Showing posts with label Winston fly rods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winston fly rods. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

The Elusive 9 Foot 3 Weight Fly Rod

I've been on a quest for the last couple of days in search of a 9 ft. 3 weight fly rod for a fly fishing buddy of mine. While searching for this fly rod I've found that it's an extremely rare fly rod. Sure one can find a few of these rods in the 800.00 to 1000.00 dollar mark, but for the average fly fisherman, a more reasonable price would be two to three hundred bucks. Even that price might seem a little over the top, but most fly fishermen will pay that for the quality. I know I would be one of them!
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.