I've started pondering a short rod for panfish and maybe some creek fishing. I've got 5,8, and 11 weighs all in tip flex rods and want something different. Recent searches put a few rods in my crosshairs and each one has a "gem of the litter". The top two are a Scott F2 653 (6'6" 3wt) and an Orvis Superfine Glass 764 (7'6" 4wt). Each is supposed to be the most rounded of their series. There is a weight difference and a foot in length. The Scott also has a non locking reel seat, shouldn't be an issue, but unsure of reel security.

Are there any experiences on our Texas waters with these rods? Most info is related to trout fishing, I probably won't be low crawling to brown trout anytime soon. I plan on fishing small surface flies, small wooly buggers, maybe weighted panfish flies like a bully spider. Are these 3wt friendly? The Rio Getters also are on my list of flies to try.

Any insight is appreciated.

While I have only cast the Orvis superfine glass and found it to be pretty sweet with some "pent up" horse power in the the butt section, I feel this is a nice rod capable of handling decent casts in wind. I can't speak to it with a fish on.

That said, I have the Scott of which you speak and in my opinion it is the finest ultralight factory glass production rod in existence. My friend Aurelio Corso bought another one of these and sold me his original two tip copy. This rod can handle a good sized trout with no problem. It throws a bunch of junk if needed for dredging heavy flies with BB shot or other weight attached. plenty of power in the butt and if the occasion presents itself WF4 is no problem. Butter smooth.
If considering a Barclay, a blue Halo or Echo- your choices are excellent too in specific line ups and weights, but they are Boutique builds which can be an acquired taste if you aren't acquainted with deep flex of some glass.

As for fishing locally I was throwing bead head woolies, Briminators, and poppers on the local creek with no problems whatsoever. A few months back a caught a 2.5 pound bass on the Scott with a autumnsplendonator- cross between a briminator and a capps spider.

My vote goes to the Scott.

Les

Just the feedback I wanted, thanks Les. The Scott definitely has my interest, slightly over the Orvis.

What is your reel setup if you don't mind me asking? Are the sliding rings particular to a certain footprint?

If you are going to spend that type of $ you might want to look at a Chris Barclay 64P also for a short glass rod.

Warning, glass can get addicting

Jrod
I've used everything from vintage reels like an Ablette 371 to an Able clicker. really anything will work that's under 4 ounces and works in the cap and ring system seat.

Les

Turf Dawg, I looked at them, interesting rod. I like the broken down size, but none for sale. I don't have the time for a custom. Another thing, maybe I'm being picky, those spigot ferrules look off to me. I had a Japanese shimano rod that had a similar ferrule near the grip. It was a strong joint, just appeared not seated.

Maybe I'll give his 70p a shot if I stick with glass.

just trying to help you spend your money Steffen 7' 4wt or this Barclay 4wt

Didn't think to check craigslist Turf Dawg.

It's now between the 7' superfine 3wt or the 6'6" 3wt Scott. My only reservation is the cap and ring being compatible with the Abel made CFO reel. Just paranoid about dropping a reel.

jrod88
cap n ring not a problem- these rarely come loose.

Les

I agree with Les, however if you are worried about it go to the hardware store and get you a couple of O-rings and roll them on there also. Works great.