Rod Advisors

DI
I can’t tell you what rod to buy because it depends on many variables. But I can give you advice.
1. What do you want the rod to do for you? Streamers, dry flies only, swinging small flies or maybe nymph fishing. Buy a rod that can handle different fishing requirements than your old rod.
2. What will a new rod do for you that maybe your old rod doesn’t. i.e. do you want a totally different rod?
3. Just because you have a 5 weight rod already doesn’t mean you can’t buy another 5 weight. A medium taper 9ft, 5 wt is different than a fast taper 9ft, 5wt. But with a 5 wt already you may want to have a 3 or 4 wt. But remember always fall back on the type of fishing that you want to do.
4. Do you want a different weight rod? But you must know why you do. i.e. what type of fishing can you do better with a different weight rod?
5. ALWAYS cast the rod you are thinking of buying to make sure you like it. DON’T go by advertisements or rod companies endorsements. Pick the rod that is right for you. Do you want long casts, accurate casts, or short accurate casts. Do you want a specific rod (nymphing rod) or all around rod?
6. Watch your budget. Just because a rod costs $700 doesn’t mean that it’s the best for you.
7. Do stick with a good company with a good warranty. A lifetime warranty is valuable – I have used them many times!
8. Good luck and I hope that others respond with their choices!!

• This reply was modified 6 years ago by Kenny Klimes.

In Missouri, most fishing is nymphing. That usually means throwing a line that has (sometimes) a multi-fly rig with an indicator. That is more of a load to cast than just a single dry fly.
My 5 wt. has to do it all and be able to cast in the wind. A590 ONE is a pretty fast rod, n while it has plenty of long range and wind performance, not everyone can get comfortable with it.

A 905 Radian is my go to rod. The advertizing slogan ” Fast with Feel” is , for me, absolutely true. While a fast rod, it is still user friendly. Didnt take long to get the cast down with that rod. If u are located in STL, go by Feathercraft and give it a try.
While u are at it,also cast a Sage 590X. That is also one terrific rod. Not quite as much low end power as a Radian but very smooth and progressive in taper. I could be happy with either rod for a do it all 5 wt.

Bob

I tested a lot of the rods at Feathercraft, Sage, Orvis, Scott, Loomis, Douglas, and Hardy. All five weights. In the end, I picked the G Loomis NRX LP. It is a moderate action that can do what I want when I want it. It is an accurate rod pretty good for nymphing and small streamers (Woolly Buggers). It is best at dry flies though. If it hadn’t been the Loomis the Hardy Zepherus was the one.
I liked a lot of the rods but rods like the Sage X run close to a grand. The Orvis 3F is a good rod but still up there in price. The Scott Radian is a beautiful rod, not too pricey but found I had to concentrate on my casting all the time. If I was a better caster it might have been the one. The Hardy Zepherus is a beautiful well-made rod that is really easy to cast and could do it all. The Douglas Sky, another good rod at a good price and it reminded me of the Scott in that it needed guidance all the time. The Orvis 3F another easy casting rod that I could have like but it was brand new and I didn’t want to be the tester, the 3D wasn’t out yet a faster rod than the 3F.

Bill

Yes Hargroves does rod testing. They don’t carry Scott but do have Sage, Winston and others. Stop in and talk to Craig. He has real world experience fishing these rods and also is a casting instructor. Best of luck in ur selection.
Bobt