opinions on rod actions for 8 wts

[ghbyram]

I'd like the groups thoughts on rod actions. Wife and kids were out of town this weekend so I went to do a little window shopping Saturday since I'm looking to upgrade from my Red.Start in a month or 2. The dealers showed me the obvious ... Sage RPLXi & XP, Scott STS & HP, GLoomis GLX ... all the really FAST rods. Then I went to Orvis and talked to them ... the guy there actually suggested the mid-flex (rather than the tip-flex) for most casters because he feels that most casters can't really handle the faster rods well enough to get the full benefit out of them.

My first question is this ... what do you all feel about rods in the medium-fast range for Texas inland coastal fishing for reds, trout, flounder, etc? ... can they handle the winds?

When I got home and started looking through the brochures and saw the Sage RPL+ and Scott SAS series rods which are said to be a bit slower than their counterparts above. I'm also eyeing the Orvis Silver Label. 2nd question is if any of you have experience with these rods with slower actions?

Most times I will be on the upper or middle Texas coast wading or fishing from a kayak (next major purchase after the rod) ... but will be fishing with a guide in the Keys every now and again too.

Believe me, I will cast them all before handing over the AMEX ... just wondering what conclusions you guys have come to out on the water. I imagine that I am still a bit green right now for the really fast rods, but I don't plan on being so forever. My concern is not to under-action for the long run, but also don't want something that will ultimately be more frustrating than really necessary.

Grady

[JHorton]

<P><FONT color=black face=Verdana,Geneva size=3>As only a third year caster, I'm not entirely convinced of the benefits of faster action rods, wind or no wind.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=3>My first rod was an Orvis silver label, medium action mid-flex nine-weight. Could cast it all day without getting sore. Changed over to Loomis GL3 mega-taper 10/11. Casts really nice when I time it right, but for me, that is seldom. After a couple of hours, my deltoid muscle really hurts and my timing gets worse. This is the problem with casting behind the store, they all seem to cast excellent, but you'll never know for sure 'till you have it on the water for a day.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=3>In fact, if you're interested, you can have&nbsp;my one-season old Loomis for $ 200., and I'll get a Sage DS2 10-weight.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=3>If you're looking for an eight-weight, my favorite is the Sage VPS. The VPS was designed for FW bass fishing, so most shops don't push it as a saltwater rod, but give it a test cast. It's an easy mid-flex action with power that seems to grow as your timing improves. It was also designed for turning over bushy bass flies, and the same kind of line tapers we use for salt. You can cast it all day without getting tired. I think it's about $ 330. in 2-piece, $ 50. more in 4-piece.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT face=Verdana size=3>Unfortunately, for all of us, casting seems to be more a matter of technique than equipment. Just about every rod you can buy over $ 200. has the capabity of throwing most of a fly line. If your cast is not yet perfected, I think you'll be happier with a medium action in the long run.</FONT></P>
<P>
<P><FONT size=3>J.Horton</FONT></P>
<P><A href="http://people.ne.mediaone.net/aromafusion/masssalt.htm"><FONT size=3>Mass Salt</FONT></A></P>

[walteryoung]

If you plan on fishing from a kayak, then go for something more of a medium flex.

[huibgeselschap]

you might have noticed that the vps series is going to be replaced by the vt2
so there are some great deals to be had:
http://shop.flyfishing.about.com/cla...ails/10165.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sage-VPS-890-4-F...QQcmdZViewItem

good luck, i think you cant go any better than a vps right now
by the way the VPS is actually the old RPL if im not mistaken
good luck

[teflon_jones]

Originally Posted by huibgeselschap

you might have noticed that the vps series is going to be replaced by the vt2
so there are some great deals to be had:
http://shop.flyfishing.about.com/cla...ails/10165.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sage-VPS-890-4-F...QQcmdZViewItem

good luck, i think you cant go any better than a vps right now
by the way the VPS is actually the old RPL if im not mistaken
good luck

And you might have noticed that this thread is over 5 YEARS OLD!

[huibgeselschap]

ooops didnt realise it, just was lookig on some vps info

[Gadfly]

I've fished the Matagroda and Cold Pass areas for reds & specs. Here's my .02 for what it's worth. The XP is a great, comfortable rod to cast and would be okay for smaller fish, but with heavier fish it may lack some of the required backbone. While I respect the followers of the Xi2, I just can't cast them well. I'm not a fan of the Scott or Orvis rods, my primary issue is they generally feel somewhat top-heavy and so they lack the balance I look for, and I don't think their ferrules and lines are as slender & clean as other rods I do like such as the XP, GLX CC or the T&T Helix. I the GLX Crosscurrent and think the #8 would be fine for you. It has the required backbone for your application but is still somehow a relatively easy rod to cast in that weight. I own several, including a #8, and like them very much. IMHO, the GLX CC in #7 or #8 would be a very good rod for your application.

After visiting their shop and testing them out, I recently became an avid follower and owner of several Thomas & Thomas Helix rods. They have excellent balance and cast very smoothly. Alot of power for the varying wind conditions in the Matagorda region. The Helix has very adequate backbone for that area and those fish, but they do not give you the sensation of being a "stiff" rod. The reel handles are anodized. The #8 comes in 9', 9' 6" and 10' length. I believe the 9', or 9'6", would be an excellent rod for that area and those fish. While I bought my T&T's primarily for steelhead and salmon, I intend to also use them (as well as the GLX CC) for reds and specs when I get back out again in the Texas Gulf area. It will also be a good rod for other fish, from bones to stripers.

If I could pick two rods for Matagorda's reds and specs it would be a GLX CC in #7 for the light-wind days and a T&T Helix #8 in 9' or 9' 6" length for heavier fish and wind conditions.

[lil'trout]

: I have been throwing flies from a kayak for a few years and I like the faster rods for that.Even for smaller fish I use a fast T&T 8 weight simply for the 100+ cast I can get.I did'nt pay attention to where you where fishing but for shear distance and a good match for a fast rod I use the 40+ line,I belive it's Airflo.Good luck and you'll love it.
Ps. Buy a paddle leash for your rod,nothing worse than dropping(literally)1000 bucks in the deep blue sea.
Mike.