Home Forums Fishing Flyfishing Rod choices daunting?

Anyone else find that rod choices are daunting? I am looking at used rods or combos. Rods specs may list the action as medium fast but reviews list it as a moderate action.
So many reviews are sponsored so I discount them.
I made the mistake once so hate to do it again.
Locally I found a Douglas ERA and a Reddington Wrangler combo. Ll Bean entry level rods too. Even some TFO but I bought a Signature II and found it slow.
How did you finally arrive at your rod of choice?

I settled a long time ago on the original Graphite 3 Sage LL Rods. I also have several original Scott G’s and some Winston IM6 and pre IM6 rods. I have used these rods mostly in 3-5 wt configurations from Alaska to Maine and most places in between and have always done well. I also have fished many other newer rods made by various manufacturers and currently own several. I always go back to the rods listed above. I mostly fish dry flies but also occasionally do some nymph ing and throw some streamers and wooly buggers. Prices are outrageous anymore for top end rods.

It really helps me to cast or fish with a rod (maybe one of your fishing pals has a couple to try?) before purchase.

I think you have some decent fly shops down in your part of Pennsylvania - knowledgeable staff can be very helpful.

Cann anyone tell me about the LL Bean Quest rods? I found one that the real is marked "Quest III" but the rod is just marked as "Quest".
I understand that these are usually sold as a combo but if a true "Quest III", wouldn't the rod be marked as such also?
So how about the Dougles ERA and the Reddington Wrangler? I have a BassPro locally and a couple of their fly rods seem reasonable.

You're a hop skip and a jump from Boiling Springs where there's an excellent fly shop. There's also another one outside Hagerstown, MD - Beaver Creek Fly Shop, that's 1 1/2hr. driving time from York, PA. (I know, I lived in York and Hagerstown both.) Knowledgeable and honest staff who'll guide you in making a wise selection, and even a darned nice selection of new and used rods for every budget (at least so the last time was there), with the added benefit of a fun creek right out back of both places.

My point is you'll likely get better guidance at a dedicated fly shop rather than a Bass Pro where the sales associate probably knows little about fly fishing but can quote chapter and verse about bass fishing with a spinning rod.

You don't really know how a rod will cast for you until you cast it with the fly line you’re going to use. Rod brands and models have certain characteristics and specifications but theres not a hardline standard. I have three 8 weight rods from three different builders , all are 9ft and rated fast action. I cast each one differently. Same deal with my three 9 weights. About five years ago I cast an 8 weight of my buddies that was the same exact brand and model and line as mine.
It cast slightly different than mine. Close but just enough to tell it wasn't mine.

Do what you want to but the best money I ever spent was when I got started 25 years ago I went to a good fly shop.
They helped find the right set up nut to butt that was right for me. I also took a day of lessons. Half day in the classroom and half out casting. I’m saying your new or starting out but you might consider it.

After that initial education and help I was off on my own. I knew what I liked and needed. It was just a matter of looking for the characteristics I wanted when buying rods.

For me personally I pick a rod depending on what I want it for. At least that's my starting point for narrowing the choices.

Do you want it solely for dry fly fishing, nymphing, streamers or a general all in one type of rod ? Some rods can do a couple or one and do it well. Rarely does 1 rod shine for everything.

How much do you want to spend? Does the rod offer a good warranty? What lengths/ weights is it offered in ? These are some questions that only you can answer to help you narrow your search.

Lastly, once you pick your rod, don't skimp on a cheap fly line. The line you use on your rod can make all the difference and it can make your rod perform fantastic or like crap. Alot of lines are built a ½ or 1 size heavy and some are true to line weight.

Quote : "...How did you finally arrive at your rod of choice?"

I read about rods in my price range, then watched eBay, FB Market place and Craigslist for used rods. My primary use is targeting smallmouth bass on the Kennebec River (looking for 6-7 wt). Then looking for pond/ stream trout ( 4-5 wt).

Found some nice rods at fair prices. It's a relearning curve. I fly fished 25+!years ago, then just got back into it. You just have to try different rods, and find what you like. I figured I could buy a good used rod, instead of a new $$$ rod, and be ok iIf I sold it after trying it. So my approach is: research, test cast if possible ( not much luck), buy value, test. Sell it. If it overlaps other rod casting characteristics.

I found the Echo Traverse rod kit/combo to be very nice (5wt). I picked up an Echo Carbon XL 6wt which seems to be a keeper. Along the way, I have tried St Croix Imperial , 5,6,7 wt rods, and a St Croix Mojo Trout 7wt, TFO Signature Lefty Kreh 4wt, Scott SVS 5wt, Redington Path II 4wt, and a Psicifun Sword 7wt ( a very nice rod for low money). I have an Echo 6wt Ion XL inbound as I write this. It should be the "fastest" action I have, but we'll see how my casting style matches up with it. It has been enjoyable. Now I am selling off a couple, "just because.". I will try to focus on using a couple. Don't "need" all of them. I really don't fly fish all that much, so it's time to thin the herd a bit.

What are you looking for in a rod? What line weight and length? What rod action do you like (or think you like)?