Rod Recs?

[TigerTrout]

I currently have a 9 foot 6 weight Loomis that I use frequently on the Chattooga but am looking for a good rod to use on smaller streams in North Georgia. I am thinking a 3 or 4 weight in the 7-7 1/2 foot range but as I recently moved to the Athens area I do not have experience with North Georgia streams. I'd like something appropriate for the area that I can cast in tight quarters yet is powerful enough to throw weighted nymphs and buggers.

[fishnpreacher]

I use a 6ft 3wt on small streams. I don't have any trouble casting nymphs with a split shot, but boogers are a different story. You can practice "chuck and duck" to use boogers.

I've also got a 5-1/2 ft 4wt bamboo that ought to be a hoot, and I'm working on a 6ft bamboo.

In my opinion, 7 or 7-1/2 ft rods are a tad long. If I were looking for a small stream setup I'd go 6-1/2 ft or less. My opinion and $1.oo will get you a cup of coffee at the corner convience store. ;)

[Longhorn]

I just bought a 6ft 3 wt and can't wait to try it live. My practice sessions have got me FIRED UP!!!!!!!!! :D I tried to fish smaller steams with my 9 ft rod late last year and it sucked almost all of the joy out of the experience. If I only lose a fly on every third cast it will be a huge improvement. :bang:

[Josh Barnett]

I fish with 6 1/2 Foot rods, with... 12 foot leaders on the small streams.

My rods of choice include Winston WT, and the PacBay that Runner built. I bought it off of him at one of the past Flings.

Been considering a commision rod. I would like to have someone build a Pac Bay 5 1/2 Foot for me. Haven't asked around yet.

Joshua Barnett

[GonetoSeed]

Here's another perspective. I have a 6' 6" 2wt Orvis 1 oz and I'm building a 6' 6" 2wt (Rainshadow). I enjoy these small rods, but also recognize that they do have some limitations. It ends up that the rods I actually use most often are a 7' 6" 3wt moderate/fast rod or a 7'9" 3wt moderate action (as Windknot says, you can't have too many 3 wts :) ) The reasons for me are:
- If it's really, really tight cover and tough to overhead cast with the 7' 6" it's probably too tight for the 6'ers also
- So I end up roll casting a lot and it's easier for me with the 7' 6" or 7' 9"
- I also like the little longer length for line control. Line mending helps me get a little longer drift.
- I do a lot of hiding behind trees etc and the extra foot helps me reach out and and dabble some holes
- Sometimes during the day I move to other streams and might end up fishing a "larger" stream and the 7'+ comes in handy

I'm glad I have the 6'ers, they can be a whole lot of fun, especially dry fly fishing on the really small brookie streams, but if I only had to have 1 small stream rod (heaven forebid), it would be a 7'6" 3 or maybe 4 wt.

btw, the 7' 6" 3wt is built on a Lamiglass Appalachian Traveler 3pc blank. Lamiglass doesn't get much press here, but imo make a really sweet small stream rod. As the name implies, it was designed specifically for the type of fishing we do most often. It is a high modulus graphite blank, but in slightly slower action than you find in most high-modulus rods. Also, there are some small stream rods being built on s-fiberglass blanks that are really sweet rods if you like a slower, but not wet noodle, action, eg, Diamondbacks' Diamondglass & Lamiglass blueridge traveler (actually a glass tip and graphite butt)

[FlyBy]

GTS,

I have a 6' 6" 3wt Lamiglas Appalachian Travel that I built up over the winter. I've only had the opportunity to use it once, but it will handle a nymph rig with ease and is a truely a joy when tossing dries. I'm anxious for the season to open so I can try it out on some of my favorite small streams.

FlyBy

[TigerTrout]

Thanks for the advice so far. Also, it is interesting how many swear by the 6 footers. One of my friends fishes for brookies in the Smokies and swears that longer rods in the 8 foot+ range are the way to go for dappling but I have never really subscribed to that theory because of the unwieldiness of taking a longer rod through brush.

Right now though my arsenal consists only of an 8wt and a 9 foot 6wt. If you could only get one 3 wt that would be most versatile for North Georgia would you all still recommend a 6 footer or something longer?

[BG]

Let's see, a versatile 3 wt. for North Georgia.....

My favorite all-around 3 wt. would have to be the Sage LL, in 8'9 or 7'9. They show up on eBay occasionally, there's even a 6'6 on right now as well as an 8'9 Classic. If I was going for only one 3 wt., it would have to be the 8'9, there's just too many places to fish where you don't want to be limited to a 25' cast, which is about all I can get with any accuracy out of my 6'6 LL. You can always break down a longer rod for brush crawling, but it's hard to make one longer when you need to dapple, cast for any distance, or mend. The 4-piece 8'9 will cast weighted nymphs and Buggers just fine as long as you don't get too crazy. The current equivalent is the VPS Light series, if you want a brand-new rod. The SLT's are also close, but a tad faster.

You might also want to check out the Winston Retro's. They're sloooow, but they'll load and cast with just a leader and will handle a dry/dropper combo. Wouldn't put too big a Bugger on it, though. Really great for a delicate dry-fly presentation, but too limited for all-around use. I haven't had a chance to take mine up to the 'Toot, but I have an idea it'll replace the TMF as a favorite skinny-water rod.

GonetoSeed made some good points about the longer rods, and I'd have to agree. If you just want one 3 wt., get one you can use anywhere.

Happy Hunting!

Bill

[deltaflyer]

I have a 7' 3/4 wt. from Route 37 that I really like for fishing small streams. Not much press about this company but I was very pleased with the service and the rod is really nice. I put a BBS on it and it really balances out nice. Check out the link if you're interested. I have a Winesap, The Bowery Series is a little less expensive. Lifetime Warranty.


http://www.route37flyfishing.com/winesap_rods

[Jason]

Try a St. Croix I have a 6' 3 weight and love. Only $165 from Marks in Birmingham. Fish Hawk is a dealer too but they wanted $220.