TFO Fly Rods bought their demo rods to �Texoma on the Fly� last weekend. I found a couple of rods that are worth commenting on.

First, they are introducing a new youth rod series called the �Bug Launcher�. There were two prototype rods available to cast, a 7�6� 3/4 wt rod and an 8�6� 4/5 wt rod. The rods are 2 pc and have a very distinctive look to them with a dark, cherry red blank and a red reel seat. This color combination looks a lot better than it sounds. The rods also have a smaller diameter grip.

I am excited about these rods for two reasons. When my daughter started fly fishing 5 years ago, smaller scale rods did not exist. We ended up having Al custom make her a shorter rod with a smaller grip. So, I am glad to see a production youth rod introduced.

The other reason I�m excited is that I liked the way these rods cast. They may be called a youth rod but they are definitely real fly rods. I liked these rods with the lighter line wt, (i.e. the 3 wt line on the 3/4 rod) the heavier line slowed the rods down too much for me, but would be a good choice for a beginning caster. I think the target price is supposed to be in the $79 range. I think these would make great small stream rods for adults. If you are looking for a light wt short rod, it would be worth your time to test cast one these rods, they are not just for kids.

In other news, they�ve decided to split the Mini-Magnum into its own rod series and will be introducing a "light� version is a few weeks. Unfortunately, they didn�t have a rod to cast last Saturday, but this one should be interesting when it is available.

The 6 wt Axiom rod is one of my favorite TFO rods. One thing I�ve liked about it is how well it casts either a 6 wt line or a 7 wt line. It handles both sizes very well at all distances. But I was surprised at how wide the line range is that the Axiom rods can handle. Multiple lines were test cast on the 8 wt Axiom, both standard lines and shooting lines. At one point a shooting head that was equivalent to about a 10.5 wt line was on the rod and it didn�t phase it at all. I could not tell any difference in how the rod performed with this heavy line compared to lighter lines. Off hand, I�m not sure if I�d ever want to over line a rod that much, but I was impressed with how the rod performed. I have cast other rods where you could feel a difference with just one line size change.

I always enjoy getting to play with the demo rods because it gives me a chance to cast various rods and to decide for myself what I like and don�t like.

Anyway these are rods that I found interesting this year, but as always, your mileage may vary.

Rex

Is TFO a sponsor of this forum? If not, they need to be. A lot of good reviews which would lead to more sales.

Cole, I don't know if they are a site sponsor or not, but they have been very supportive of our fly fishing events at Eisenhower SP. I thought some of the folks on here might be interested in some of the new toys that I found interesting at the park last Saturday.

I will add that my daughter is on TFO's youth staff, so my comments don't really qualify as unbaised. But it has given me the opportunity to cast and compare their rods. The rods that I comment on are the one's that I personally like.

Rex

Rex:

Thanks for the report. Sounds like the youth line may help fill hole in that market segment and with a higher quality level than some of that other stuff that comes stapled to cardboard and plastic wrapped.

In the way of openness, would you mind disclosing what your connections are, if any, to TFO? Partner? Investor? Fan? Promotional consideration given to you and your family? The report is still informative even if you happen to be, for example, the vice president of marketing for TFO � nothing sinister implied by the disclaimer request.

My disclaimer: Pleased owner of a TFO Professional 8'6" three weight and responsible for a fishing partner owning a pair of TFO Signature rods.

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Okay � you were posting as I was composing. Looks like you made a disclosure. Thanks.

Swellcat, the driving factor for this report is appreciation for their support of the "Texoma on the Fly" event. I try to do something like this every year with the new products that impress me that are brought out for people to try at our events. In addition to TFO, we've had Orvis, Gander Mtn (who had a good deal on an end of year boat at one event) and others at past events.

I think my past year's reviews disappeared with the "Texas Fly Report", but some of them may be buried somewhere on this site. I usually include them in my event summary message, but this year I didn't have time to include it in that message this time.

Traditionally, the folks on this board have been interested in hearing about new toys and opinions about them, but the personalities of boards change over time and it may be time to stop posting them on here.

I don't normally post press releases here, but the Clouser one surprised me and I thought the folks here might find it interesting.

Rex

I casted a few of the TFO rods this year. Ended up buying a 6wt Axiom which is going to be my go-to rod for the tube.

I also casted the "Bug Launcher," and Rex, I completely agree with your review - it's a sweet-casting, real-deal fly rod. My daughter is only 5 and is a little young for fly fishing, but I could absolutely see getting her one if the situation were right.

