Anyone have any opinions on which one I should buy? I'm starting with a 4 weight. I ordered a Stcriox Avid 9' rod and am considering both these reels at this time. I love the clasic look of the original but will the new design be more durable? Any sugestions?
Also I have another unrelated ?. I am comepletely new to all of this and was trying to figure out the diff between a Spey rod and a float rod and there reels?
Battenkill vs Battenkill Bar Stock
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Lookinforlunkers
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Welcome to the Dark Side!!!! 
Good choice of rod, LFL. St-Croix has a good reputation for value & performance. A 4-wt is quite good for a wide range of fish and fish sizes.
As for the reels, both Battenkills are excellent and will do exactly what you need them to do. Battenkill reels are among the best in the business at their price point.
Since the fish you are likely to catch with a 4-wt are relatively small, a high tech drag system is not needed. I have an Orvis Rocky Mountain on my 4-wt, a relatively cheap alternative to the Battenkill models. I like it because the spare spools are relatively cheap and very easy to install.
A spey rod is a long, two-handed fly rod designed for fishing large rivers. The length and the need for a two-handed cast allow for greater casting distance. The reel is usually a regular or large arbour design fly reel.
Having never tried float fishing, I'm not sure how it differs from spey fishing other than referring to the inherent differences between spin/bait casting and fly fishing.
Good choice of rod, LFL. St-Croix has a good reputation for value & performance. A 4-wt is quite good for a wide range of fish and fish sizes.
As for the reels, both Battenkills are excellent and will do exactly what you need them to do. Battenkill reels are among the best in the business at their price point.
Since the fish you are likely to catch with a 4-wt are relatively small, a high tech drag system is not needed. I have an Orvis Rocky Mountain on my 4-wt, a relatively cheap alternative to the Battenkill models. I like it because the spare spools are relatively cheap and very easy to install.
A spey rod is a long, two-handed fly rod designed for fishing large rivers. The length and the need for a two-handed cast allow for greater casting distance. The reel is usually a regular or large arbour design fly reel.
Having never tried float fishing, I'm not sure how it differs from spey fishing other than referring to the inherent differences between spin/bait casting and fly fishing.
Time's fun when you're having flies.
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Lookinforlunkers
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Thanx Fishboy, For me Stcroix is always my first choice in rods. Ed at paddletales has sold me many of them now and if I ever have a problem he exchanges it immediately no questions asked (and its a good thing he dosn't ask). I remember you telling me before that reel selection wasn't that important at this weight, So I guess i'll go with the original.
I have the old style Battenkill disk drag 3/4 which is the reel I believe you are talking about. The next reel up is the 5/6.
Don't even think about buying that reel (3/4) for that particular rod. It is way too small and light. It balances better with a shorter, lighter old style 4 weights or 3 weight (7-8 footers). Where your fishing small streams and don't have to take up alot of line at any given time. I use mine on a 7 1/2 foot 3 weight and it's perfect for that. I would opt for the Battenkill 5/6 on that rod. It would balance much better and take up line quicker.
I'm curious why so many people here opt for 9 foot rods? For all my trout fishing even on big water I use 8 1/2 footers most of the time. I've taught a ton of people how to fly fish over the years....not just cast but actually fish and I've seen so many with useless rods to fish with; they cast a mile but are way to powerful. Just about every 9 footer falls into this catagory. The 8 1/2 footers I have are a little softer, a little quicker and cast a short line way better. I've seen enough guys starting out with 9 footers try to drop a dry fly on a foot wide slick from 20 feet and they could not do it with those rods. But ask them to cast 60 feet and no prob. However the problem is you fish at 20 feet a helluva lot more than you fish at 60' and I can fish at 60" anyway with an 8 1/2 footer..
Don't even think about buying that reel (3/4) for that particular rod. It is way too small and light. It balances better with a shorter, lighter old style 4 weights or 3 weight (7-8 footers). Where your fishing small streams and don't have to take up alot of line at any given time. I use mine on a 7 1/2 foot 3 weight and it's perfect for that. I would opt for the Battenkill 5/6 on that rod. It would balance much better and take up line quicker.
I'm curious why so many people here opt for 9 foot rods? For all my trout fishing even on big water I use 8 1/2 footers most of the time. I've taught a ton of people how to fly fish over the years....not just cast but actually fish and I've seen so many with useless rods to fish with; they cast a mile but are way to powerful. Just about every 9 footer falls into this catagory. The 8 1/2 footers I have are a little softer, a little quicker and cast a short line way better. I've seen enough guys starting out with 9 footers try to drop a dry fly on a foot wide slick from 20 feet and they could not do it with those rods. But ask them to cast 60 feet and no prob. However the problem is you fish at 20 feet a helluva lot more than you fish at 60' and I can fish at 60" anyway with an 8 1/2 footer..
"There's more B.S. in fly fishing than there is in a Kansas feedlot." Lefty Kreh
Ganman, I think you'll agree with the eminent Mr. Kreh's comments.
You raised some very good points and your posts from your trips to NY state provide ample evidence that you know your stuff.
