many piece. I use a very soft slow 4 piece on Jersey streams and it doesn't give the slightest feel of stiffening due to 4 piece. I'm not saying you should get a slow rod, but I don't think the fact that it's 4 piece will make a huge difference. If you're looking for a new rod though I would suggest graphite it has so many more advantages, even though it's more expensive. Happy buying and tight lines.

P.S. as reels go the BBS is a nice one or even the standard Battenkill. I personally don't invest too much into a reel for trout because it's more or less for storage. Make sure the drag is smooth for when you do catch that big trout, but it doesn't have to have the stopping power of a 12 wt. tarpon reel.

 

[Catskill]

I'm not sure how different 1 hammer is from another hammer but let's apply this one... "A good mechanic is only as good as his tools." A good mechanic is a good mechanic and you can be sure that he won't be using a Craftsman tool to take an engine apart. You can't compare a Craftsman to a Snap-On. Well, you can until you break your knuckles trying to do the job using the craftsman. As a consumer you wouldn't know the difference but as the mechanic... Well, go look for a Craftsman tool in a good mechanics shop. You wont find one.

A Toyota Celica will get us from point a to point b... If you have the money for the Cadillac though, why would't you drive from point a to point b in comfort? That is the difference between a $100.00 rod and a 600.00 rod. So myself as a 'stream veteran' strongly disagrees with you.

Cast a Sage then cast an el'cheapo. If you know how to cast, you'll be able to pick out the difference immediately. If you don't know how to cast, then take a lesson before purchasing the rod... This way you at least have an idea of what your money is being spent on.

Yes, we can catch fish with any rod... But if we have the money to spend on the Cadillac of rods to make our experience more enjoyable, then why not.

Exactly how new to fly fishing do you think I am? I'm a returning enthusiast, not a new born... In any case, even if I HAD millions of dollars stashed away, I wouldn't buy outfits ANYWHERE near that price range. The thought of "A good carpenter is only as good as his tools" is a load of bull! I'm sure the other Stream Veterans will agree when I say that we can catch fish with just about anything. Ranging from the $3000 custom bamboo fly outfits all the way down to the $39.99 Cabelas newbie special. And by the way, once you find out that you can't catch fish EVEN WITH your top of the line "fisherman traps", let me know and I'll be glad to take it off your hands, dirt cheap. :-D

Hooked,
Slick

 

[Fly Guy]

I have to agree with Catskill Lover. I have a St Croix rod that was probably 120.00 ten years ago. It's a good rod. But once I casted the Sage Z-Axis I'm hooked. That's my next big investment. I used one on the BFB and I WANT ONE! It's 665.00.

I told my wife and she said if that's what I want to get it. I don't drink every day, no drugs and I don't smoke. She like to go to Atlantic City. I don't stop her. I wont sacrifice a truck payment for it but when I get some OT that baby's mine. At this rate it should be by December. Just in time for the winter season.

The only thing I might do is try a Winston to make sure the Sage is the one I want. Big investment but it will last a long time. This is what we love so why not enjoy it. I have 19 spinning and baitcaster for the boat so why not this.

Jeremy

 

[A Polinger]

I have to say I love St. Croix rods. I just got a new 9' 4wt legend ultra. I would sat take a look at St. Croix for the price there great. Both of my trout rods are 4 piece and they cast great.

AP

 

[SlickFlyFisher]

Hey folks,

Look, I'm not saying that expensive rods aren't good investments. I'm sure they're worth the money to people that are willing to pay it. I did, however, take some offense to Catskill Lover's zinger about buying the expensive outfit from me when I realize that I "don't like fly fishing". I understand it was a sarcastic post, but just put a knot in my stomach. Sorry for moment of temporary 'thin skin'... but its frustrating to see such high prices for equipment. Who knows, you're probably right about me wanting to buy the most expensive items, if I had the money. I come from a fairly modest upbringing, so our opinions of 'expensive' might be alittle different. Nevertheless, I apologize for the snappy post I made and, by all means, spend your money any way you like.

