FS Digest

I’m looking for a low to mid priced 9’ 5 weight or thereabouts.

I’m a beginner, maybe intermediate, and I fish mostly small rivers like the Ausable in NY and the Battenkill for trout. I currently have an old Fenwick HMG and I feel I need something faster.

I don’t have a fly shop nearby to try out a lot of rods. I’ve read reviews and the Fenwick Aetos and St Croix Imperials seem to be well respected.

Do you have any other recommendations and how do you deal with not being able to test drive a rod.

Thanks in advance.

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by MikeyMountainBikey

FS Digest

I have been using a starter combo from wild water rods and I have nothing bad to say about it. They even give you some time and flies if you get the deluxe kit.

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by musicofsound

FS Digest

I'm a fan of Cabelas fly rods. I only fish a few times a year but never had an issue. They have the TQR series that are shorter for tight quarters. They are much cheaper than the big name fly brands but I can not tell any difference. I'm sure plenty of others will tell me I'm wrong but it gets my flies out there and the fish in the net when I need it to.

They do have lifetime warranties if you break them but you need to keep the receipt to prove you bought the rod and didnt get it secondhand. They fail to mention that part. Good luck.

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by MeatyGonzalles

FS Digest

I bought a Mystic Reaper 9' 5wt a few years ago for $200 and love it. They've gone up to $280, but they also have a ReaperX for about $200. I'll also echo what someone else said about Cabela's rods, they're good bang for the buck.

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by MattHurting

rayblock Loc: Palmer, Alaska

Look on Hook and Hackle. They sell kits to build your own. It takes time and patience but is fun and something to do when you can't fish. Its not too hard to do.