Favorite Bass Pole

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blugill bum

Favorite Bass Pole

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Posts: 29

08/17/09 11:35:08

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Hello, My 16th birthday is coming up soon and i was wondering what your favorite bass fly pole is? I was thinking about getting the new Ross Flystik with a Okuma- Vason mid-arbor 7/8 fly reel, with rio's coldwater clouser. I was just wondering what your favorite pole was and what other opinions you guys had about this topic of bass fly poles.
I was looking for a rod that I could take for striper fishing because I live by the jersey coast, and I would also like a all around fly rod for salmon, largemouths, smallmouths, stripers, bluefish, small tarpon, jack crevale, snook. also my dad lost his job in January so we are tight on money so I was looking for a good rod for not an extreme price. Bluegill

Last Edited By: blugill bum 08/18/09 10:53:03. Edited 1 time.

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quashnet.clarksclassicfl...

#1

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Posts: 15

08/18/09 06:05:46

I looked at web-based photos of the Ross Flystik, and it does appear to be an attractive rod and probably a lot of fun to fish. When I was young (almost 50 years ago), my favorite bass fly rod was a 7'3" Garcia-Conolon fiberglass rod. I fished it with what was probably a six or seven-weight line. I still own that rod. After I graduated from college and started working, the first new fly rod that I bought for myself was a Fenwick 857, also a great fiberglass rod for bass, which I owned for nearly three decades and only sold this past year. In graphite I have always liked (and still own) an early Sage 890, on which I have caught some nice bass. On one memorable trip, I landed three largemouths on three successive casts with the Sage, which I fish with a nine-weight line. I like to fish old, classic bamboo fly rods, and my current favorite bass rod is an 8'6" "Parabolic 17" built by Paul H. Young of Detroit, Michigan in 1956. It fishes a seven-weight line, and maybe an eight-weight line would be even better. I look forward to seeing just how big a bass I can land with it. Hopefully the Ross Flystik or some other rods will give you years of fun fishing.

Quashnet's Paul H. Young Rod Database has photos and descriptions of over 530 PHY Co. rods, plus catalogs, accessories, etc. Thank you to all who continue to send me PHY rod photos and info.

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waynebh.fiberglassflyro...

#2

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Posts: 71

08/18/09 08:52:14

Hi Bluegill bum;

I think you'll find a great deal of opinions on what constitutes a "bass rod." It very much depends on where you are fishing and the size and types of flies you want to cast.

Perhaps if you gave a little more detail on what you want a rod to do such as cast 1/0 bass bugs or size 6 streamers, some here could help you more. I'm not familiar with the Ross Flystik but see they are 7' 9" rods. Does a short rod appeal to you? If not I think you would find that a 9ft 8wt rod would serve you better as a general purpose largemouth bass rod for ponds. Again, a little more information would help.

I have cast the Sage Bass series rods and they are impressive for thier length so, if the Ross is similar, not a bad setup. Perhaps you can try the rod before you buy it to see if you like it??

Wayne

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spinzo

#3

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Posts: 1241

08/18/09 10:54:14

Master Guide

a very subjective question. my answer would depend on a host of variables and, ultimately, only you can decide what qualities you want most.

for example... if the waters you fish tend to be weed-choked, you might want a heavier rod with a stiffer backbone. similarl qualities if you prefer fishing with oversized bass bugs. if your usual waters are more open and less weedy, you may want a softer rod. do you fish deep? maybe something longer...

my go-to rod is a glass fenwick #6 that is a little overmatched when i'm tossing big bugs, but i love the action and it has proven to be a good all-around tool. it has nice feel when i'm fishing sub-surface and especially when i've got a fish on the other end.

I think a #6 mid-length is a good choice. i like a slower action, but that's just me.

Oh... as for reels, if you are going to be focused on bass fishing, don't break the bank. I don't have any experience w/Okuma, but that reel comes in at about $100, and that really is about as much as I'd recommend spending -- but you can get a lot of reel for a lot less, especially if you are willing to go "vintage." When I want to splurge I buy Tioga, but most of my rods are outfitted much more cheaply. Good Pflueger Medalists can be had used for a song.

Mike

Last Edited By: spinzo 08/18/09 10:58:11. Edited 1 time.

