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.
