Thread: Recommend me an 8 weight.

Yes, rods are personal things, "go out and cast a few"... and so on. But Edmonton doesn't have a trial-friendly shop, and if I make it to Calgary I'll be on the river, not in a shop...

I'm looking at picking up an 8 wt setup that I'll be using late summer for steelhead in BC. I also want something I can use for pike, and in the salt if I ever get the chance.

I have looked a round a bit, but haven't really formed an opinion on anything. Anyone have any recommendations to narrow my search? Rod: 9' ? 9'6" ? I have been tempted by reviews of the Orvis Hydros, but I doubt I'll scratch together the coin by then. Reel: durable, saltproof, large arbor, not $$$ ?

What I really want is to take up spey, but the learning curve and investment don't make a whole lot of sense at the moment.

Also, if anyone has any recommendations that include gear they are looking to sell... let me know.

Thanks, I appreciate the knowledge.

While on a coho trip to SE-AK I fell hard for a G. Loomis Xperience in a 8wt. Had a Sage 7wt. & a TFO 9wt. with me but dumped them both when I got home for the Loomis. It just suited my casting style very well.

Originally Posted by adipose

While on a coho trip to SE-AK I fell hard for a G. Loomis Xperience in a 8wt. Had a Sage 7wt. & a TFO 9wt. with me but dumped them both when I got home for the Loomis. It just suited my casting style very well.

Hmm... hadn't even considered the Loomis offerings. Despite what I said above, I probably do need to cast a few of these. But the ideas of where to start are helpful.

Just keeping this near the top as I am in the same boat, looking for a Pike Rod, and the occasional salt trip.

Albright is having a March Madness sale with free shipping. I have been really happy with their stuff so far.

I just ordered an Albright GP 8/9 wt for bass/steelhead/salmon etc. On sale for 49.99 from $200

Originally Posted by Vinman

I just ordered an Albright GP 8/9 wt for bass/steelhead/salmon etc. On sale for 44.99 from almost $200

I don't think anyone actually ever pays their MSRP. That is a good rod though. The reel I put on it cost 3 times the price of the rod.

Hijack: What would be a good all around line choice for anything from bass/pike to steelhead/salmon using the rod I mentioned above? I have a large arbor reel capable of handling 170 yds of #30 backing and need to choose a line. There are just too many out there so I thought I'd narrow it down some.

I know there is not likely one line to do all of those things well but if there is something out there that can come close that is what I'd choose.

On the rod question I would hands down suggest a Loomis GL3 8wt in a 9'6". I don't know if they still make that rod, though. I've only ever bought the blanks and had them tied for me. All around great rod for the price. If you're interested let me know. I could ship mine out to you after the season for a trial if you would like.

Line: If you're looking for an all around kind of line you could either look at a floating WF or some sort of light intermediate. You could use sections of T-8 or T-14 cut to length to get down if fishing below the surface and deep. You could look at a steelhead taper line, but that might have too much belly forward for you to effectively use on pike. that's just my suggestion, though.

My recommendation depends on what sort of water you will be using the rod. If small river/big creeks are your thing then you want a medium to medium-fast action rod because you need that softer action for roll casting and mending. Small pocket water is usually easier fished with an indicator and nymph rig than with a traditional wet fly swing so, once again, close range casts, roll casting and mending are going to be important. Brush and trees will be a pain so don't take long rods to small water, stick to 9'.

If you are fishing larger waters with big riffles amd gravel bars and mostly using the shooting head line system to achieve distance for a traditional wet fly swing, then a fast to very fast action 9-10' single hand or a switch rod is the ticket. Being able to punch a sinktip and a big soggy fly out into the rain and wind takes a high line speed and a stiff rod. I'd chose this over a spey because it is also a good setup to cast the big flies and poppers used for bass and pike plus it can do duty for any saltwater species up to 15 lbs. Better than a spey if you plan to ever use it fishing from a boat or float tube, so it gets a lot of points for versatility.

If, however, you are fishing medium to large water in situations that don't allow for back casting, the spey rod was designed for that. If your home rivers are walled with trees and don't feature extensive wadable gravel bars, a spey rod is a must.

For a solid yet affordable reel go with the Ross Flyrise 4 at $110 or the Orvis Battenkill Mid-Arbor IV at $149; these are both very good reels for the money, both feature substantial centerpin dic drags needed to fight large fish. The Orvis is minimally heavier and probably more durable.

I would use my 5wt 10'8" switch rod for large trout and summer steelhead skip the 8wt.
Ramblin Rods Rule!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Vinman

Hijack: What would be a good all around line choice for anything from bass/pike to steelhead/salmon using the rod I mentioned above?

Not a hijack at all, I'll be needing the same info soon enough, for whatever rod I end up with.