Regarding rod length, I fish with 8.5 and 9 foot rods and they do pretty much what I need them to do. Rod action, line choice, fly choice, and the waters to be fished help me decide which rod(s) to use. If you only fish the trout streams in NY state where accuracy is critical, a shorter rod is necessary. However, most of us are multi-species anglers and the degree of casting accuracy required varies. Sometimes you need more distance vs accuracy, so staying steadfastly with shorter rods doesn't always make sense.
IMHO, most people end up with 9 foot rods because that's what they are offered in the stores. The stores in question are rarely dedicated fly shops so the advice may be well-intentioned if not always the best. As well, many people start out in flyfishing by picking up one of the packaged kits most manufacturers offer. They almost exclusively offer 9 foot rods. Not having a mentor to guide me, I, too, bought one of these kits many years ago when I decided to give flyfishing a try.
For those of us who turn to the Dark Side, these kits with their 9 foot rods become a spring board to EAS (Equipment Acquisition Syndrome) and to "needing" more stuff for every application. I'm sure that LFL will fall under the spell of flyfishing and that new rods will soon take precedence over his children's college education fund.
Hey, since he lives in your area, maybe you could hook-up with Lookingforlunkers and show him the ropes.....? He's got lots to learn and could really benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Ganman, I think you'll agree with the eminent Mr. Kreh's comments.
You raised some very good points and your posts from your trips to NY state provide ample evidence that you know your stuff. Regarding rod length, I fish with 8.5 and 9 foot rods and they do pretty much what I need them to do. Rod action, line choice, fly choice, and the waters to be fished help me decide which rod(s) to use. If you only fish the trout streams in NY state where accuracy is critical, a shorter rod is necessary. However, most of us are multi-species anglers and the degree of casting accuracy required varies. Sometimes you need more distance vs accuracy, so staying steadfastly with shorter rods doesn't always make sense.
IMHO, most people end up with 9 foot rods because that's what they are offered in the stores. The stores in question are rarely dedicated fly shops so the advice may be well-intentioned if not always the best. As well, many people start out in flyfishing by picking up one of the packaged kits most manufacturers offer. They almost exclusively offer 9 foot rods. Not having a mentor to guide me, I, too, bought one of these kits many years ago when I decided to give flyfishing a try.
For those of us who turn to the Dark Side, these kits with their 9 foot rods become a spring board to EAS (Equipment Acquisition Syndrome) and to "needing" more stuff for every application. I'm sure that LFL will fall under the spell of flyfishing and that new rods will soon take precedence over his children's college education fund.
Hey, since he lives in your area, maybe you could hook-up with Lookingforlunkers and show him the ropes.....? He's got lots to learn and could really benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Time's fun when you're having flies.
The Okuma SLV fly reel is a nice large arbor (and inexpensive) reel utilizing a disk drag.
As for the differences between a float rod/reel and a spey rod, as mentioned earlier spey rods are basically double handed fly rods used for making very long distance casts (spey casts). Float rods/reels are designed for float fishing with ultra light leaders. Float reels (aka center pin) have no drag system. This allows for drag free drifts.
As for the differences between a float rod/reel and a spey rod, as mentioned earlier spey rods are basically double handed fly rods used for making very long distance casts (spey casts). Float rods/reels are designed for float fishing with ultra light leaders. Float reels (aka center pin) have no drag system. This allows for drag free drifts.
"There wouldn't have been any butt kickings if that stupid death ray had worked."
You and Lefty are both right there is alot of BS in fly fishing, more and more all the time. My biggest beef is with the guys who never go fishing without a gob of shot on the leader and think it's fly fishing. Anyway that's another post.
Lunker, I'm not an equipment junkie but I know what works and what dosen't. A reel that would match that rod nicely is the Scientic Anglers 456 non disk. It's inexpensive and durable as they come. More money are the disk drag models the SA 4/5 or SA 5/6 either would work well on that rod. I believe both these reels are made by the same folks in England who make the Battenkills.
BTW I see you live in Morrisburg. You have some outstanding fly fishing opportunities an hour or so from there. Give a pm if you want details.
Lunker, I'm not an equipment junkie but I know what works and what dosen't. A reel that would match that rod nicely is the Scientic Anglers 456 non disk. It's inexpensive and durable as they come. More money are the disk drag models the SA 4/5 or SA 5/6 either would work well on that rod. I believe both these reels are made by the same folks in England who make the Battenkills.
BTW I see you live in Morrisburg. You have some outstanding fly fishing opportunities an hour or so from there. Give a pm if you want details.
Last edited by ganman on Sat Jun 03, 2006 10:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
Lookinforlunkers,
Listen to Ganman, he knows what of he speaks - watching him cast I can attest to his skills and knowledge - he makes everything look easy! He is right on the 9 foot rods, and I speak from experience my own experience with it. I went from a 9 fot 5 wt as my primary rod, to a 7.5 ft 4 wt Diawa with a Phluger 4 wt reel.. the reel is a bit big for the particular rod, but not by much. I noticed my accuracy (such as it is) improved quite a lot and, since most of the water i have been fishing is relativly small, it works great. Its also a lot easier to manage where there is brush involved. Lebaron has the Pfleuger Supreme series reels for a good price (about 45 bucks) well made with a good drag system.
