Fly rod/reel preference

[Gray Ghost]

I'm making out my Christmas list, and I was wondering what type/size fly rod and reel I should ask for. I troll almost all of the time, but I prefer something diverse enough to do work for some occasional casting as well. This past season I used a very inexpensive Eagle Claw setup I dug out of the closet...it's time for an uprgrade...what should I ask for?

[sacco]

i love this shop. their flyrods are gorgeous.

http://www.jprossflyrods.com/story.php

sounds like a med.- slow 5/6 weight might work for ya. maybe a little heavier if you do a lot of trolling for LLS.

[serotonin]

Sacco beat me to it.

JP Ross is the first thing that popped into my head.

[Creekwader]

I'm making out my Christmas list, and I was wondering what type/size fly rod and reel I should ask for. I troll almost all of the time, but I prefer something diverse enough to do work for some occasional casting as well. This past season I used a very inexpensive Eagle Claw setup I dug out of the closet...it's time for an uprgrade...what should I ask for?

If I were you, I might consider keeping the Eagle Claw as your designated trolling rod. I have a designated trolling rod. It's an 8.5 foot fiberglass that was my grandfather's. Pretty much indestructible, it's been through things that would put a graphite in splinters. Besides, trolling and casting setups are so different that I just rig my casting rod and keep it next to me in the boat in case I want to cast.

If you are going to get a new casting outfit then there are a multitude of options. Probably a 9 foot 5 or 6 weight with medium action will cover most situations. A reel machined from barstock will probably be the most durable, I've got a Ross Colorado 1 and 3 and they've both taken a beating but still work fine.

The other guys recommended JP Ross rods but I'll throw in my $0.02. The rods are very nice to look at and the price is reasonable but be aware that quality may be an issue and will cost you $25.00 a pop to get the rod serviced. I have a JP Ross and have used it infrequently until this year while my 9 foot 6 wt. that I broke was being serviced. It's a 4 piece and the butt sections don't really fit together well, falling apart while casting, unless you really shove the pieces together to the point where you can't get them apart. The cork grip is also loosening, it has a squeaking noise when I cast and I suspect that it will fail soon. The reel seat threaded rings also loosen easily even with the locking one, causing reel to drop into the water while fishing. Keep in mind that the JP Ross manufacturing operation is a relatively new one, with the main rodmakers being essentially non-technical and non-quality system oriented. I suspect that over time this may correct itself but in the meantime the product might be suspect. It's basically equivalent to rodbuilding in a someone's garage and while I have no problem with cottage industry, buyer must be aware.

-CW

[Gray Ghost]

Thanks

Hmmm...sounds like there's some dissension in the ranks about JPRoss rods. I think you're right, CW...the Eagle Claw can certainly take a beating. Right now my reel is loaded with lead core, but i guess i could get another inexpensive reel and load it with floating sink tip for the spring. Then I could simply interchange reels when necessary. i'd still like something that i could cast with. I need durability as well, though. Any other thoughts besides JPRoss?

[Gray Ghost]

Oops

Actually it's a Shakespeare, not an Eagle Claw....Ooops.

[sacco]

CW, that's really surprising to me.
that's the first i've heard anyone say anything negative about them. you must have gotten really unlucky.
though they say $25 for a fix, i think if it's an easy job they'll do it for free. they never charged my brother this summer when he broke off his tip.

GG, i also have a St. Croix that's pretty decent for $250. it's a quality rod, no complaints with it.
i do still like JP's better though.

[serotonin]

I've got a jpross 5 wt and a 7wt.
I am very happy w/them.

When my friend snapped a rod in a dark campsite recently,
I was glad it was my mine.

Out of the three rods leaning against the tree,
mine was the only one w/a lifetime guarantee.
And I had a back-up 4wt, so everything was good.

$25 and a few days later, I had a new 5 wt...
No questions asked.

Two friends tried these wands and immediatley went out and got their own.
A 3wt and a 9wt.

I have not heard a complaint...
...Quite the opposite.

[wildbrookies]

Rod and reel for X-mas

Hey Gray Ghost,I know it can become addictive so you have to be careful,but,Ebay has alot of great deals if you are good at hunting.I`ve found(through some time)a few great deals with great sellers on a 9` 5wt. St.Croix Ultra Legend for $120.I`ve found and won a few used Battenkill Orvis fly reels.A 5 wt. and a 7wt for steelhead and lake-run browns.They are fantastic.Also picked up some decent flyline by Orvis.Sometimes it takes a few weeks or more to hunt a particular Rod/Reel.What I`m trying to say is you can get a complete balanced outfit for under $200.00 and look for ones that come with a blank warranty.Make sure these rods come with a rod bag and tube and like I said blank paperwork.I won an Orvis Superfine fly rod last year that had all the paperwork.I mailed it in and broke the rod and received a bran new won directly from Orvis in 2 weeks. I have`nt come across any bad eggs on Ebay yet.Good luck and any questions I`ll be around
Wildbrookies

[wildbrookies]

Also,check out L.L.Bean fly rods on ebay.I nabbed a decent fly rod that listed for $150 and I paid $76. No paper work.I got to test L.l.Beans return policy when I broke the tip section crawling over boulders up north.I sent it to them with a sob story and they called me a week later asking me what size rod would I like.I almost fell off the chair!.No warranty papers and I was`nt the original owner and they sent me a brand new Double L fly rod in sock and tube w/papers.Sometimes you fall in **** and come out smelling like a mountain stream.Its just an idea to try to save you a ton of money and get some really nice quality gear and service.Good luck.
Wildbrookies