ScottN Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Hi everyone, I received a bit of an income tax refund this year, and I want to treat myself by replacing an old 4wt rod with a new one. My budget is $800ish or less, rod only. While I've fly fished for a long time, I would consider my skills sort of in the middle of the pack. Also, if it makes a difference, most of my fishing is for trout in lakes from my Fishcat 4. I also like to use both sinking and floating lines. Some of the models I've been looking at are the mid-priced Sage models Accel and Pulse. Just wondering if anyone would like to offer some opinions on similar priced / quality rods from other manufacturers? Currently my 4wt is a TFO entry level rod, medium action. I've actually liked using this rod, but it's time for an upgrade. Before I go try casting a few of these rods, I'm open to any suggestions / opinions that anyone can offer me as to what to look for. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birddog Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 I got a 10.3 foot Mystic rod. Best lake rod I've used . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troutlover Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Nothing beats a Hardy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spurly Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Sage One or Scott Radian, or once they are available in Canada Scott flex. Have a look at the Yellowstone fly rod shootout, for other ideas, and info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgib01 Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Nothing beats a Hardy. Except a Winston I've heard/read very good things about the Orvis Recon. I have the 6# Access, (which the Recon replaced) and I quite like it for streamers and bigger game. I tend to use 6 weights on stillwater, so my experience and obvious bias to Winston is based on my 4# BIIIX I use for dry fly fishing 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sage Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 Love my Orvis Recon (it's a 5 wt)..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monger Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 The Orvis Recon 5wt is a great rod. I would use that out of my Fish Cat. Questions to consider for lake fishing: How big are the fish you are looking to catch? How much wind will you be dealing with? How long of leaders will you be casting? For me, I often find myself using long leaders( at times over 20ft), with some heavy flies under an indicator under some pretty windy conditions. I like to go where there is fish over 5lb. These kind of situations tend not to be the best for a 4wt. Like mentioned above, a 6wt is usually a better choice. Your fast 5wt Recon would work as well. If you are fishing in nice weather, with smaller fish and lots of chance to fish dries, a 4wt would be nice. Why not a Recon 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scel Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 For lake fishing, unless I am casting a dry, I will never go lighter than a 6wt, and sometimes even bring my 8wt, just to ensure that I can deal with the wind. Besides, if you already have a 4wt rod, I would definitely get a different weight to round out your quiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottN Posted April 6, 2017 Author Share Posted April 6, 2017 Thanks for the input guys. I should have mentioned that I already have 6 and 8 weight rods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stonefly Posted April 6, 2017 Share Posted April 6, 2017 TFO BVK 8' 6" 4wt is a great rod for the price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professori Posted April 9, 2017 Share Posted April 9, 2017 My lake rod for the past 10 years is a 10' Amundson Wind Warrior 5wt. The brand isn't as important as the length. A 10' rod gets you that extra casting distance you look for on a lake. While it is a good idea to be gunned up enough for the larger fish (in general) you will encounter on a lake, I don't think a 5 is too light. The extra foot (10' vs. 9') gives you a mechanical advantage that almost makes up the difference and I don't often fish less than 5lb tippet or greater, so I never have a problem landing 4+ lb. fish in a timely fashion. That 10' also makes casting 25' and up leaders fairly easy, when chironomid fishing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halcyonsancta Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 A bit late to weigh in but I have G-Loomis Pro 4X. It's a 4 piece rod, with a modest Lamson reel and a lovely Rio Gold line that is smooth and slippery. The rod is reasonably fast and I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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