I will be investing in an 8.5 ft 5 wt (probably a SAGE) for bigger water like west canada etc, but I haven't been in too many situations where I really, really needed a bigger rod.
Listen to Ganman, he knows what of he speaks - watching him cast I can attest to his skills and knowledge - he makes everything look easy! He is right on the 9 foot rods, and I speak from experience my own experience with it. I went from a 9 fot 5 wt as my primary rod, to a 7.5 ft 4 wt Diawa with a Phluger 4 wt reel.. the reel is a bit big for the particular rod, but not by much. I noticed my accuracy (such as it is) improved quite a lot and, since most of the water i have been fishing is relativly small, it works great. Its also a lot easier to manage where there is brush involved. Lebaron has the Pfleuger Supreme series reels for a good price (about 45 bucks) well made with a good drag system.
I will be investing in an 8.5 ft 5 wt (probably a SAGE) for bigger water like west canada etc, but I haven't been in too many situations where I really, really needed a bigger rod.
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Lookinforlunkers
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Everyone Thanxs there is some good info here. Ganman I opted for the 9' cause I figured it would be easier to learn with and where I plan on doing my first real outing space is not an issue. In time I will pick up a shorter rod for more technical stuff. So maybe a mid arbor type reel will balance better with this longer rod?
Only my rods will be purchased from a non flyfishing store (for the reasons listed before) thats why I asked about hte battenkills cause I figure once I get onto it I will be a regular at Green drake (the info is always worth the little extra cash at a specialty shop).
Ganman I would love to hear about any angling opertunities anywhere I love exploring new holes.
Only my rods will be purchased from a non flyfishing store (for the reasons listed before) thats why I asked about hte battenkills cause I figure once I get onto it I will be a regular at Green drake (the info is always worth the little extra cash at a specialty shop).
Ganman I would love to hear about any angling opertunities anywhere I love exploring new holes.
LFL,
Man, you're going to love flyfishing. From the moment you catch your first fish on the fly, you'll probably be hooked for life.
I think everyone will echo the following advice: be patient. It takes a little while to get accustomed to using a flyrod, but there's no magic to it. Also, try to hook up with a mentor (Ganman, et al) and/or join a flyfishing club. Both are great learning resources that will increase your enjoyment of flyfishing.
BTW, bass on the fly are awesome!!!! You haven't really caught bass until you've done so on a flyrod.
Man, you're going to love flyfishing. From the moment you catch your first fish on the fly, you'll probably be hooked for life.
I think everyone will echo the following advice: be patient. It takes a little while to get accustomed to using a flyrod, but there's no magic to it. Also, try to hook up with a mentor (Ganman, et al) and/or join a flyfishing club. Both are great learning resources that will increase your enjoyment of flyfishing.
BTW, bass on the fly are awesome!!!! You haven't really caught bass until you've done so on a flyrod.
Time's fun when you're having flies.
hi i bought a mid arbor battenkill last year for a 5 wt. i will buy another for a 3 wt. soon great reel i started out with a 6 wt. 9 foot orvis clearwater mid flex i made me work harder on my cast than my present tip flex the 6wt has been passed on to my son i had an older berkely graphite rod around and for the heck of it because the ferrules were exact sizes i changed the tip piece it brought the rod down to 8'6" even though the berkely end was stiffer it transformed that rod into a great casting rod it feels like the tip is much softer when i cast i can only attribute the change to the shorter length good luck shopping
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Lookinforlunkers
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Fishboy I'm a Muskie guy and a HUnter patience is not a prob. I plan on joining Ottawa Flyfishers as soon as I can make it to a meeting. I would be happy to fish with anyone that would drag me along 
Have you ever fished near Burts Rapids Fishboy. That is one place I wanna hit for sure, I've caught nice bass there and I've seen other guys flyfishing there
Have you ever fished near Burts Rapids Fishboy. That is one place I wanna hit for sure, I've caught nice bass there and I've seen other guys flyfishing there
I used to take my kids to Burritts rapids when they were young. It's a good place for small bass in the rapids. There are some really nice carp in the falls. Haven't hit pike there yet, but I'm keen to give it another go this season. I'd like to put my float tube in above the falls to see about the bass and pike. Shall we get together at Burritts during bass season?
Time's fun when you're having flies.
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Lookinforlunkers
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For SM a 4wt is at the lower end of the scale. I'll only use my 4wt for SM if I know I have room to play the fish. If you need to horse a fish around weeds, wood or sharp rocks you'll need more backbone than a 4wt offers.
As for carp you're looking at at least an 8wt.
As an aside, I heard that the pike bite at Long Island Locks (off the lower dock) was good on Sunday.
As for carp you're looking at at least an 8wt.
As an aside, I heard that the pike bite at Long Island Locks (off the lower dock) was good on Sunday.
"There wouldn't have been any butt kickings if that stupid death ray had worked."