And some good info so far, thanks everyone who has posted.

Originally Posted by Vinman

Hijack: What would be a good all around line choice for anything from bass/pike to steelhead/salmon using the rod I mentioned above? I have a large arbor reel capable of handling 170 yds of #30 backing and need to choose a line. There are just too many out there so I thought I'd narrow it down some.

I know there is not likely one line to do all of those things well but if there is something out there that can come close that is what I'd choose.

Best bass/pike line: Rio Outbound Short WF8F. You need a big line to throw the big flies.

Best steelhead/salmon line: Rio or SA Mastery Steelhead WF8F or WF9F (if you want to turn big indicators)

Compromise: Rio Clouser Taper WF9F

Dennis

A note on the steelhead tapers:

For me, I spend a lot of time fishing smaller rivers compared to West Coast standards. I've found that traditional steelhead tapers are designed more for large rivers which might be just what you're looking for. However, if you go that route and find you can't turn over your large flies as well as you like you can always cut off a section of the front taper. I had a SA steelhead taper that I ended up cutting about 3.5' off of and that solved the problem of turning over large flies on small water.

Denny, great info that is exactly what I was looking for. If I fish salmon or steel I'll likely be in pulaski NY. They get some big fish in there but the river is not overly big, not any bigger than the rivers here in VT anyway.

I think I'll look at the clouser taper.

Hey- check out those Sage Largemouth rods too. A lot of guys are using those for Bass and Snook and Reds around here. They are shorter, and supposedly cast like a dream. They are paired with line too, so you won't have to worry about that. I think they run about 390ish. I have heard a lot of good things from saltwater guys using them around docks. Lots of backbone, and the short profile helps around pilings, boats, lines, etc.

No love for the TFO ticrx? I like mine! Fast action, quality rod, and I just saw that for $150 you can get a spey conversion for it: http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/pro...onversion.html

Warthog that sage largemouth rig looks tits.

Originally Posted by khakis

No love for the TFO ticrx? I like mine! Fast action, quality rod, and I just saw that for $150 you can get a spey conversion for it: http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/pro...onversion.html

Warthog that sage largemouth rig looks tits.

I'll let you know how it casts by summer.

Sorry for the hijack, but does anyone have a beater 8wt (9ft, 4 or 5 piece) that you would be looking to get rid of cheap or in a trade for something?

I am thinking of picking up one of the $49.99 Albrights unless I can find another at or below that price.

I just go my Albright GP rod. It looks very nice. I can't wait to try it out.

Originally Posted by Happy Fun Ball

On the rod question I would hands down suggest a Loomis GL3 8wt in a 9'6". I don't know if they still make that rod, though. I've only ever bought the blanks and had them tied for me. All around great rod for the price. If you're interested let me know. I could ship mine out to you after the season for a trial if you would like.

I have a line on a 9'9" GL3 8 wt, but I'm a bit turned off by the fact it is a 2 piece. Any thoughts on how a 9'9" 8 weight will treat me if all I've ever cast is 9' 5 weight? Or will it be any different than a 9' 8wt? (assuming clearance where I fish is not a limiting factor)

I fish the G. Loomis Cross Current 7wt, more fun than an 8
solid rod, not too pricey... but a little pricey

the gf fishes the G. Loomis Xperience 8wt, it's pretty good but a might bit looser feeling

I don't recommend the Sage Launch 8wt, way too soft

I've fished a couple TFO's in 7's and 8's and liked them both, I just prefer American made, otherwise nice feel at a great price and excellent warranty

-you get what you pay for IMO, the higher end gear allows for more feel and often pushes a heavier line with heavier gear a bit further, so it depends on what you will be using it for

in the end it's more about the terminal gear than the rod

-as to your question about 5wt and 8wt differences, thay are different but still fly rods, it's the size of the fly that you hurl and the line weight that change things, the mechanics are all the same, the timing will just be a bit different

-come fish Kodiak, all you need is a stick to whack the fish in the head as they swim up to you
have fun

I have two options

Scott A3 1108 - 11' 8 wt 4 piece switch with a hardy uniqua no4. with a rio skagit short 450gr line. - $425 like new

TFO TiCr 9' 9wt 4 piece with a orivis battenkill mid arbor with SA steelhead line. - $350 gently used.

Both prices include split shipping.

My 8 wt choices would be:
cheap: Albright
cheapish: TFO TiCrX
expensive: Loomis Crosscurrent
I like them all, but there definitely is a difference.

I am thinking I'll be picking up a 9'6" Loomis NativeRun GLX. I've got a good price on a very gently used stick.

Line question, now: Anyone have experience with the Rio Versitip system? Seems to make sense, but maybe not?