Need advice on a good fly rod

[Evan]

I have dealt with Sage, and they were great. I Have a Launch and it broke on me while casting. snagged a tree without realizing, and snapped. Anyhow, send 40$ usd and they repaired it, however UPS left it on my apartments buildings step and someone must have stole it on me, So Sage dealt with UPS and sent me a new one. The only thing was that UPS again left it on the step though I was lucky enough to get home in time.
I would recommend Sage for Sure.

Hope this helps

[Streamtripper]

Thanks Todd, the sticker is off. My fly tying bench is alive with woolly buggers and nymphs......going to shake some rust off this weekend at a trout pond....its going to feel good....11 days until the opener

[Todd B.]

Streamtripper,

Have fun! You're lucky that you're close enough to hit the Grand, Credit and upper Saugeen for daytrips if you like.

Cheers,
Todd

[Raif]

I know Streamtripper already got the TFO and Orvis reel.... but I'd just like to second the recommendations of Sage. Maybe someone else will read this in their search for info...

I have a Sage XP 9' 4pc. 5 weight - it's a lovely rod with enough backbone to handle strong fish while still delivering plenty of finesse. And the after sales service is/has been fantastic... I dinged the rod with a bead head and broke off the tip (going for a long shot) - I got the replacement back in less than two weeks - I live in central UK nearly 5000 miles from Sage! That's six times faster service than from brands based here in the UK!

I've tried a few TFOs (parking lot casting) and they seemed like good value. I seem to remember they're a bit heavier than some brands but then I guess that makes them a bit more durable?

[Todd B.]

Raif,

Streamtripper's selection of the TFO Signature Series rod was based on the best quality for the price range that he was willing to spend. I'm sure that when he decides to spend more $$$ on a rod he'll be looking at Sage, etc.

With respect to the TFO's being heavier, I'd say that their upper end rods stack right up with other performance rods from Sage, Orivis, etc. If you get the chance I would recommend trying the new TFO Axiom. In terms of value for money they're hard to beat, though everyone has their own favorite rod maker.

Cheers,
Todd

[redge]

If you get the chance I would recommend trying the new TFO Axiom.

I spent a day last week with one of the top saltwater and freshwater fly fishermen in New England.

He can use any rod he wants, and does, and he had some awfully postive things to say about the Axiom rods. In fact, he said that he thinks that they are as good as anything on the market. He had a Billy Pate reel on his, which says something about what he thinks of the rod.

[Salar]

The Axiom looks like a sweet rod. It's too bad there are so few models. I'd be interested in a 10ft 6wt.

[Todd B.]

Salar,

If you want non-standard lengths in TFO you're basically limited to the Professional Series, which is only available in the US.

[Salar]

I guess I'll stick to buying Sage rods. I've been happy with my FLI's and they come in non-standard lengths.

[LostFisherman]

Streamtripper you came to the right place to find out what kind of rig to get. A couple of years ago I wanted to get into fly fishing for Brookies on the Nipigon and I asked for help on here, and I must say Tod B. and some of the other guy's helped me out alot. I first bought a Sage XP 9' #8 4pc with a Ross CLA4 reel with a shooting head line and sinking tips to get down in the current which work great. They told me what what kind of streamers to use and I caught some nice Brookies my first time out. The smallest being 5lbs and the largest being 9lbs. I also caught a 12lb 8oz Lake Whitefish onit during the same trip. My next Purchase was a TFO #5 9' 4pc with a Ross CLA3 reel With a floating line for small stream Brookies and Smallmouth Bass. I went back and picked up another spool for my #8 set up with a Clouse line for fishing bigger waters for Bass and some sinking tips to get it down where I need it. In the past 2 years I've had a blast with these two rigs all thanks to Tod and the guys on here. They only give you sound good advice.

Bernie