Tight Lines,

Mikey

 

[Catskill]

once you find out that you can't catch fish EVEN WITH your top of the line "fisherman traps", let me know and I'll be glad to take it off your hands, dirt cheap. :-D

Nothing in life is guaranteed but while I'm alive, I'm going to enjoy it as best I can.

I'm not sure why I put a knot in your stomache, knowing that my post was purely for acting like a goofball.

Don't buy an Orvis because the sales person tells you he can get you a good deal on the rod... Take a lesson on casting then go try the rod out to see if you actually like it. If it's still on sale than that's a bonus.

As far as the lifetime Orvis warranty. Sage / Winston / Loomis / Temple Fork / T & T, etc... all offer a comparable warranty on their rods.

St. Croix are very nice casting rods but are on the heavy side.

Hey folks,

Look, I'm not saying that expensive rods aren't good investments. I'm sure they're worth the money to people that are willing to pay it. I did, however, take some offense to Catskill Lover's zinger about buying the expensive outfit from me when I realize that I "don't like fly fishing". I understand it was a sarcastic post, but just put a knot in my stomach. Sorry for moment of temporary 'thin skin'... but its frustrating to see such high prices for equipment. Who knows, you're probably right about me wanting to buy the most expensive items, if I had the money. I come from a fairly modest upbringing, so our opinions of 'expensive' might be alittle different. Nevertheless, I apologize for the snappy post I made and, by all means, spend your money any way you like.

Tight Lines,

Mikey

 

[SlickFlyFisher]

Hi again,

I definitely agree with testing rods out before you purchase, that's for sure. I was merely asking for recommendations from people who also do lots of leg-work into the woods. I've never actually purchased anything online and its primarily because I've heard so many horror stories about being tricked or disappointed. And as for the Orvis customer service rep, he was just a nice guy. It was a pleasurable experience talking to someone who shares a passion for the outdoors. Instead of just some kid sitting behind a counter, swiping credit cards with NO stream-knowledge or experience whatsoever, only suggesting certain items because they're deemed 'popular' because they've managed to trick the majority of the inexperienced anglers who walk into the store. I was VERY disappointed the last time I visited a tackle shop, in person, so it made a nice impression on me when the Orvis guy knew his shit. In any case, good luck with the goofball thing.

Tight Lines,

Mikey

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Sarcasm + Internet = misunderstanding. No matter how often it happens people still make sly comments and people still take them the wrong way. I guess it's one of those things that's just a part of life.

I have a 8'6", 5 piece, 5wt Cabela's "Stowaway" rod which retails for about $100. My only complaint is that it doesn't have markings on the blank to properly align the sections when you're putting it together. It's not a huge deal but it does require a bit more care in assembling. I noticed that Lufcus' Orvis Frequent Flier does have markings, no sure if that makes it worth the extra $95 or not.

One thing to note is that neither of these rods comes with a warranty and that seems to be a trend with the "travel" rods (i.e. more than 4 pieces). I guess they figure that if it's meant to be a travel rod it's that much more likely to get broken. That said, when I leaned on the tip of my Cabela's rod and broke it (trying to free a wooly bugger that was snagged), Cabela's still agreed to replace it. Maybe they're just really cool?

If I had to do it all over again, I would get the 7 piece rod simply because the 5 piece really just isn't that much shorter than a 4 piece. 4 piece rods are fine for backpacking if you have a pack that allows you to attach it to the outside of the pack. Mine doesn't allow for this and I find that my 4 piece is just a little too long for my backpack. I guess you can always get a fishing-specific pack, but based on your desire for frugality (which I share) I am guessing you'll be working with what you already have.

Chances are you're not going to need a really amazing rod for backpacking since most of the remote places are smaller streams. I guess it really depends on where you're going, but I found that on my backcountry trip to the white mountains I rarely needed to cast more than 20 feet. I recommend a shorter rod - something in the 7'-8' range. I found that my 9' is too much stick for backwoods streams. I have my eye on the Sage FLi 7'6" 4wt 4pc for my backcountry needs. Ramsey Outdoors is selling them for just over $200 and it looks to be a great deal. I haven't had the chance to test one yet, but I have heard only good things about it.

