New 4wt rods??

[boom2it]

Hi, looking for some input on new fly rods. I am looking to purchase a 4wt rod, preferrably no more than 7'. I currently fish a Orvis tls 865 5wt. midflex. I have nothing else to compare it to as I have only been fly fishing for a couple years. I think I am looking for something with more feel and action?? Are there shops that let you demo rods, similar to what they let you do with ski's?

 

[dcabarle]

Have you considered Bamboo? Is this an option?

Most reputable shops will let you cast their rods. If they don't let you cast the rod, walk out of the store and don't look back. A good shop will take their time with you and not rush you into making a purchase. Don't let someone sell you a rod because they said it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Make your purchase based on your style of casting.

- good luck

 

[Eagle Claw]

Ask if they will let you try one on a stream for a day. Casting for ten minutes on the grass is not the same as on water and a few hours casting is different than ten minutes. Many feel good for ten min but may feel heavy after many hours, that was my recent experience and wound up loosing money trading it in for somthing esle.

 

[Fly Tier]

Boom2it,

Just curious on where you might use a rod that small? 7ft may be a little stiff in a 4 wt no matter what rod you choose. Species? Local smaller streams in Jersey?

As Dennis said, Bamboo may be the way to go. Back when, there were quite a few rods made in that 7 ft area. Expense may be an issue with the bamboo. To get something of quality, you may have to spend a few bucks.

As far as casting a 7 ft rod in a shop, yes, most shops reputable shops will allow you to cast but most shops will not have a 7ft rod.

If you give us a little more info on the questions I have above in this reponse, we could probably direct you better.

There are two local Fly shops in your area. Tight Lines Fly Fishing in Pine brook, 973-244-5990 (Drew or Steve) and Streams of Dreams in Upper Saddle River - 934-1138 (Harry)--both these shops are very reputable and they will let you cast rods and also work with you on casting.

There is Also Orvis in Paramus, Mike manages the fishing Department, or Ramsey outdoors in Paramus or Ramsey. Paramus see John or Ted, Ramsey see Eddie and Eddie only!
Cheers,
FT

 

[willowhead]

Owen, ( i believe?) exactly why do you want a four wt. in a seven ft. rod? Until i know that, i can't help. I may have a rod you could buy used. And of course you could try it out first. All day if you like. Give me a call.........or just come on over. Bring your own reel and line. mark.........

 

[boom2it]

I was just looking for a smaller rod than what I have, exploring smaller streams and such. Not that I am stuck on 7', but I don't want another 8'6". Bamboo is not in my price range for now. looking for something inexpensive, $250 range for complete rig. (rod/reel). If I go with a 4wt should I get a rod that is longer? Will the action be better? or will a shorter rod with a full flex be ok? Not really sure what my casting style is...if there is a style for knotting and snagging....lol....just kidding...actually I would say I have a slow steady tempo, not a snappy quick cast. again just looking for some ideas, here alot of people suggest St. Croix and others....

 

[Fly Tier]

Boom2it,

For your price range, seriously consider JP Ross Flyrods. www.jprossflyrods.com

If you call up to the company and speak to Jordan (owner of JP Ross) you can talk to him about a rod, outside of their standard line. Sometimes he gets in repairs and can possibly put together a shorter rod with great casting ability. He just built a 6'3" 4 wt. for a firend of mines 5 yr. old. In order to get the rod to load, it had to be overlined with a 5 wt line, but for such a short rod, you can not expect anything else.

As far as that short rod, we were messing around with it and as far as distance went, no problem. Feel is great, lightweight, and it was a 3 pc so breaking it down to a smaller "pack" rod was a benefit.

This isnt something Jordan normally does but he may be able to custom build one to your specs. It may be worth the call.
(315) 736-0353

-FT

 

[fcch]

Boom2it,

My really only short #4 is a Cortland. 6 1/2 ft. Love it too. Really inexpensive (or it was back then).

What changes the feel on this short rod is the line and the reel. I had and old iron reel for the longest time on it and it was butt heavy and a bit unbalanced. I put a Sage on it and it's a marvel.

Cast all you can find. Lots of luck.

 

[Michael M]

Boom2it

I don't own one but I took a casting lesson with someone last month and he had a Temple Fork Outfitters rigged and he asked me to try it. Threw a nice line, it was a 9' for 4 I recall. They are mid priced and have a good warranty. Not sure about a 7' for 4 in their line. I've seen TFO carried in many of the shops this year.

Maybe some others here own one and can give you a review. They sure seemed to be a good value to me.

Michael M.

 

[boom2it]

Maybe I should go with a 3wt. They seem to come in smaller sizes. I would use this rod for smaller to medium sized streams...humm sounds like a plan....thanks for the input everyone

 

[Kenny Joe]

I have a 7'-6" 3wt Temple Fork and love it for overhung streams. Only 89 dollars plus whatever. I believe a good rod shouldn't cost more than my first car.

 

[Unregistered]

I have a cabelas 7'6" 5 peice stowaway and it is fine. If you search you be able to find an old St. Croix 7'6" 'pro graphite" (about 80.00) they replaced that line last year with the Imperial in which the same rod is offered for about 140.00 (lifetime warranty). Comparable rods can be found at Cabelas. I recently bought a 7'6" stowaway 4 peice that is great.

 

[willowhead]

Owen, i have a Cabelas's 7ft. or 7 and a half, (i forget now, lol) for 4 wt., a Browning 7ft. or 7 and a half same deal, a Diamondback, 7 ft. 3/4 wt., a G-Loomis GL-3 7 and a half ft. 4 wt., and three different bamboo 7 footers, two for a 5 wt. and one for a 4 wt. and a St. Croiz 9 ft. for a 4 wt. Then a ton of 5 wts. a few 6 wts. and 7 wts., 8 wts., 9 wts. and on and on. Point is, if you'd like to try any of them, come on over and cast to your hearts content. I have a two wt. you might like, but it's not for sale. In fact most of them are NOT for sale, but you can get the feel of different rods. You can try some Cortland 5 wts. too if you like, some Sage, some Winston, Gatti, Scott, whatever. Good chance for you to get a feel for what you like. I'd be willing to part with a few of them, if you don't mind a used rod. Save yourself a few bucks. mark........