Fly rod question for the bay.

[jnashed]

I am considering a new flyrod for the bay. I have an inexpensive Orvis Clearwater 8wt which I like a good deal. I have a Sage FLi 5wt and a St.Croix Legend Ultra 6wt I use in freshwater both of which I like a lot. So as you can see I like faster action rods but don't like to pay a huge amount of money. I was considering trialing a Reddington CPS and maybe one of TFO rods, but I am conserned about the foreign made blanks. I would also consider a custom from a good blank, but I still would like to try out the blank first.

Jim

[tmri]

There are as many opinions on this subject as there are rods. Sage just came out with
the Xi3 that replaces the Xi2. I just purchased a 11 wt Xi2 (new) on e-bay for $315 which is in the ball park for what I paid for the 6 wt sage fli a year ago. Having said that, any
decent fast action rod will serve you well in the salt & wind of the bay. I have landed
5 pound reds on both the 6 wt fli & a 8 wt Xi2. Hopefully others will comment on their
preferences to give some more insight. Which wt rod to buy....depends what your
main targets are going to be but overall a 8 or 9 would serve you well. Have yet to
land a good size rock....26-34"er but my 10 wt temple fork handles the 6 to 10 pound
albies down in NC quite well where the 8 wt xi2 does too until you get them to the boat,
not quite enough lifting power to get them in quickly unless you want to test out the
warranty. Hope this helps a little. Mike

[conchy-joe]

I agree with Mike, with regards to choosing a rod based on your target species. Temple fork outfitters constructs their rods on excellent blanks. I have used their Bluewater rods to land big pacific sailfish and stripped marlin. In my opinion, if your looking at a TFO rod, the TrCiX series is the one to go with. specs are :TFO 10 90 4 TX 10 Wt. 9'-0" 4 piece 5.9 oz. IM6 Graphite blank $249.95 Reasonably priced.
That said, I am a sage guy because their rods fit my casting style. I have 9 different rod weights from them. I personally own a sage Xi2 in a 10 weight, and it is one of my favorite rods. You can probably pick one up on ebay now that the Xi3 model is out for a reasonable price, but I would look for one that comes with a blank warranty registration card, so you can register it with sage. I think you will notice a considerable difference in that model from the rods you currently own with regards to casting, flex, how the rod loads, and line feel. With the current rod weights you already own, i think a 10 weight would be the next ideal choice, as you can manage full sinking lines, heavier front tapered weight forward lines, and big wind resistant or weighted flies. The 10 weight will also allow a bit more versatility in the fish you choose to quarry. It does a great job on those NC. albies, as well as snook, dorado, bonita, sierras, yellowtail, roosters, etc. My dad is a St. Croix guy, and has all their Legend Elite Models. You might want to test cast all 3 of those rods at a fly shop to see which best fits your casting style.

[Peltz]

I would look at a St. Croix Legend Elite 8 weight, or the Sage Xi2 if you can find a deal. A less expensive option is a St. Croix Legend Ultra in an 8 weight. Combine that with a good sinking line (I like Airflow the best and next Rio) and you will be in business for almost anything in the bay.

[ghrousseau]

I am considering a new flyrod for the bay. I have an inexpensive Orvis Clearwater 8wt which I like a good deal. I have a Sage FLi 5wt and a St.Croix Legend Ultra 6wt I use in freshwater both of which I like a lot. So as you can see I like faster action rods but don't like to pay a huge amount of money. I was considering trialing a Reddington CPS and maybe one of TFO rods, but I am conserned about the foreign made blanks. I would also consider a custom from a good blank, but I still would like to try out the blank first.

Jim

The TFO's cast really nice for the money. I fish a custom Loomis IMX 9wt, Orvis Trident TLS 6wt Tip Flex, Orvis Clearwater (10wt Tip Flex), Fisher 8wt (used to build blanks for Scott), and I have two TFO's which I also like very much. I have the TICRx 9ft in 8wt and the Professional Series in the 10ft 9wt. I stepped on the tip on the TICRx and had it replaced under warranty no questions asked. That Reddington Rod is really nice as well. Custom rods are nice, but if the blank breaks you are only covered for the blank and not the finished rod. Go cast the TFO's.................I think you will be impressed for the money.

[ko]

I also have fished the CPS and like them a lot. Now that the Sage Xi2 has been replaced by the Xi3 you get get new (with warranty) Xi2s for $250- $400 at shops and on eBay. They are great rods for that price.

[shiloh]

get a saltwater reel with an intermediate and a floater on extra spool for your six wieght.. In the bay it is enough.

If you plan to fish at the CBBT get a 9 wieght.