5wt

[6wt]

Decided to burn some of my bush bucks on a new 5wt. It's either that or the wife is going to buy more fluffy pillows to put on the bed ;D
I'm looking at a Scott A2, V2 or may be Sage Fli. I have a 8wt Scott A2 and it seems to fit my casting style, which really isn't defined yet. If I go with the V2 I can save $100. Sage only because I've heard good things about Sage rods and the Fli fits the budget. I do believe the Sage is a fast-action where the Scott is more medium-action. Unfortunately there is no place to try out these rods before buying them.
I'm leaning towards the Scott but wondering if the Sage is a better rod?

[FishinCane]

The new Orvis Helios rods are sweet and I'm sure there is an shop near you where you can try one out.

[Mark Patenaude]

I'll give you my opinion.

I don't want to make anyone angry who is a regular purchaser/user of Orvis products, but I won't own a rod or reel by them. I purchase only the Super Strong tippet material, which is very good and tying materials now and then.

The reasons are many as to why I won't buy from them, which include mostly value to performance issues. Orvis was the "name brand" company out there when fly fishing really started to take off and took advantage of fishers who were first entering in and jacked their prices up immensely. Yes, I will agree that it is only a good business practice and they are in the business to make money, but still unfair.

I own Sage, G. Loomis and Diamondback rods but have fished Orvis, Scott, Winston and St. Croix (which also make great rods for the price). I will say without reservation that Sage manufacturers the best rods I have used and their customer service is unrivaled. They are also American made in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

I will recommend the Sage 5 wt. you are looking at. Its a great rod for the money and I have casted a couple of demo models at a local fly shop and during the recent Midwest Fly Show.

If you have a quick casting stroke, go with the fast action rod. If you have a slower tempo to your cast a medium/fast rod will work. There is a BIG difference between the two rod speeds especially within the Sage line of rods itself.

I will also recommend that if you are looking for a great small/medium stream "dry fly" rod, I own a G. Loomis Streamdance Metolius (medium/fast), in fact the only non-fast rod that I own and its a gem and a real treat to delicately lay down a dry fly. The problem is for the first half hour or so of casting, I have to slow things down or wind up with some nasty looking tailing loops.

I hope this helps. Let us all know what you decide on.

Tight Lines!

Mark

[6wt]

Thanks for your suggestions.
I ended up buying a Scott V2 9' 5wt. Could beat the price and it seems like a nice rod. Tried it out last night in the backyard. Of course my wise-a** neighbor yelled over and asked how the fishing was.
I heard stocking started this week. How's the survival rate on the housy ?

[Mark Patenaude]

Congratulations. Scott make a very nice rod.

Post some report on what you think about its performance once you have a chance to put it through the paces.

Mark