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JeffSod

#4

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Posts: 844

08/19/09 06:07:08

Registered Member

By the way Spinzo Tioga was in limbo last I heard. I spoke to a woman that was holding down the fort so to speak back in May and the company was in the process of being sold and it was made clear they would not be continuing the old lines of reels.

As far as rods I agree it is a very subjective thing that is best decided by casting as many rods as you have the ability to. This is not always possible when you don't have a local fly shop. I like others here prefer a slower action rod for my freshwater or bass fishing. I find it more relaxing and easier to cast as I can feel the rod load. You can't generally go wrong with an old fiberglass fenwick of the appropriate line weight. I have and enjoy the Fewick FF80 which I can heartly recommend.

As far as reels you don't need to spend much as drag isn't a big consideration nor is deteriation due to salt since there isn't any. Balance is more important so having a reel that balances on your rod of choice is something you will want. The Pfluegers new or old are more than adequate for bass fishing. Take the money you save and buy a good line or a spare spool.

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FlyCoach

#5

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Posts: 66

08/19/09 17:49:23

Registered Member

Before you spend your money on a new "rod" check out the site below. They sell quality gear at reduced prices. They have a couple of Fenwick 9' 8 weight rods that would make good bass rods.

Coach

http://www.ffo-tackle.com/

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Cornmuse

#6

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Posts: 299

08/27/09 08:23:03

Registered Member

Well I can't help buy chiming in here - I guess it's my nature

One things I'd start by saying, an experienced old fisherman once told me "God makes poles, I prefer to fish with a fine fly rod." Just saying...

Your interest in the FlyStik is well placed. I currently have all three in for review and I've fished the 6wt and the 8wt versions. Frankly, for $169 retail they are quite the amazing tool. Very nice action with a medium speed and good power in the butt. They like to be slightly overlined, but aren't fast or lacking in feel. I 'll be posting a review of my recent trip to Minnesota's Snake River in a few minutes and you'll see a couple pix of the 8wt in action.

Before you invest in a new fly rod it's important to think about where you'll fish and how. Where are you geographically? Do you fish from a boat, canoe or by wading? Will you use this rod primarily for bass, or is it going to be your all-around fly rod? Do you fish for trout? Inquiring minds want to know.

Joe C.

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,
and resign yourself to the influences of each."

- Henry David Thoreau

Visit www.flyfishohio.com for great fly fishing and fly tying articles, the "Adventures in Fly Tying" monthly video podcast and the "Adventures in Fly Fishing" monthly audio podcast. The Midwest isn't a place you fly over to get to good fishing - it's right here in our own backyards. Think globally - fish locally.

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bigbadwulff

#7

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Posts: 12

11/25/09 11:20:57

Check out the Redington Predator

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pearow

#8

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Posts: 456

12/03/09 09:47:13

Master Guide

I love the Tioga's also; excellent reels that will last forever. My favorite bass rod depends upon where/under what conditions I'm fishing for bass. I love my fenwick ff705 for small river bassin; I love my Scott 9 foot 8 weight for tossing big flies in heavy cover in the big Texas resivoirs; I like my 8 foot berkley parametric probably the best as an all around bass rod in the 6 weight;but my 6 weight st croix Imperial is a close second; its hard to pin down. I want to use the lightest rod possible but conditions/structure dictate that most of the time-p-

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Shakeyfly.clarksclassicfl...

#9

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Posts: 62

12/03/09 10:53:43

if you are tight on cash, I would check out used and TFO rods as well. www.thelowerforty.com every february has demo rods that are for sale at a HUGE discount. Brand new rods in socks and plastic still for 35%+ off. and they are great rods. The TFO Professionals are a very nice midflex. The Teeny's and TiCr are faster action but more money. The professionals usually go around 100 bucks or so. Good luck!! Scour E-bay and Craigslist as well.

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spinzo

#10

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Posts: 1241

12/21/09 17:57:42

Master Guide

I've been giving a lot of thought to moving up to an 8wt as my primary bass rod next year, or at least having one with me in the canoe when I know I'll be fishing where there are heavy weeds around. If I do, I'll be going with a graphite rod that gives me a stiffer retrieve. There were a couple times last year when I felt like I was handicapping myself both with the ability to throw bigger flies and the challenge of retrieving in lilies and other vegetation with a soft rod. I dunno... I really love landing bass on that Fenwick.

