8WT Recon Selection

[Douglas R]

I'm looking to a pick up a new 8WT.  I'm between an Orvis Recon 9' 8WT vs. the 7'`10" 8WT model.  

I'm assuming the 7'10" would be a great small mouth, red fish, and boat rod, but am not 100% sure?  Does any body have experience with the 7'10" Recon, if so what are the pros/cons?

Thanks,

Doug

[TurbineBlade]

Without any information about either rod, I would tend to lean toward a 9' rod over a ~8' rod in the 8-weight configuration if you're targeting redfish (or any other "windy" fish). 

I know you are looking for folks with actual experience with that rod model, but in case you don't get any hits I'm going to assume that it's a standard, "starter graphite med-fast" type of rod that doesn't cast significantly different from any other graphite rod in the same price range (though Orvis may not like that comment).  In general, all else being equal, people seem to find longer rods more fatiguing over a day but also to generate slightly more line speed. 

Though there's nothing wrong with a length of 7'10", I always wonder why rod builders choose the lengths they do.  I assume there's an "under 8-foot" regulation for bass tournaments somewhere, which could also be met with a 7'11" rod or a 7'9" rod, or a 7'9.5" rod.  I have a couple of rods in the 8'9" category. 

Maybe if you build rods all day, every day you just start adding or deleting an inch here and there to keep yourself from going completely insane.  You'd have to ask a builder. 

Gene

[namfos]

I believe the 7ft 10 in length is the max rod length allowed by BASS. Although how many pro bass fishers use fly rods is a total mystery to me.

Mark 

[Rob Snowhite]

The 7'11" 8wt Recon is an interesting niche rod. Super easy to travel (fits in luggage). I would recommend a special line with a fat forward tapered head. I fish mine in the Tidal Basin and under overpasses with ease and the length allows me to fish around all the tourists and trees in the city. 

I like to fish it from my boat too. I'll fish that more than a 9' rod around here. Like I said, it's a niche rod. You'll probably want the 9' version for roll casting and swinging flies. The extra length gives you more leverage in more of the locations you will be fishing. 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Scott Stankus]

I think what Rob is saying is you should get both!

--Scott

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"There are 10 types of people in this world, those who know binary, and those who don't"

[Jim White]

Doug,

Can't speak to the 7'11" but I love the 9' Recon 8wt I have. Pretty much my go to rod for anything bigger than 5wt (its been overkill in a number of situations but I like fishing it). Several reels and line configurations were acquired so I have a lot of options. Had the crap beaten out of it and it keeps on throwing big clousers and bass bugs on tight loops. I imagine the shorter rod will perform equally well.

Cheers,

Jim

On Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 9:54:57 PM UTC-4, Douglas R wrote:

[James Ovelmen]

I have never fished with the Recon, but I have fished all the different weights of the Sage Bass and Sage Bass II rods (Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Peacock/Pike/Musky), which are all 7'11". They are all awesome rods and really fun to fish with. I have found they cast best with the line that was designed to go with them, otherwise I have trouble matching them. While these rods are all cannons and can toss big flies, you do lose some distance compared to the theoretically same rod at 9', you also lose line control on the water, and finally, I have never felt comfortable throwing sinking lines with them. I have more tendency to whack myself with the line and fly even when I pick the matching grains. All that being said, they are slightly easier to travel with and fun to use.

On Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 9:54:57 PM UTC-4, Douglas R wrote:

[Misha Gill]

I believe the point of the shorter rod is to save your shoulder tendons when casting big flies. Casting big flies (adding in water weight) all day long is really hard. By shortening the lever (the rod) you make the physics a bit easier, hence a little less stressful on your shoulder. The added bonus is that it makes the rod a more agile tool when casting from a boat or even stand up paddleboard. The cons are that you get a little a more aggressive taper and less tip flexibility, which probably affects touch/feel, and you get less line control at distance (mending). 

I'd say if you intend to use the rod for casting big flies on a consistent basis (e.g. for Musky fishing), then it's a good choice. If you're getting your first 8 weight and anticipate using it as an all around rod, get the 9 footer. I've got a 9' 8 wt that I use day in and day out and I love having it. 

[Douglas R]

Thanks for all the good info.  I think the 9' wins the day....but will give me an excuse to pick up the 7'10" at a later date!

[TurbineBlade]

It's too bad this forum isn't in one of the western states where we could sit around talking about the "immense differences" between 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 (and possibly a soft 6) weight fly rods.  I love reading those things ;).  

I guess if all we had to catch around here were sunfish, we'd all be talking about the different purposes for 1-3 weight rods of various lengths and actions, and why we need them.  It's what people do.  

Where's Justin?  He may have converted to that mindset by now.  

[Adam Soller]

Just picked up the 7'11" 8wt Recon at the Orvis Outlet in Norwalk, CT on our way up to the Cape this week - the price was right.  Will let you know how it does when I get some work in on it.  If I didn't already have a 9' 8wt from another brand, I likely wouldn't have considered it.