Bow River Workhorse Rod

[Conor]

Got any ideas for an all around Bow River rod?

 

I want something 9'6" to 10' 6 wt in a low to moderate price range. This will be a nymphing rod with some lighter streamer and heavier hopper fishing. I use a different dry fly rod.

[toolman]

hey dude tfo useto have some 7wts in teh 9ft 6 range..ide call around and see if any are left..got a fe friiends with them and they love em for nymphing....

 

ps. This is Max's post not mine

TM

[Conor]

I am leaning toward TFO for the warrantee service. I'd like to keep it to a 6wt so I don't have to buy another reel.

 

I'd also consider building one, so if you have any blank recommendations...

[reevesr1]

Conor,

I have a tfo TiCr 9'6" 5 wt as my all around Bow rod. Personally I prefer it over a 6 because I don't find casting distance really all that big of a deal on the bow. That could be because I can't cast all that far yet anyway. But I think the 5 forces me to concentrate more on the closer in water, which I feel ups my effectiveness on the bow. Also I really like fighting fish with the lighter rod. I have a 7 that I use for streamers and when it gets too windy, but for regular nymphing, I much prefer the 5.

 

If I were to get something to really get them out, I'd get a spey rod.

[Guest bigbadbrent]

Temple Fork Axiom most definitely

[Conor]

Very tempted by the Axiom. They only have 9' models, though. I should cast one and see if it is worth loosing a few inches.

[Guest bigbadbrent]

That will toss everything. Unless you're planning on highsticking most of the time, i wouldn't worry about the longer rod

[reevesr1]

Very tempted by the Axiom. They only have 9' models, though. I should cast one and see if it is worth loosing a few inches.

Played with one at the end of the season. Very nice.

[Conor]

I have some trouble with line control (mending) with longer casts. Also, most of the bigger fish I have lost have been way the hell out in the river. I think a 10ft might help me out in both cases. I high stick the closer water when nymphing, so a longer rod would be a bonus. I'm also interested in practicing some single handed spey stuff.

 

I won't buy a rod I don't want just to get the length, but ideally...

[Badger]

...

[Conor]

If you are planning on testing that out pretty soon, I'd be very interested in the results. I was looking at some Dan Craft blanks today. Whipping one up might be the way to go, for me.

[Conor]

Badger- do you overline the DC FT 5 wt for overhand stuff?

[Badger]

...

[Hawgstoppah]

I'd recommened going with the 10 footer (for the 6wt) as an all 'round nymphing stick. Mends are cripser, hooksets are stiffer, pressure on the fish is better. I have a 10 foot 6 wt I love (G&L Flycraft) but it may be out of the price range your seeking.

[rusty]

The DC rods are a bit fast but the price is right.

 

I think if you try some different DC blanks you might find some that are very similar to the G&L rods...or so I've heard.

[Conor]

Someone recommended to me to overline the DC FT blanks by one or TWO wieghts. Maybe I'll go with a 5 wt blank and use the softer spline. I'd be hesitant to build on a 4 wt planning on using a 6 wt. I do tend to like slower rods, however.

 

Any other blanks that someone might recommend? The price is certainly right on the DC blanks.

[Badger]

...

[bloom]

I'd recommened going with the 10 footer (for the 6wt) as an all 'round nymphing stick. Mends are cripser, hooksets are stiffer, pressure on the fish is better. I have a 10 foot 6 wt I love (G&L Flycraft) but it may be out of the price range your seeking.

 

 

Think you guys might be talking about the same make of rod

[BillyGopher]

I'd recommened going with the 10 footer (for the 6wt) as an all 'round nymphing stick. Mends are cripser, hooksets are stiffer, pressure on the fish is better. I have a 10 foot 6 wt I love (G&L Flycraft) but it may be out of the price range your seeking.

 

?

The G&L is nothing but a DanCraft blank, which is perfectly in the price range if anyone wants to build a nice rod.

[rusty]

I've heard that from at least half a dozen folks in the know.

 

Which model? Is it the Sig V?

[BillyGopher]

I've heard that from at least half a dozen folks in the know.

 

Which model? Is it the Sig V?

Sorry, can't help you there but you can take the word that's what the rods are - just dressed up fancier and priced to make a few $ for John. It's a good blank for sure.

[Hawgstoppah]

Ahh, well I don't know what there worth really. I got my 10 footer in exchange for demoing his rods and advertising through my old guide service, which he now actually owns. I thought the rods were in the $900 range, don't know much about the blanks though..

[fishpro]

If you want a softer rod with the extra length, check out the Rainshadow RX7 blanks. They're not great in the wind, but I've found they work well multifly rigs and the softer action has completely elimanted break-offs for me. I have the 10' 5 weight.

[bloom]

blanks are a really good price. Check out Dan's web site...he's great to deal with also. The rods that made his business, and the ones I believe G&L were building on, were the old Sig V's....the 8'9'' 4 wt was an incredible blank. If you can find it anywhere, buy it.

[Conor]

I bought a DC FT 1005-4 yesterday. I have heard so many great things about this blank. I am really looking forward to using it. I'll post some pics when it is done.

 

Thanks all.