Small Stream Rod - Most Bang for the Buck

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Bryan Lanier

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May 15, 2017, 1:39:39 PM5/15/17
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OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

Rob Snowhite

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May 15, 2017, 1:42:36 PM5/15/17
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TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone
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James Fletcher

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May 15, 2017, 2:26:23 PM5/15/17
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Can't say enough good things about my 3wt Sage Pulse, action is fast and helps me stick dries in the tight spots on a brookie stream.  Think it costs around $450.

Recently stumbled across Epic Fly Rods, not the cheapest of brands, but hear they're delivering high quality stuff. Would love to hear any feedback anyone has on them.

On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 1:42 PM, Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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Jbilotta@Obassociates

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May 15, 2017, 2:29:23 PM5/15/17
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Epic rods was terrific, both carbon and glass. I like the 686 and 888.
John 

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TurbineBlade

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May 15, 2017, 2:30:10 PM5/15/17
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Anything works -- I had a 100+ fish day with Beth in the SNP I recall in 2015 on a fenwick ff806 (6-weight) and had no issues.  On another occasion I remember thinking I had my 3 weight in the truck, but only had a fenwick ff857 -- NOT most peoples' first rod choice for SNP (including me!).  I did just fine though --

Consider that 4 weights and below didn't even exist some 30+ years ago when everyone was catching everything on 6-8 weight fiberglass rods. 

"Overpowering" fish would also seem to contradict the fly fishing creed of "not overplaying fish on dinky rods" and so forth ;).  I don't subscribe to that philosophy because I don't care about the fish really, but it's an interesting contradiction to consider. 

All of this aside - the cabelas 3 forks 7.5" 3-weight is cheap and works great. 

Gene


On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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Yambag Nelson

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May 15, 2017, 2:39:33 PM5/15/17
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Never cast this rod but if it is anything like other TFO rods, it is going to be tough to find a better rod for the buck. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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tperkins

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May 15, 2017, 2:44:59 PM5/15/17
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I have 3WT Redington Butterstick that I love. 

James Fletcher

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May 15, 2017, 2:45:31 PM5/15/17
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John, 

What were you going after with the Epic? Did you assemble/ wrap yours with one of their kits or use the studio built ones?

Always excited to see new outfits making headway into the market

On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:29 PM, Jbilotta@Obassociates <jbil...@obassociates.net> wrote:
Epic rods was terrific, both carbon and glass. I like the 686 and 888.
John 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 11:26 AM, James Fletcher <djflet...@gmail.com> wrote:

Can't say enough good things about my 3wt Sage Pulse, action is fast and helps me stick dries in the tight spots on a brookie stream.  Think it costs around $450.

Recently stumbled across Epic Fly Rods, not the cheapest of brands, but hear they're delivering high quality stuff. Would love to hear any feedback anyone has on them.
On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 1:42 PM, Rob Snowhite <r...@robsnowhite.com> wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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The Lukens Company

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Carl Smolka

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May 15, 2017, 2:50:36 PM5/15/17
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7’ 3wt Beaver Meadow Glass by JP Ross Fly Rods in upstate NY.

 

Carl S

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Andrew Sarcinello

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May 15, 2017, 2:54:40 PM5/15/17
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I have liked every TFO rod that I've used, though haven't tried the bug flinger. The Cabelas setup that Gene mentioned is also good.

Josh Hanson

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May 15, 2017, 3:00:55 PM5/15/17
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This may be anathema here, but a few years back I ended up buying an 6.5 ft Eagle Claw Featherlight rod for tight quarters fishing along the east coast and in the midwest.  It has actually worked out pretty well, especially considering the rod only cost about $30. I also have a Redington Vapen 3 wt for when I have a little more space.  

If you have the money, I understand that the JP Ross Beaver Meadow rod is pretty great as well.  I believe you have some options for customization with JP Ross as well. 



On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:39 PM, Yambag Nelson <northstreet...@gmail.com> wrote:
Never cast this rod but if it is anything like other TFO rods, it is going to be tough to find a better rod for the buck. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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tperkins

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May 15, 2017, 3:06:54 PM5/15/17
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I love my Eagle Claw as well, haven't used it in a while though... Should probably fix that. 


On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 3:00:55 PM UTC-4, Josh wrote:
This may be anathema here, but a few years back I ended up buying an 6.5 ft Eagle Claw Featherlight rod for tight quarters fishing along the east coast and in the midwest.  It has actually worked out pretty well, especially considering the rod only cost about $30. I also have a Redington Vapen 3 wt for when I have a little more space.  

If you have the money, I understand that the JP Ross Beaver Meadow rod is pretty great as well.  I believe you have some options for customization with JP Ross as well. 


