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| Post Number: 1
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spearo 
Group: Members
Posts: 9
Joined: Jun. 2012
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Posted on: Aug. 02 2012,23:24 |
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Hi guys, I'm looking into purchasing my first fly rod, and was looking for a bit of help. I've concluded that a #5 or 6, 9ft will best suit the areas I'll be fishing, and that fast action isn't preferable for a beginner(?)
The options I'm looking at are:
-Riverworks #5/6 9ft SPS
-Redington Pursuit 590-4
-Airflo Drift 9'3" #6
Anyone owned any of these/able to help out?
Much appreciated, Mitch
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| Post Number: 2
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Johnno
Group: Members
Posts: 3386
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: Aug. 03 2012,00:56 |
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Check out the rod and reel combos in Steve's on line shop. Any of those will be perfectly adequate and Steve will offer great advice and fit you out just fine.
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"I never understood the appeal of flyfishing Jim. It's too much like masturbation for me, without the payoff".
( Gabriel Shear - Swordfish )
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| Post Number: 3
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DMJ
Group: Members
Posts: 135
Joined: Oct. 2010
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Posted on: Aug. 05 2012,21:10 |
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I wouldn't say a fast action rod are not for beginners, I think that label is there only because as a beginner you need to feel the weight of the line to time your cast. That is theoretically easier with a softer/slower rod. However once you have the feel of the timing, most people (at least the ones I know) prefer a more fast action type of rod.
So my suggestion is that instead of buying a rod you'll maybe wish to replace fairly quick, you buy an inexpensive flyline on the heavy side of your rods suggested weight. If you buy a 6 weight rod you can opt for an 8 weight flyline. This will help you load the rod with little line out and it will help you feel the pull of the line once it unrolls in your casts. Once this has been worked into your routine you're able to buy a flyline that's closer to the rods recommended weight and develop longer casts with more line out.
I'm sure this solution is up for debate and regional preferences. Where I come from most people throw shooting heads at windy coasts and the preffered rods are the likes of TCR's, Xi2/3's etc.
But basically you can slow down a fast rod by overlining it, it also helps you feel the pull of the line which is great for starters. Once the routine is starting to sink in you buy a line more suited for the rod. Voila, you only need to invest in one rod (Unless you suffer from G.A.S, then you'll be in for an endless line of rods, but I don't think anyone can help you with that).
As Johnno suggests, try the rods before buying, that's the only true way of getting te right rod for you.
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| Post Number: 4
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fraser hocks
Group: Members
Posts: 566
Joined: Nov. 2010
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Posted on: Aug. 05 2012,23:11 |
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Cant say i agree with your first paragraph DJM. Id say that its currently a fashion to have fast rods. Personally il always fish with as slow a rod as i can for the conditions, and what i call fast, most would call slow these days.
My recommendation would be to go with a slower rod (as you have suggested) and if you do want a faster rod later, get one, but the slower rod will always have a place. Slow rods are great for delicate presentation when you have your casting skills down pat.
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The best things in life, arnt things.
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| Post Number: 5
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DMJ
Group: Members
Posts: 135
Joined: Oct. 2010
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Posted on: Aug. 06 2012,02:09 |
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(fraser hocks @ Aug. 05 2012,23:11)
QUOTE Cant say i agree with your first paragraph DJM. Id say that its currently a fashion to have fast rods. Personally il always fish with as slow a rod as i can for the conditions, and what i call fast, most would call slow these days.
I didn't expect everyone to do so 
I was only commenting on whether it was easier for a beginner to cast a slow action rod. I don't believe it is, on the other hand I don't believe it's easier to cast a fast action rod either. I believe mostly personal preference allows you to make the choice, once you've cast enough times and rods to know what you like.
However, I do believe overlining your rod for the first period of casting is very much valid as it it will help you to feel the pull of the line when it's unrolled. I believe this is if not the, then one of the most important things to learn when new to flycasting. As a bonus it also slows down a fast action rod if you begin with one of these.
