I just can't seem to move on from my Sage RPL 5wt. It just feels like an extension of my arm...
The flex is smoothly progressive, yet it has plenty of full-line authority. It handles the short game, and also goes long very well. It's just one of those rods I wish they never discontinued.
Not stiff, not soft - fast but full feeling. A classic.
I love my VT2 13'9" 8wt Spey, and completely forgot I did try the VT2 singlehanders at the spring show. Very nice rods, similar to the old RPL in feel.
I'll stop in and check out a few at Buffallo Outfitters this fall.
I know I'm going to freak you guys out with this, after all I am a Cotland/Hardy/Diamondback rep but my favorite 5 wt. is the Winston 8 1/2 5 wt. Im6. It fishes everything from small clousers for smallmouth to sz. 22 dries comfortably. It fishes in close like a dream but will punch for all the distance I need. I am anxious to try out Hardy's new Marksman rods. I casted them at our sales meeting and the 10' 5 wt was VERY impressive. It was lighter in the hand then most 9 footers, and casted like a dream. These are not like the ultra fast rods Hardy is known for an their actions are much closer to Sage LL or Winston B II. They are also going to be priced very competativly, I'm sure you'll be hearing more about them soon. As far as the stuff I rep I really like Diamondbacks Classic series in the trout weights as they deliver on a nice controllable moderate action and are very good values.
I have a St. Croix Legend Ultra, and personally I love it.
If there is one word for that rod it's crisp. The rod simply loads well, is very responsive, and caters well to my delivery. It's handled many nice trout, countless panfish and a few rogue 5 pound smallies that make things interesting in current.
T&T HS905. Why is it my favorite. Cause a buddy of mine built it used it about twice. Decided it was to stiff. Then sold it to me for a hundred bucks and a wore out callaway driver. Sucker!!!!!! It is a do anything rod for bass or trout. I love it.
My favorite is my 20 year old Cortland 5/6 wt 8 ft two piece. It was the second fly rod I ever owned, so there's a lot of sentimentality behind it. The first one was a $10 or $15 piece of junk that only lasted for a few outings so I don't know if it really counts! I still use the Cortland as my bass/panfish rod because it casts really well. It's also landed more pounds of fish by far than any other rod I own!
I'm betting I'll be the only one to vote for this brand...
I second the Diamondbacks... I own four (probably more than the rep!). The five weight is great, but my favorite has to be the 6'6 #3 (American series I think). A blast to fish in mountain streams, or casting tiny midges in close quarters on the Swift.
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