What makes this fly rod so special? First and foremost is the fact that it is graphite, extremely lightweight with medium-fast action; perfect for distance casting, and delivering a dry fly or tiny popper feather-light on the surface film. In other words, you want your fly or popper to imitate a small insect dropping from a tree limb onto the surface of the water. This particular fly rod has the features to do that. The extra length gives you the ability to be much more accurate with your presentation. How do I know that this fly rod possesses all the characteristics I have stated because I've been fishing with one for the past 14 years? I have written a few posts over the years on this blog about my Greys Streamflex FX2 9 ft. 3 weight.
In my search yesterday I found out that this Streamflex is no longer sold through Greys website. So I better take care of the one I fish with. I also found an Echo 9 ft. 3 weight priced at 230.00 which is no longer made. The only 9 ft. 3 weight I found available was the Redington Crux, which is priced at 325,00 total with free shipping. I fish Redington fly rods and know how special these rods are. 325 is a little pricy for me but if I break my Streamflex this may be the flyrod I will purchase.
It is amazing to me why fly rod manufacturers don't know how well these fly rods would sell. It makes one wonder if any market research has been done on this particular fly rod. Orvis one of the largest fly fishing companies in the nation told me yesterday that they don't carry a 9 ft. 3 weight fly rod? Those of us who own this"rare" fly rod, better whole on to them, because they will increase in value over the years. I know I could sell my Streamflex on Ebay today and get what I paid for it and maybe even more! -----not going to happen!!!
If any of you guys find this fly rod at a reasonable price please leave a comment.
Hi Bill. Here in the UK a Greys Streamflex GR80 9' 3wt rod is available to purchase. If the rod has been discontinued perhaps its old stock still on the shelves, in which case act fast. As an example, see the website for the retailer Sportfish which has them in stock (ps I am not affiliated, etc, just a happy customer). If not discontinued, happy days!
ReplyDeleteBill, you and I have met fishing many times. One rod you might want to look at is a TFO Finesse (trout). There is an 8'9" 3 wt. that might do the trick. It is a little more toward medium than an Echo, but casts very well. I have one and have it over-lined with Wulff TTN4.
ReplyDeleteBill for as long as I have been following your blog you have mentioned your love for that Grey's nine footer.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find one.
Now Unknown's choice of the TFO is a good one.
An interesting portrayal of an unusual length & line weight for a rod. I remember my own pursuits for selecting the more common 9'4-weight and 8'4" 3-weights. 9-footers are more appropriate for big rivers & lakes today than the shorter rods, and most anglers probably prefer them with a heavier line to deal with issues like the wind & water weeds. Anyway, thanks for the reflections here!
ReplyDeleteJustin
ReplyDeleteSportfish does not handle the Streamflex anymore. I am pretty sure this company has gone out of business in the U.S. I will keep looking and hope I find what he is looking for. Thanks for the comment
Unknown
ReplyDeleteHe is set on the 9ft. ----we fish Smith Lake all the time and uses a 9 ft. 4 wt. and likes the way the 9 ft. handles distance casting. I've heard of the TFO Finesse, I'll take a look for him. He is just getting into fly fishing and wants me to check on the rod for him. Thanks for the comment
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe Streamflex is a gem for sure and has a lot of sentimental value along with the countless trout and bluegill I've landed using it. Thanks for the comment
Walt
ReplyDeleteI've found that the 9 ft. is the perfect length for me when fishing Smith Lake. In fact, I don't use any other length when fishing the lake. I always carry my 3, 4, and 5 weights in the 9 ft. length when fishing there. I can place tiny flies and popper so much better using the extra length. Especially when I'm low side casting to get a fly under a ledge or overhanging limbs. Hopefully, he will find what he is wanting in the length and weight. Thanks for the comment
Bill,
ReplyDeleteAs Justin mentioned, Sportfish in UK has the Streamflex GR80 in 9' 3 wt. at 261 pounds, or around $330 shipped to you showing in stock. I don't know if this is an exact replacement for FX2 or not. In a quick look I didn't find one in the states. The price shown on the page is not what it would cost you due to the VAT and shipping.Those figure in at checkout. Here is a link if you are interested:
https://www.sportfish.co.uk/greys-gr80-streamflex-fly-rod.html#
Good luck, I don't think you would miss the 3" with the Finesse and it weighs less and costs $229
Sammy
ReplyDeleteThanks for the website, the fly rod gr80 is the same fly rod I have. If and when I break a section on the fly rod I have now I will order from this company. I have the site saved. My fishing buddy is going to purchase the TFO Finesse fly rod. Thank for the comment