The T! man among others tried to convince me on the Tenkara, but to no avail... There's just something about listening to a reel scream that gets me way excited... Some people like reels and some don't see the need for them. It's what makes the world go round, I guess!
Then, a few years later I found my go-to rod. The Sage VT2. I chose a middle range Sage merely because I couldn't afford the higher end. I thought it was a pretty good rod. But, I always had a problem in casting for a long time with it as it was a bit heavy. But, I did catch a lot of nice fish with it, so it served its purpose!
So, when I met up with the Midgeman and Bigerrfish in Colorado a year ago, I was given a rod to borrow for the day. Josh had just bought a new Ross Essence FC. I only had to cast with it for about 10 min to feel the difference between that rod and my VT2. Not saying that the VT2 is a bad rod in any way. But, for me and my lack of arm strength, I needed a lighter rod with a little more "whip finish" to it. And the hours that I put in on the water require a lighter rod, so that I don't get so tired. And as Josh said to me that day... When a fly rod "sings", you should listen. At Christmas, I headed out to find the best deal for the singing rod. Scheels, of all places, a large outdoors store wasn't where I thought that I would find it, but I did. And on sale! Originally $179., I got it for $149. I was THRILLED. Yes, it had been about six months since I casted it for the first time, but I knew that it probably still had its singing voice. In the dead of winter, snow flying... I took my great deal of a rod out for a whirl. And it performed. I grinned from ear to ear! It was precise, easy to cast and I was in LOVE with it!!!
Here is the best deal right now if you want to give it a try... Walmart - $113.01. I see 4 wt and 6 wt 9 ft rods. I have the 6 wt that throws like a 5. Perfect for medium to big water. The 4 wt would be a sweet rod for smaller creeks and streams, but could also work in medium size rivers. For the price, it just can't be beat.
No matter which rod you choose, just make sure it sings...
So you can sing along!
La, la, la. Yep, it sings. By the way, I can tell by the way you dress you're a reel fisherman!
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a REEL girl. = )
DeleteI never understood why folks out west use such large rods - 5 wt. , 6 wt. even bigger - until I went out there and faced that wind. Then I completely understood. :) Plus, your trout are bigger than ours, too. :p
ReplyDeleteOwl... There is a reason why a 2, 3 or 4 wt is used in the GSMNP!!! Beautiful, small native trout. I loved it. But, I do frequently fish at bigger water and the 5/6 wt is perfect for what I catch and yes, the wind!
DeleteWhen I first saw the preview on Facebook, I immediately recognized the pic from the Tenkara Summit when it was held here in 2012, that I thought you maybe, just maybe bought a tenkara rod.. But alas I was wrong......
ReplyDeleteAnd of the record, Mike and I both tried to get into tenkara!
Brian
Brian ~ You and Mike gave it your best shot. I have to give you credit. In all fairness, I am not too bendable when I decide on something that I like. Haha.
DeleteWhat I find fascinating about this post is that you address your personal needs, what works for you and your casting style, physical requirements. You don' t address having to have top of the line $600 - $800 rods to be part of the "scene" that fishes all the time on some great waters for big trout or whatever. You will always get my attention when you think along the lines you do. Being on a fixed income in my geezer years means that rods like this one are approachable on my budget. Thanks for helping me spend some money!
ReplyDeleteMel ~ If you really do pick up this rod, just make sure you get the FC model. It is the middle range Ross. The low end is the FS. A good beginner rod, but you should get at least the FC. There is also a higher end model. But, I really think that the FC is the complete package and totally delivers the performance that I am looking for anyway. Every person is different. Each of us have a different style and want a different feel in a fly rod. But, at this price, I really think that it is worth a try.
DeleteYou chose the Ross over the Sage... OMG!
ReplyDeleteAre you feeling okay?
Only kidding... I know that a high price point doesn't always equal the right fit.
For the record, there's not a Sage rod in my quiver. Lots of others, but no Sage... which I think in some people's eyes makes you less of a fly fisher. Oh well, like you, I'm gonna do what I like.
Jay ~ I have tested out Sage higher end rods. They are high quality rods, but who has that much money to put down on a fly rod? Not me. I would rather use that money for fishing trips. But, I am not joking when I say that this Ross FC is as good as a $400 rod at a little over $100 bucks. To me, that is a DEAL! And no, we are not less of a fly fisher for using a $100 rod....
DeleteI didnt know they sold high end fly fishing stuff at wal mart?! that's awesome! I'm using every ounce of strength not to buy one right now considering that I just bout a new 8 wt combo recently! lol My wife would not approve!
ReplyDeleteJuan ~ I don't know if Ross rods are in the store, but they are available online... check out the link. Good luck!
DeleteRD
ReplyDeleteI see where you are using one of my favorite fly rods, the Redington. I did a post sometimes back on the lightest fly rods on the market and this fly rod was at the top of the list, not only for lightness but for price as well. I can’t believe Wal Mart of all places has the Ross fly rods. I knew they handled the Scientific Angler, and Fairplay accessories, but not the higher end fly fishing equipment. I will have to check out the links. Great post as always!!! Thanks for sharing
Bill ~ Redington and Ross both make nice lighter weight rods. I'm one to vote for easier casting days! Especially with the long hours that I put in on the water.
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