On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:39 PM, Yambag Nelson <northstreet...@gmail.com> wrote:
Never cast this rod but if it is anything like other TFO rods, it is going to be tough to find a better rod for the buck. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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Bobby Davis

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May 15, 2017, 3:17:33 PM5/15/17
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I can't believe we have gotten this many responses without anyone mentioning the Cabelas CGR rods.  Regularly on sale for 50 or 60 bucks, wouldn't be surprised if their price (if it isn't already) drops down to that range for Memorial day.  If you go that route the 3 wt is nice.  

Casey Peltier

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May 15, 2017, 3:21:10 PM5/15/17
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I actually learned to fish, as opposed to cast, with an Eagle Claw. The "good" rod was too big for the streams I was on. Reel off the good rod worked fine...
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Josh Hanson

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May 15, 2017, 3:23:27 PM5/15/17
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Correction, my Redington 3 wt is a CPX not a Vapen... Despite not remembering the model correctly, it may be my favorite rod. I think it was discontinued a couple of years back, but you might still be able to find it on Sierra Trading Post or eBay. 

On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 3:06 PM, tperkins <thomas....@gmail.com> wrote:
I love my Eagle Claw as well, haven't used it in a while though... Should probably fix that. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 3:00:55 PM UTC-4, Josh wrote:
This may be anathema here, but a few years back I ended up buying an 6.5 ft Eagle Claw Featherlight rod for tight quarters fishing along the east coast and in the midwest.  It has actually worked out pretty well, especially considering the rod only cost about $30. I also have a Redington Vapen 3 wt for when I have a little more space.  

If you have the money, I understand that the JP Ross Beaver Meadow rod is pretty great as well.  I believe you have some options for customization with JP Ross as well. 


On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:39 PM, Yambag Nelson <northstreet...@gmail.com> wrote:
Never cast this rod but if it is anything like other TFO rods, it is going to be tough to find a better rod for the buck. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:

OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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TurbineBlade

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May 15, 2017, 3:36:39 PM5/15/17
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Good point Casey -- "fishing" is definitely the more important part of those 2 with regard to SNP fishing.

I also have a 6'5" featherlight that fishes a 4 weight line pretty well.  I actually find the cutoff point for "feels slightly weird" to be anything shorter than 7', but if all I had was a 6'5" rod it wouldn't be a problem.

The shorter rods seem to favor people who are more wristy in their casting style. 

Gene


On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 3:21:10 PM UTC-4, CaseyP wrote:
I actually learned to fish, as opposed to cast, with an Eagle Claw. The "good" rod was too big for the streams I was on. Reel off the good rod worked fine...

On May 15, 2017, at 3:01 PM, Josh Hanson <joshua.fr...@gmail.com> wrote:

This may be anathema here, but a few years back I ended up buying an 6.5 ft Eagle Claw Featherlight rod for tight quarters fishing along the east coast and in the midwest.  It has actually worked out pretty well, especially considering the rod only cost about $30. I also have a Redington Vapen 3 wt for when I have a little more space.  

If you have the money, I understand that the JP Ross Beaver Meadow rod is pretty great as well.  I believe you have some options for customization with JP Ross as well. 


On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:39 PM, Yambag Nelson <northstreet...@gmail.com> wrote:
Never cast this rod but if it is anything like other TFO rods, it is going to be tough to find a better rod for the buck. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:
OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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Nedak

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May 15, 2017, 3:39:14 PM5/15/17
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3wt from LLBean. The Pocket water.  Picked up the whole setup w. nice RIO line for <$100.  Plus when it broke, (not on a fish) they replaced it for free.

It was the only rod I had and I landed a huge carp on it.  I needed more  firepower but it held up well.


On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:39:39 PM UTC-4, Bryan wrote:

Bryan Lanier

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May 15, 2017, 3:46:59 PM5/15/17
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Wow. Lots of choices! What 3 wt.fly line would be your favorite?

Bryan

On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 3:36 PM, TurbineBlade <doubl...@gmail.com> wrote:
Good point Casey -- "fishing" is definitely the more important part of those 2 with regard to SNP fishing.

I also have a 6'5" featherlight that fishes a 4 weight line pretty well.  I actually find the cutoff point for "feels slightly weird" to be anything shorter than 7', but if all I had was a 6'5" rod it wouldn't be a problem.

The shorter rods seem to favor people who are more wristy in their casting style. 

Gene

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 3:21:10 PM UTC-4, CaseyP wrote:
I actually learned to fish, as opposed to cast, with an Eagle Claw. The "good" rod was too big for the streams I was on. Reel off the good rod worked fine...

On May 15, 2017, at 3:01 PM, Josh Hanson <joshua.fr...@gmail.com> wrote:

This may be anathema here, but a few years back I ended up buying an 6.5 ft Eagle Claw Featherlight rod for tight quarters fishing along the east coast and in the midwest.  It has actually worked out pretty well, especially considering the rod only cost about $30. I also have a Redington Vapen 3 wt for when I have a little more space.  