 

[Corndog]

Slick,

Go to Tightlines or Ramsey Outdoors and check out the Temple Fork Signature Series 8 1/2' 4wt 4 piece rod. It's around 100 bucks. I love the way it fishes for an inexpensive rod. Each section is 25". I would also recommend a 26" rod and reel case so you can strap it onto your pack.

Cdog

 

[Bubba Zinetti]

Relatively new FFF chiming in here. Both my wife and I have purcahsed new rods in the last year or so. She bought a Sage, because it was pink, and the money was going to the Susan Komen breast cancer research fund. When she got it home and started casting it she was amazed at the feel, and was mighty glad she got it. The model is VT2. Repeat:Bought a rod for the color (and the donation and b/c it was a Sage) loves it and wouldn't part with it.

I bought a new rod, a 8' 5wt St. Croix avid. I cast a few rods before deciding on this one. I cast rods from all over, including, Scott, G.Loomis, Winston, Sage, and St. Croix. As a relative beginner (only 3 seasons) the only thing that I noticed was that the stiffer rods gave me trouble casting. When I got it right with the stiffer rods I could cast farther, but I had trouble getting it right with the stiffer rods. The softer rod gave me more accuracy at shorter distances, and just had a better feel in my hands. It just happens that the St. Croix was the cheaper rod, but I liked how it felt and how it worked in MY hands.

Bottom line:Where and how do you fish? Is the rod your considering going to fit the kind of fishing you typically do? Cast as many rods as you can before you buy.
YMMV

 

[irish1]

I have a 8'6", 5 piece, 5wt Cabela's "Stowaway" rod which retails for about $100. My only complaint is that it doesn't have markings on the blank to properly align the sections when you're putting it together. It's not a huge deal but it does require a bit more care in assembling.

Gonzo,

My rod also did not have assembly markings so I put it together, insured all the guides were straight and applied my own. I used masking tape to insure the lines were straight and crisp and red nail polish as the paint. When the base lines were dry I removed the tape and coated the lines with many coats of 'Sally Hanson's Hard as Nails' clear. I would rotate the rod section until it dried. It gave me something to do while watching sports on TV.

 

[Stonefly]

Sarcasm + Internet = misunderstanding. No matter how often it happens people still make sly comments and people still take them the wrong way. I guess it's one of those things that's just a part of life.

I have a 8'6", 5 piece, 5wt Cabela's "Stowaway" rod which retails for about $100. My only complaint is that it doesn't have markings on the blank to properly align the sections when you're putting it together. It's not a huge deal but it does require a bit more care in assembling. I noticed that Lufcus' Orvis Frequent Flier does have markings, no sure if that makes it worth the extra $95 or not.

One thing to note is that neither of these rods comes with a warranty and that seems to be a trend with the "travel" rods (i.e. more than 4 pieces).

I have several multi pc rods, purchased over 20 yrs, some like the older ('94) Orvis Silver Label are stiffer with heavy ferrells to protect the rod, to Sage SLT's (5 wt and 8wt) and a Sage 6 wt XP, excellent rods but yes expensive. Good deals on these can be found on EBay. I also have a five piece Winston LT that was a gift, in 98. The Winston LT is a five pc 9' 4wt. In '99 on the Colorado River in Colorado, I landed an 7lb plus Rainbow, which shows the strenght of the current graphite and rod building techniques. The current generation of graphite is even better. All of the rods I have listed have life time warrenties.

Yes you can get away with a less expensive travel rod then these, shop around for what feels good and what you can reasonably purchase, but remember its also an investment. Again out Ebay and Craigslist.

 

[Andy]

I only had one multi-piece rod (4-pieces) and that was many years ago. I was up steelheading and got caught on the bottom. Unable to jerk the fly free, I pointed the tip at the place where I was snagged and proceeded to break the leader. When it broke, the shock waves unseated the tip and sent it sliding down the line and out into the water. I never found the tip or owned another multi-piece rod! Try not to get snagged on the bottom.