Wondering If Their Is A Do-It-All Spey Rod?

[maddog]

I have never spey casted before. I would like to fish for steelhead in NW BC in the near future. I am considering a 12'6" 7wt rod. If i were to get one rod would this be OK or do I need something heavier?

[Jayhad]

if you never done it, a 7wt is going to be light unless you are focusing on chucking dries. 7wt isn't going to throw big heavy tips well, I personally feel 9wts are the best bet for beginners.

[CDone]

There are folks that fish a 7wt exclusively in that region and do well, an 8 wt would be a good compromise if you are only targeting Steelhead and the smaller salmon species, if you want to chase steelhead and the big boys (springs) then a 9wt would probably be a good idea. With the Expo coming up at the end of January there will be plenty of Spey rods and lines to try out.

 

Colin

[tyler909]

If your looking for an all round steelie rod a 7 wt will be just fine it will through what ever you want tips , large flies or dries no need for a 9 wt unless your targeting chinooks

Tyler

[bcubed]

A 7 weight would be plenty unless selectively targeting certain rivers in that area, and yes it will throw all the tips you need. Considering you said the 7126, i'd guess you're looking at a TCX, which I have used intensively in that area. I've thrown 15 feet of T14 on my TCX easily..

 

A nine weight as a starter is a poor recommendation. I have a 9143 Z-Axis that doesn't come out of the tube unless I get to the Thompson (AND it's windy). In comparison, i've brought two 7126 TCX's to over 60 days of steelheading in the Skeena region in the last 2 years (and the 9143 sits glaring at me), one fishing a skagit and one fishing a dry line..

 

If you think you'll be throwing some heavier tips, a 8 weight would cover it a little better then a 7, however don't feel you'll be undergunned if you have a certain 7 in mind.

 

As a first and a one-and-only rod, a 8 weight would probably cover ALL steelhead bases a bit better. A 8 weight between 12'6 and 13'6 would cover pretty well all situations in Skeena country.

 

 

One note, the TCX is not a beginner rod. It's a rocket launcher when you're dialed in timing, but it will not deal with small casting issues as well as a slower rod

[KnotLikely]

 

 

As a first and a one-and-only rod, a 8 weight would probably cover ALL steelhead bases a bit better. A 8 weight between 12'6 and 13'6 would cover pretty well all situations in Skeena country.

 

Totally agree. There are plenty of great 8 wt's in the 12 to just under 14' range that I think are ideal for the Skeena system, and available in all price ranges. The Death Star (TCX 7126) is a great rod and I think more of an 8wt than a 7. If you have the budget and want a great all-round rod that you won't out grow, will throw heavy tips and big flies, a mid belly and traditionals, look at a Burkheimer 8134...absolute beauty of a rod.

 

A true 7wt can be too light, and a true 9wt too heavy. A rod that throws a skagit in the 540 - 570gr range is what I'd say is ideal to be able to throw any tip and fly combo for the conditions you might face in that region.

[maddog]

Thanks for all the replies. Lots to think about. I am looking at the TCX. It seems like a good deal.

[bcubed]

The TCX is one hell of a fly rod, (I'd be hard pressed to find a better selling spey rod in the last 4 years)tI wouldn't be afraid to pick one up, especially discounted. It may just take a little longer to cast it well. If you go straight to skagit casting, as most do, the learning curve is a pretty quick one.

[rosswilson]

what do you guys think of greys spey rods . i too want to get an all round rod for that area as i am going up there at the end of august is a seven weight good enough cause there is a great sale at wholesale right now.thanks folks

[rosswilson]

another question do you guys think there will be good deals on lines at the show should i hold off on buying

[SilverDoctor]

The show isn't too far off so why not wait and have an opportunity to talk to people down there.