If you have the money, I understand that the JP Ross Beaver Meadow rod is pretty great as well.  I believe you have some options for customization with JP Ross as well. 


On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:39 PM, Yambag Nelson <northstreet...@gmail.com> wrote:
Never cast this rod but if it is anything like other TFO rods, it is going to be tough to find a better rod for the buck. 

On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:42:36 PM UTC-4, Rob Snowhite wrote:
TFO Bug Launcher. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 15, 2017, at 1:39 PM, Bryan Lanier <bryan....@gmail.com> wrote:
OK. I'm on the lookout for a good, but reasonably priced (i.e. cheap) fly rod for small stream brookie fishing. The last time I used my 4wt. Caught fish but felt like it was overpowering. 

2WT? 3WT? 6'? 7'? in normal flow do you highstick at all? Slow action or Medium action? Fiberglas or Graphite?

What is your favorite small stream rod?

Bryan

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TurbineBlade

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May 15, 2017, 4:01:06 PM5/15/17
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3 weight and under lines don't matter much -- get a DT or WF line, just whatever is available to you.  The difference between the head and running line on a light line is really not all that much, making the line profile less important. 

For SNP, you could cut a DT3 line in half and save the other 1/2 for when the 1st 1/2 craps out on you. 
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Misha Gill

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May 15, 2017, 4:12:47 PM5/15/17
to Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders
Agree that the line choice is pretty insignificant. I have a DT 3 wt and it is not an issue.

I'll jump in here to recommend the 7'6" rod length. I've cast the 6'6" rods and find that they are just too twig-like for my taste. My seven and a half foot 3 wt (Redington Path) is just right IMO, and I like a fast action for bow and arrow casts and accuracy. 

Greggory DiSalvo

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May 15, 2017, 5:25:34 PM5/15/17
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Bobby Davis nailed it. Cabelas CGR 3 weight is amazing for brookies.  IMO, you can't get a better deal (ie cheap, yet effective) than the CGRs


On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:39:39 PM UTC-4, Bryan wrote:

Bob Smith

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May 15, 2017, 8:21:41 PM5/15/17
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I'll second the CGR's but I'd suggest the 4 or 5/6 weights. Glass rods have a lot more give than graphite which makes them great for fishing with light tippets and not having them break. Almost any 4-6 weight glass rod between 6' and 7'6-9" is a great small stream rod. And most glass rods are able to handle 1 weight up and down from its stated rating. Very versatile tools.

Z Onk

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May 15, 2017, 9:27:09 PM5/15/17
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I'll second Carl S on the Ross 3 wt fiberglass. I have their 7' 5 piece 3wt Muir rod. Caught a 21 inch rainbow the other weekend with 5x tippet - it was outrageous fun.

Jim White

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May 16, 2017, 3:30:49 PM5/16/17
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+1 for the 3WT Redington Butterstick


On Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:39:39 PM UTC-4, Bryan wrote:

Carl Z.

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May 16, 2017, 11:40:51 PM5/16/17
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On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 2:29 PM, Jbilotta@Obassociates <jbil...@obassociates.net> wrote:
Epic rods was terrific, both carbon and glass. I like the 686 and 888.

Not exactly small stream rods :)

I have an Epic 476 packlight still sitting on the bench waiting to be wrapped, From my test casts, it's a bit stiffer than some of the lighter glass rods. 

Bryan, 

It sounds like you are after a softer rod that will handle dries and small nymphs and get a nice bend with small fish. A glass 3-4wt sounds great

On the inexpensive but not cheap end of the spectrum, I would look at some of the Japanese glass.  The Feelex II is nice.
The exchange rate is decent. right now and shipping from Japan often beats shipping from Florida.

The truly cheap glass rods can be good, but most are spigot ferrules with some quality control issues.  I actually like spigot ferrules, but the cheap e-bay specials sometimes need some ferrule adjustment.  It's not hard, but when I buy a new rod, I don't like to have to work on it.

There are some great deals if you want to build your own.


robert mills

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May 17, 2017, 1:21:58 PM5/17/17
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I had a Cabelas 3 forks 7ft 3wt I bought for something like $30 and it was a fun rod, not a great rod, but fun. I then bought a CGR 6ft 3wt for $50 on sale and that is actually a pretty nice rod, especially for $50.

Bryan Lanier

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May 17, 2017, 1:53:53 PM5/17/17
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Has anybody tried the Green Caddis Ruby River fiberglass 3wt? (there's an opening for you Gene)

Bryan

On Wed, May 17, 2017 at 1:21 PM, robert mills <robertm...@gmail.com> wrote:


I had a Cabelas 3 forks 7ft 3wt I bought for something like $30 and it was a fun rod, not a great rod, but fun. I then bought a CGR 6ft 3wt for $50 on sale and that is actually a pretty nice rod, especially for $50.

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