So now that I am completing my fly casting class, I am looking to buy an 8 wt. rod for the shorlines of Whidbey.

I think I have settled on a St. Croix Avid 9' 3 piece.
I decided this even after reading a couple negative reports on this BB from past threads. But overall, I think St. Croix does a good job for the price. I am new however, so if there is something you feel strongly about, please let me know.

Couple of questions. Is the 3 piece travel rod going to disappoint me, or are the ferrules so good now it doesn't effect the cast?

Is 9' long enough? Thought I read someone say go longer. The next travel size up is a 10' 4-piece, is that too long for fishing places other than the sound?

What reel would match this rod with? I'm looking to buy one under a $100 for now and will use it in the Salt.

That's a lot, but any piece you can contribute in the next couple weeks would be appreciated.

Jeff

Jeff-
10' is not too long at all. I love 9'6" - 10' rods for fishing the beaches as the extra length aides in keeping your backcast off and out of the rocks on some of those nasty up-sloping beaches we fish around here.

My preference for lesser expensive 4 piece rods in the category you are looking at would be the Scott A2 10' for a #6 or 10' for a #7 or 9'6" for a #8. You can also go with the new #8 9'6" DS2 4-piece which is a little rocket. These rods will run you in the middle $200's and are a better casting, better built rod then the St. Croix Avid. I brought up #6's and #'7 because I believe a #8 is overkill for the vast majority of the beach fishing to be found in our area.

btw-Go 4 piece if you can if you in fact do want a travel rod.

jeff,

st. croix makes outstanding fly rods, you won't be disappointed. if you are still looking for a rod though, look at the temple fork outfitters (TFO) rods. after casting the lefty kreh series at the show, i won't be buying anything else for the saltwater fishing i do.

as for reels under $100... you might look at the teton tioga reels (they might be a bit higher than $100 but not a whole lot). of course, you could just buy some cheap reels and replace them more often (the reality is that expensive drags are not necessary for coho or cutthroat).

i'd suggest checking out some local fly shops (go to more than one) and actually handle the rods and reels you're interested in. i really believe that one should cast the rod before buying no matter what. i can only tell you the rods i like... but we likely cast differently and you might hate the rods i like. cast the rods you are interested in and pick the one that feels best.

good luck,

chris

I love St. Croix rods. I got a 9'6" 8wt for salmon/steelhead and it is great. Now I'm thinking of getting an St. Croix 9' 6 wt for SRCs and for fishing from by tube in lakes.

G Loomis Venture reel are $100 , not bad.
I have heard a lot of good things about the Pflueger Trion Fly reels and only $99.

Thanks a lot for the feedback everyone.

The Avid series travel rods come in a 9' or 10' and the 10' is a 4-piece, so I'll pick that one up to avoid the houses behind me as Sparkey suggested.

One concern I have is that as newbie, my cast may change as I improve, but likely I'm so new that if I get a rod, I'll adapt to it. ?

I did try a SAGE DL2 7 wt. at class and it seemed nice, but more a bit too much "moderate" on action. Maybe I'm off, Sparkey?

My friend has a G-Loomis 8wt. GL2 that I plan to take to class next week, so I'll get to give that a go also. I really like my g-loomis baitcasting rod, so I'm very interested in that rod as well.

Topwater: Does Ted's sell the brand you referenced? If not, does anyone in the North end?

Sparkey: Why did your recommend a 10' 6 & 7 wt. rod, but then a9.5 for the #8?

Also, the west side of Whidbey gets A LOT of wind. Will the #8 rod help in casting into the wind, or is that more ability and line selection.

Help, I'm new and there is a ton of stuff to figure out

Thanks again!

I think you will be pleased with the St. Croix rod. I have 2 9'6" 8wt. Avids, and have caught hundreds of steelies and salmon with them. St. Croix has excellent customer service when you slam a tip in the car door(free repair or replacement with paid shipping). I also have the Avid 9' 4wt for trout. If you are fishing for steel or salmon, I would go with the best quality reel you can afford. Check e-bay and BB for deals. I feel strongly that Ross Reels are top notch. I use their cheaper line, the Cimmaron and have not had one fail. Go with a disk drag, not a clicker drag. You will probably want an extra spool, so you can have a sink tip or sinking line on one and your floating line on the other, makes changing up much easier. Multi-tips are great for changing sink tips, but their floaters stink. Shop around once you decide the brand and model you want, you will find some great deals.
Glad to have another fly-guy out here! Tight lines!