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Best fly rod to buy?

I am buying a fly rod, and am opting for a Flytec 13ft #8/9, it is for lake fishing and grilse fishing on the river. Any advice?

Public Comments

1. There are so many it would be tough to even start a list, but in my opinion the Industry is pretty much being led by "Sage". Cream of the crop and the best you can get, assuming you can afford one. I own ( and love ) a St. Croix, and also a Fenwick, and these are also great rods that are a little more affordable to the "Working Man".
2. The Shop gave you good info, but for a low cost, good quality rod consider Temple Fork fly rods: www.templeforkflyrods.com. A 13 ft rod is awful long and 9 wt is starting to be a bit on the heavy side. For more general use I think you would be happier with a 9 ft long rod and take one step down to 7 or 8 wt. If your fishing style is toward intense, wear yourself out all day, sun up to sundown fishing believe me 'cause I know that you will want to opt for the lighter 7 wt rod and a lighter reel. After your 1000th cast for the day that darn rod really feels awful heavy and it is only noon! OK so I exagerate, but you may want to have a 2nd lighter rod to give yourself a rest. For instance, my main weapon is a 7 wt Sage, but I switch to a 5 wt Temple Fork for a rest or while the guide gets the fly on the 7 wt out of the tree (that's part of their job, you know). I also have an 8 wt 2 piece Loomis for bass and a really stiff 9 wt 4 piece packable Loomis for the Amazon that oversizes nicely with 11 wt line. Good luck and Good fishing - 73 from the Fisherman
3. In my opinnion a 13 foot fly rod is a little extreme... Down here in florida a 13 footer is used to catch 30-50 lb tarpon on the flats. An average all around rod would be a 9 foot rod.. I tend to stick with white river. White River makes affordable and very well built rods.. And if you buy from Bass Pro Shops, and if your rod unfortuately breaks, YOU GET IT REPLACED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!!! How awesome is that...
4. You'd be much better off visiting a fly shop or two (or ten) and casting some models that appeal to you. The staff should be able to provide additional information to make your decision easier. And there is no 'best' fly rod that applies to everyone.
5. That seems a little heavy, the following are some good rods to try, the sage launch is also a good rod, i purchased one for my son recently and let me say that its almost as good as my sage z-axsis Sage Launch: - medium fast action, and it's a Sage - $175 9' 6wt = 2 pc or 4 pc - 7wt = 4pc only Fenwick HMG - Old reliable, medium fast action,still a very good rod - $179 9'6wt = 2 or 4 pc, 7 wt = 2 pc only Echo Classic - I cast one of these and they are very smooth, give them a try. $140 9'6wt or 7 wt = 4 pc St. Croix Triumph - medium fast action, but abit "clunky" and heavy (at least to me) but give it a go $110 9' 6wt = 2 or 4 pc, 9'7wt = 4pc Redington Redfly2 - Fast action (but not extreme), crisp feel $120 9'6wt = 2 or 4 pc, 7wt is made to 9'6" / 4pc Orvis - Clearwater - $129, this is Orvis's starter rod, available in a variety of "flex-points" from medium to fast action. Not too shabby, but I think the Power Matrix ($265) is a much better rod. Last the Orvis Western 2, its not a bad rod but i think that the new helios is allot better and lighter.
6. I wouldn't go with a rod that long unless you are spey casting. You'll wear your arms out. It's just not needed, especially if you get a good quality rod (light and stiff, with good tip action). I can't speak for all the rods mentioned by others, but I can tell you Sage is one of the best...if not the best. Orvis is good, but Sage still seems to beat them every year. They're both expensive. I don't know how much fishing you plan to do, but it's worth investing in a good quality rod. There's nothing more frustrating than being in a boat where your buddy can cast over and over and you are left struggling....especially if you have a lot of junk on your line (indicator, some weight, 2 big flies). The rod has a lot to do with it. Like others said...go to a fly shop and cast a few. Make sure you understand the actions of each rod and get a sense for how they fit with your casting style. Also, if you plan to be fishing big nasty, heavy flies, try putting something bigger on when doing the practice cast...or throw a big fly (hook portion cut off) and an indicator on there. Most rods cast great with the little piece of yarn (what most shops typically use for demos), but once you're on the river with all the extra stuff on your line it's a different story. That's when you'll appreciate the backbone of a good quality rod. The limp noodle rods (usually the cheaper ones) will drive you crazy when you have a lot of gear on there....or if there's wind (i.e. your lake fishing) If you're looking to cut cost, rather than buying a lower end rod, buy a used higher end rod. You can't go wrong with a Sage XP. They're awesome rods and were discontinuned this year. New models came out. You can pick used ones up on ebay for about half price ($300). I'll take a used Sage XP over a new $300 rod any day. If you go that route, make sure you get one that is factory made (not hand made from a blank) and has a warranty card. This way if you ever break it you can send it back to get a new one. They only charge shipping...something like $25. You also prob don't need one that heavy either. 7/8 weight in a 9 or 10 foot rod should be plenty. I think I would go 7 weight if doing some lake fishing. Again, easier on the arms. The higher quality rods can do more in lighter weights than cheaper ones in bigger weights. Good luck.