To my (relatively unsophisticated and thoroughly untrained) hand, the little rod was a great fit. I could feel the rod load extremely well, and as a result could form a nicely-controlled loop with ease. The rod felt much more powerful than the noodly 3-wt that I have at home. I like my super-slow, 7'6" 3 wt just fine, but the TFO rod felt like it had a lot more backbone while preserving a lot of line feel.

Not only "might" your mileage vary, it will. I think perhaps the best thing about this rod for young people is that it is absolutely a bona-fide piece of quality equipment. Even a kid would know that this is no junky toy, and I think that goes a long way toward establishing not only good skills, but also good respect for quality tools.

BTW I took the Axiom out last night and it casts like a dream. My 8-wt Orvis rod is going to get lonely.

Thanks for the reports, guys. I'm sure a lot of readers find them useful and interesting. I know I do.

I find the youth rod concept very positive. And I hadn't heard about it, myself.

thanks rex I am interested if I am looking to get a TFO where should I start trying to test cast one. I was there on saturday but I didnt have enough confidence in my new stroke to try one out, I am thinking I want a 4/5wt but I want to try out some larger ones as well. Does BPS let you test cast? can I go staight to the factory? Any advice is needed...

wylie,

here's a little secret about those displays, casting ponds, and such places at fly fishing shows/events: there are usually a few to a bunch of guys and maybe a few gals hanging out there who are very qualified and who would be more than happy to give a free lesson as well as allow you to test drive the equipment. there are 2 reasons why rod companies go to events like this and support them: to promote their products to existing fly anglers AND to promote the sport of fly fishing to NEWCOMERS AND PROSPECTS. and i can safely speak for the owner of TFO that both of those motives are equal to him. so don't ever be shy at a rodmaker's booth or casting pond! if you see lefty krey or gary borger or joan wulff or dave whitlock standing around, walk up and ask them for a lesson! you'll probably be pleasantly shocked and amazed. i know quite a few people who have gotten free lessons from the masters this way at public events. and ONE 30 minute to 1 hour lesson from a good instructor will put you a year ahead of struggling along on your own with books, videos, and buddies who aren't really qualified to teach.

I can vouch for that. When Jeff Jackson with TFO was kind enough to help me take the Mini Mag I bought through it's paces, he helped me fix the casting flaw that had been plaguing me for over a year. He wasn't rushed and he certainly wasn't giving me the hard sell on the rod. I got all I paid for and more that day.

I am a HUGE fan of TFO and the reason is simple.
They take input from the average fly fisherman � not only from the �experts�.

My first TFO fly rod was purchased before Lefty et al joined their team
I knew the founder of TFO before they were famous, and their marketing style has not changed over the years.
Their only advertisement is �word-of-mouth� and that takes a good reputation.

I was complimented when they asked me to participate in field-testing the Mini-Mag, not as an expert, but from the perspective of an �average� fly fisherman.

The Mini-Mag was the idea of Nick Curcionne for fishing kelp beds off the California coast, but I liked the idea of a �S� glass butt section transitioning to a medium fast carbon fiber tip, for a take anywhere, anytime, for anything �utility� fly rod.

It�s one heck of a bass rod or for any other species that has to be turned from nasty cover, and for tossing big bugs and flies.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Mini-Mag �lite�.
I have one on order.

I tell you what TFO gets a lot of excellent reviews here, and from reading these reviews, I feel certain they must be a good rod to have. I agree, they should sponsor this site, if they are not already. When I am in the market for a new rod, I will certainly lean towards this company.

If y'all had any idea how much TFO gives away and sells at no mark-up to promote fly fishing in TX, across America, and globally; you would be self-conscious about asking them to sponsor anything else. I know I always do. But...

TFO sponsors these worthwhile charitable projects:

Healing Waters (Healing Those Who Serve) Project is a joint activity initiated by Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers offering wounded military personnel the opportunities to learn, or enhance, fly fishing skills on fishing outings.
www.projecthealingwaters.org

Casting for Recovery for women with cancer.
http://www.castingforrecovery.org/

Reel Recovery � Fly Fishing Retreats for Men with Cancer
http://www.reelrecovery.org/

My thought is why should they pay for the advertisement. There are plenty of folks here singing their praises and products all the time for free. If it is free why pay extra. Business 101