I know I mentioned a couple of very fast action series rods in my first reply and that rods like this are not the most used on NZ streams. The fishing for coastal trout up here in the north are made easier with a rod in that caliper. I believe when the nor'wester are blowing those tools are welcome on the stream as well 
In the end I believe that gentle presentation are easier to accomplish with the right line and a fast action rod rather than struggling with a slow action rod face into a strong wind. I prefer two rods, one for each condition, but the fast rod gives you more days on the water.
One thing we definately agree on is that it's a fashion to use fast action rods. It seems like the faster the better and I'm not sure it's (not originally anyway) the dry fly community that's driving it. I don't think it's a passing thing though, because fast action rods does make a lot of casting.... I hate to say easier, but it's the ony word I can find just now. I mean take a TCR 590, it's known as a fast rod and some people love it and some hate it. However, it's soft tip actually allows you to do rather gentle casts as well and it does protect the tippet when setting the hook. So if we look past the marketing as a speed-devil, then it's not as bad a dry-fly rod as one would think. Actually it does dry fly fishing fairly good (definately not my first pick for a tiny spring creek, but on bigger waters where you face different styles during a days fishing).
Anyway, that debate can continue forever, I believe Spearo should try some rods to see what he finds the best. After all he's the one going to cast with it
Fast or slow, that's up to you mate.
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| Post Number: 6
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spearo
Group: Members
Posts: 9
Joined: Jun. 2012
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Posted on: Aug. 06 2012,08:40 |
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Thanks for your replies guys, I appreciate it. I'll take all these things into consideration and go try a few!
Mitch
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| Post Number: 7
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fraser hocks
Group: Members
Posts: 566
Joined: Nov. 2010
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Posted on: Aug. 06 2012,12:23 |
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Interestingly enough iv only recently taught two people to cast. Both of them I started off on relatively fast rods due to the fact that we are mostly fishing woolly buggers at this time of year and a faster rod handles the extra weigh of the fly better. I then let both of them play with a slowish rod and it improved there casting no end and both commented on how it improved there accuracy and felt better in the hand.
Maybe some qualified instructors can comment on there findings of slow v fast rods for teaching people?
The thing to remember Spero is that these days there are very few "Dog" rods out there. If you buy a slow or fast rod now, you will want the other one in the future regardless to suit conditions.
I taught my wife with a Redington Classic Trout, that i bought for her. Lovely classic slower action. I still steal her rod on a regular basis as its just such a sweet action. Can highly recommend one as a cheap beginner rod, that you will use as a presentation rod in time to come.
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The best things in life, arnt things.
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| Post Number: 8
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Chris Dore
Play hard!
Group: Members
Posts: 3881
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: Aug. 06 2012,14:28 |
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You can get rod, reel, line combos from $150 through to whatever. its hard to find a bad combo at any of these pricepoints - just some will be better than others.
You will notice that most beginner combos are medium / fast in action.
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FFF Certified Casting Instructor
SCOTT Pro Staff
www.CHRISDORE.com
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| Post Number: 9
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CharChaser
Group: Members
Posts: 25
Joined: Nov. 2010
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Posted on: Aug. 06 2012,15:15 |
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Finding the perfect rod is much like finding the perfect women, just have to shop around untill you find the perfect one. 
Some like fast women, some like slower. Its better that you go into the shop and cast em first. Its also a nice way to waste a morning. $150 - $300 on a rod, seems like a lot these days
Other things to take into account include, rod wieght. Dont be fooled by this one. It might be light in the hand, but once you start casting it, it may feel heavier than others esp in the tip, all the more reason to try rods out
If you have the cash, expensive rods arnt always best. Modern 'expensive' rods are light, this also means that they are more prone to breaking, esp, in the tips (usually, their hollower (a by-product to reducing weight)). Not a good choice for beginners
Look at the warrenty too. Riverworks are OK'ish. TFO make nice rods and warrentys are pretty good. Also, the Sage flight are good also and no-one can complian about Sage's customer service.
If your starting to learn fly casting, a good warrenty is critical. Buy a nasty rod if the warrenty is good. Chances are, and the odds are good, that you wont really know the differences between rods starting out, and you'll want to upgrade in the future
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Apart from having to work, If I didnt fish, I'd never leave the house.
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| Post Number: 10
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