9wt fly rod

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the goldie

9wt fly rod

Lead

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Posts: 24

09/29/08 12:13:35

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hey guys.
i just bought a 9wt St Croix fly rod that was marketed as a medium action but when i tested it out it turned out if was very fast action. i was in New York and i popped into an Orvis shop and saw a few rods that seemed to have a medium action. though they were expensive they were really nice and light. i was wondering if anyone new of a better 9wt (8'6''- 9'6'') on the market than the Orvis rods.
thanks max

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JeffSod

#1

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Posts: 844

09/29/08 15:30:23

Registered Member

Goldie I think I read online that the Sage FLi was a medium action. But the real key is to test cast as many rods as you can to find what really suites you.
It sounds like you already comitted to the St. Croix yes?

Here are a couple of interesting reads on a comparison of 8wts:

http://yellowstoneangler....parison.mini.shootout.asp

http://yellowstoneangler....parison.mini.shootout.asp

Last Edited By: JeffSod 09/29/08 15:36:34. Edited 2 times.

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Wee Hooker

#2

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Posts: 440

09/29/08 18:07:14

Guide

I'll agree with Jeff, the only way to find that "just right" rod is to cast ,cast, cast.
Having said that , here are a couple of things I've picked up along the way that may help you narrow the field.
1)Many (not all) softer/moderate rods are generally made of older, less expensive, mid- generation, mid priced graphites ( IM6/origonal). I.e in St Croix, SC II is nicely moderate, while the avids and upper end legand get progressively stiffer.
2)Check rod blank specs when rod shopping. A blank of x weight with a smaller diameter butt section than it's competitor will have a more moderate action given the same mod graphite..
3)The best 9 wt is often an overlined , faster 8 wt IMHO. Can't tell you how many of my rods are overlined to get that sweet spot! Before buying a new rod you might test cast it with a 10 wt line. Overlining has other benifits when tossing big bugs too.

FWIW, Orvis does have their "flex rating system" which takes allot of the guesswork out of it. However, I tend to think that many of their rods are overpriced unless you get one off Ebay. Cabela's has a similar rating system ( or did at one point.). I like allot of Cabelas offerings and fished a mod action 8 wtPT and 9 wt fish eagle II for a long time.

Funny thing, back in the early 90's, most fly rods of this weight range were moderate action. Then faster rods became the trend in order to get line speed /distance to beginners and moderate-soft rods all but disapeared in anything over 7 wt. 10 years latter, after everybody figured out that a softer rod cast smoother, with less effort, they started offering moderate action rods again. Go figure.

Last Edited By: Wee Hooker 10/02/08 18:50:41. Edited 1 time.

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Gerbubble Bug

9 Weight Rod

#3

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Posts: 743

10/02/08 10:58:02

Master Guide

Let's hear it for the rod companies for making rod selection more confusing than ever. If it's possible see if your shop has demo's you can try out or try a friends set up. Do not let the sales people, catalogs, or web sites sell you a rod solely as a result of their marketing ability. Each of us has very different standards for what we want in a rod. Also guides have a selection of rods they get at huge discounts so you can try them out. I've always liked Orvis rods & I do buy a lot of used rods for they don't loose their value as you leave the store. I also will only buy USA made rods - I know there is an expense, but it makes me feel more patriotic. I love & fish Sage a Xi2 9 weight - this is a great rod, but pricey. It is true to it's line ratings and is a fast but not overwhelming. It replaced the RPLXi which was a little easier on the casting arm, but a little wimpy in playing fish. If your going to fish in the Northeast, and use the full selection of lines recommended for the salt - floating, intermediate, and "depth charge or full sinking lines, IMHO I don't see much use for medium action rods. The wind will just blows the line in your face or you'll be going to the doctor to have your flies removed from your ears. You have to generate line speed and that what faster rods do. At 63 years of age I have to admit these rods take their toll, but I just use them until I need a break & then use casting or spinning tackle. Oh by the way you might want to try a "High Performance" line which is actually a 9.5 weight line. I hope I've simplified things for you.
Tom
p.s. If you are looking for a 9 weight Fresh Water Bass rod, then I agree with others that you should go with the older generation rods and the best part is - they are used & usually worth every penny!

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Wee Hooker

#4

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Posts: 440

10/02/08 18:58:02

Guide

Speaking of "used" and "moderate" action rods, I just scored sweet! Found a guy on the net who had a pair of Redington origional series rods, unfished with warrenty cards for 50% off origonal retail. These are my all time favorite series rods but have been out of production for nearly 10 years. Was forced to I treat myself to both the 9x9 and a 9x7 travel rod as a package deal.

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