Mike

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B52 bugger

Rods, the best rods, I've been looking for the best rod for over fifty years.

#11

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Posts: 332

12/21/09 18:28:16

Registered Member

In fifty years time, I've tried them all. Glass, graphite, boron and bamboo. I love them all. Each has a unique action, some slow - some fast. I keep thinking about my fourth rod - around 1965, I settled for an 8 1/2 ft Shakespeare Professional (I really wanted a Presidential). With that rod I caught Largemouth, smallmouth, Striped Bass and Bluefish. I actually came in Third Place with a 9 pound eleven ounce Bluefish in Field and Stream Fishing Contest 1973.

I really love top water fishing. First love fishing for Largemouths. I was fortunate to leave near salt water at the time. We would paddle my fifteen ft canoe accross the Taunton River, every night in May and June with the setting sun hitting the top of the trees. The surface action would be like glass with the dying wind. The salt cove would be still. Using a deer hair bug, I would throw the bug against the eel grass, pop or slide accross the surface - my best Striper was eighteen pounds - yes on 8 1/2 ft Shakespeare. The secret the rod was rated for 8 wgt. line, I used standard wf-9-f on this rod. Cortland, Scientific Anglers, Sunset - they were all great, with short leader cast a country mile. With glass there was no issue with tennis elbows, torn rotator cuf, sore shoulders. I would suggest checking flea markets, yard sales. These rods are still around - you probably would be able to pick one up for ten bucks. People of today would thumb their noses with these rods. They were great rods then and still are. Look for Conolon, Fenwick, Shakespeare, Garcia, Phillipson, Eagle Claw (the older models such as Sweetheart). Your assignment - ENJOY LIFE Casting and fishing, ENJOY

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JeffSod

#12

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Posts: 844

12/22/09 07:33:58

Registered Member

Armand hit it dead on. I love them all too and every medium and even every rod within its medium has its own unique action. Don't discount glass just because one rod you have isn't crisp enough. Crisp fast action rods do exist in glass. The trick is finding a rod that works for your needs in whatever composition you desire. I own and use graphite but like you love the fight on the glass rods. Older eight weight rods often go for a song or at least under 100.00 on that famous auction site so with a little research and patience you could surely find a candidate for by spring. I have an neat old Garcia with metal case that I got two winters ago that was my first eight weight for bass bugging. I have since acquired several others all reasonably priced when compared to the new super rods offered by the major labels. This rod would surely outperform all of them when it comes to extracting a 7lb plus largemouth out of thick August cover. Plus it has that cool retro look to it. My only problem now is deciding which 8wt I love the most so I can thin the collection. If you are looking for guidance research some posts on the Fiberglass forum if thats your desire. Surely there is a Fenwick or Berkley that meets your needs. Some of the Berkleys (read not Gowdy's) go very reasonably and sport spigot ferrules.

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JeffSod

#13

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Posts: 844

12/22/09 07:43:33

Registered Member

By the way there are some Fenwicks being offered on FF board now reasonably cheap in case anyone is looking (no affliation with seller)-

http://fiberglassflyrodders.yuku.com/topic/11489

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spinzo

#14

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Posts: 1241

12/22/09 16:45:15

Master Guide

If I do rig up an 8 for bass, it'd be one I've already got in hand -- an Orvis graphite from about 30 years ago. It was my father-in-law's. He left me a stack of rods when he died, including the Phillipson and Fenwick I use most often. Both were lodge rods that were kept at his camp on Parmachenee to have on hand when duffers would come out and want to wet a line. He was loyal to Orvis for his personal arsenal... Given how many rods I've got compared with how many arms I have, I doubt I'll be laying out any scratch for another rod any time soon.

Mike

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cuemaker03

#15

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Posts: 33

08/02/10 02:22:09

I have a 9 foot Redington RS2 in 8 wt, but I throw a 9 weight line. The rod works very well. If you are still looking I have a Fenwick 8 foot rod for a 7 weight line, but you might want to try an 8 weight with it.

Last Edited By: cuemaker03 08/02/10 02:27:41. Edited 1 time.

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