Back in the early spring when
I had started my bluegill quest I was fishing with one fly rod most of the
time; that rod being my 9 ft . 3 wt Greys XF2 Streamflex. I have mention this fly
rod a few times in some of my post as being the best fly rod I have ever place
in my hand, and it still is, but after losing some huge Shellcrackers in the
spring with it I decided I needed something with a bit more backbone. I didn’t
really want something with too much overkill but a fly rod that would handle
the big Shellcrackers and a couple pound spot. I knew that a medium action 9 ft in 4 wt would be close to my 3 wt so I opted for a
fast action fly rod. I had fished fast action rods before in spinning gear but
not in a fly rod. At first I had trouble getting use to the fast taper and the
somewhat stiff butt section but after a few outings I really got accustomed to
the feel of the rod; and now it is my go to fly rod when I know or can sense
that there could be something bigger on that rock wall. So I know you are asking
what is the name of this mystery rod, well I know some of you guys have fished the
St. Croix series rods and the Imperial 9ft. 4 wt is the one I finally choose.
Aside from the action of the rod the lightness was the other deciding factor.
This fly rod weights in at 2.9 oz . in a two piece, which for me is perfect for a half
day trip. When I am fishing from my boat I always carry two fly rods and both
have to be extremely light for me to keep fishing on up into the day. You young
guys out there will understand the lightness factor as you get older; some of
you may have discovered it already. I didn’t pay full price for this rod which
was 180.00, I decided to trade my last Temple Fork 8 ft . 4 wt in for the St Croix . I used Anglers Habitat to close the deal at a cost of 95.00. I really like this site because you can trade
in and save on a new purchase.
One of my favorite runs below the dam. I hope to get a good drift there next week that will produce a few rainbow.
Can't go wrong with a St. Croix but I'm partial to my TFO's still
ReplyDelete4wt Signature series and a 6wt. professional are the to rods I don't leave home without. I have a St. Croix Avid 7ft 3 wt that I love for small streams and heavy over head cover. I got 2nd hand only fished once and payed 35.00 for it. I'll tell you the rest of that story another time. Enjoy the rod!!!
Sounds nice. Great post Bill
ReplyDeleteI have an Avid 7ft for small streams and I love it. I also love my TFO 6ft'r.
ReplyDeleteLighter is better. Good luck in that run.
ReplyDeleteMark
Mark
ReplyDeleteI don't fish with heavey fishing rods--use to when I was younger, but no more. Thanks for the comment
Brk
ReplyDeleteI can see where the shorter fly rods are best for you, especially the type streams you fish. I do have a 7 1/2 ft. TFO and really like it. Thanks for the comment
Kevin
ReplyDeleteI really like this fly rod not too much overkill, in fact just right for the type fishing I am using it for. The Signature series in TFO is outstanding. Thanks for the comment
Thanks Devin for the stop by
ReplyDeleteNice post Bill. Never have cast a St. Croix but have heard good things about them.
ReplyDeleteBill,Its a good content on Rod. To me it is better to have lighter on. In Fishing, I prefer Carp fishing. Whenevr the average size of the Carp is heavier, I would go for the heavier one.usually I Do Carp fishing in my own ponds, and have different rods too.Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteTy
ReplyDeleteThis is my first St. Croix and I have been really pleased with its performance. Thanks for the comment
Carp Fishing
ReplyDeleteI can see where a heavier fly rod would be needed to combat a carp. Thanks for the comment