TFO or White river

[skitterwalk]

between the two which is the best for it's dollar.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... PT#reviews


http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 00_175-1-3

I know that the TFO is one of the better known companies. But is it $60 better?
If so, why.Also feel free to share with me any fly rod and reel combo between $75 and $150 that you feel is better than the two above

[bk]

tough can of worms jedi and i don't dare open it. i've been in your shoes before. the web is chock full of reviews, testimonies, and opinions on the best of everything, including bang for the buck when it comes to fly combos. most avid fly anglers agree on one thing however, spend your money in this order. Rod, then line, then reel. But.. this view was widely excepted prior to the advent of saltwater fly fishing, where a good reel would supersede the line. Which brings up a question for you. Where do you plan on fishing, and for what species? Will you be using the fly rod in your yak? How much experience do you have throwing a fly rod?

pretty simple (or maybe not so) questions that would lead to matching you up with the optimum setup in your price range.

[Shorewalker]

BK speaks the truth (without really saying much of anything ). The differences in rods will depend on your own personal preferences. If you are just starting and have never thrown a flyrod at all - as I suspect- try to find somewhere you could try some out. I'm a little surprised BK didn't promote the upcoming BBFF booth on February 6 at the Wildlife Heritage Festival at St. Marks Refuge.
http://www.fbbflyfishers.com/Current%20 ... dition.pdf
The BBFF (Big Bend Fly Fishers) will have a booth set up to promote fly fishing including some 5wt combos to try out. I'm not sure but if those are personal rigs (as opposed to a "classroom" set) then you might actually be able to try out several diferent rods and learn something about action, length, and even grips that may influence your purchase.

So before you decide which rod and reel manufacturer you want, you should start with these questions - in more or less order of importance.

Rod
Salt or fresh?
Primary fish to target - to determine weight
Action (medium is more "forgiving" - faster will shoot more line in expert hands)
Number of sections - travel / keep it in the backseat versus strength

Once you answer those questions then come back and we can give some free advice that is worth every penny .

As BK said next choice of reel or line is determined by salt or fresh (since in fresh water the fish will seldomly ever be "on the reel" and the environment is relatively kind) Remember that in a kayak in the salt that the reel is going to get wet so make sure you take care of it every trip regardless of how much you paid.

[skitterwalk]

well as for as weights go i think the 8 weight is the one for me. I went into kevins today and asked for some advice on which one would be best for bass and some inshore species like reds and trout. And his answer was ''The 8 wt is the best all around rod for inshore species.'' but i'm still split between the to so we are going to the panama city Bass pro Shops to seek further assistance. And hopefilly i will purchase one!

[bk]

my personal feelings are that an 8wt is a bit much for bass. especially if you're gonna hit some bream with it as well. in fact, i just switched from and 8wt to a 7wt for redfish and trout. for bass and bream i use a 6wt, tfo lefty k model, 4 pc., 7'-6" long ticrx.

are you looking to replace the fly rod you've been using lately on the wakulla river?

[skitterwalk]

Well i got the White River 8 weight because of the better pirce and i want to be able to launch some bigger poppers on the wide open open flats. I was reading an article on fly fishing for trout and his stand point on the ''weight'' situation was that he dosen't get the 8wt for trout because of it's fighting ability but because it allows him to throw heavier flys like popers a good distance , and he convinced me on his theory

Also the reel reels backwards? Is there any way that i can reverse that

[Shorewalker]

Yes, you can usually switch most reels from right / left hand retrieve. It typically involves removing the spool, removing a clip, and turning over the roller bearing. Finish by putting the clip and spool back. There should be an explanation with the reel materials. Unfortunately, if you already spooled line on is has to be reversed when you change retrieves.

[skitterwalk]

thank you! that was what i was what i was looking for

[Slim_Chance]

Hey Shorewalker....what is the time frame for that event on Saturday? I might take my boys and check that out.

[Shorewalker]

I knew I had seen a time somehwere in that newsletter. It was way down at the bottom.

And, don’t forget that our club will be participating again this year in the St. Marks National Refuge’s Wildlife Heritage and Outdoors Festival, Saturday, February 6th, 2010, from 11 AM until 4 PM.

I may try to take the son as well it will depend on how his back to back soccer games go at 11 and noon go.