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In search of an upgrade; expertise needed

13K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  hlnichols 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello all! I am a relatively new fly fisherman. I began fishing around 2-3 years ago. My main quarry is trout in tight-quarters WV streams, although I occasionally pursue bass and panfish. Until this point, I have been using a 8'6 #5 White River Hobbs Creek rod and reel combo from BPS. I have been quite pleased by this setup, but look to improve upon this with a new rod and reel. I am looking to spend $150-$200 for the rod and something like that for the reel. in total, I look to stay UNDER $350 for the whole setup. My two candidates to this point have been the TFO Professional II rod in 8'6 #4 ($149)...
Here: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Fishing-Rods|/pc/104793480/c/104721480/sc/105573780/TFO-Professional-II-Fly-Rods/1314478.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffly-fishing-rods%2F_%2FN-1102568%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105573780%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104721480&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104721480%3Bcat105573780
...and the Cabela's LSi, also in 8'6 #4 ($189)
Here: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Fishing-Rods|/pc/104793480/c/104721480/sc/105573780/Cabelas-LSi-Fly-Rods/1089200.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffly-fishing-rods%2F_%2FN-1102568%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105573780%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104721480&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104721480%3Bcat105573780
If anyone has knowledge of these rods, I would like to know. I like the LSi because of the looks and from what I have heard of the performance. Although the looks of the TFO are slightly less pleasing to me, I have heard it is a phenomenal rod and the lifetime warranty is reassuring. As to reels, I have considered the Lambson Konic II
Here: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fly-Fishing/Fly-Fishing-Reels|/pc/104793480/c/104721480/sc/105572880/Lamson-Konic-Fly-Reels/1425310.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffly-fishing-reels%2F_%2FN-1102569%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105572880%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104721480&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104721480%3Bcat105572880
but haven't put much thought to it. Any help or suggestions outside of my options shown here are more than welcome and appreciated. Thanks much!

EDIT: I apologize, I realized after posting that this is in the incorrect category in this forum. This is a mistake on part of me being unfamiliar with this forum. My apologies.
 
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#2 ·
Spend your money on the rod and a new fly line. For the type of fishing you are describing the reel does nothing more than hold line. If I had $300 or so to spend I would go with the TFO BVK rod in a 4 or 5 weight and a +1 line for bass/panfish fishing. For example if you by a 4wt rod, buy a 5wt line when warm water fishing and stick with the 4wt line as an all around trout line. If you go with a 5wt rod then get a 6wt line. Spend the rest of your money on a used reel. You should be able to get a nice used reel in that size range plus an extra spool for under $75. I can give you many options if you like. I have a reel addiction problem so I have lots of choices.
Later on when you have more money you can get a fancier reel if you like but you will not have to. A good rod is a life time investment.

Quinn
 
#3 ·
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your input. I actually found that my local Cabela's is having a sale this weekend in which the Redington CPX ($300) will be going for $150! I have been told it is a great rod and the sale price is phenomenal. Would you agree with this? I believe will be purchasing this with the Lambson Konic II.
 
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