Answering this question really is where you need to start.

The rod I'd take to fish the wood and weeds of Lake Fork is not necessarily the same rod I pick to fish for bass in a stock tank.

Have fun rod shopping!

Rex

I love how a guy can ask a question that on balance seems relatively straight forward and innocuous, and get a 10 (well meaning) responses, all either vague, contradictory or both.

I should take pains to mention I am still at a rookie at this fly fishing business, and everyone's responses so far seem on the money- there are as many different appropriate rods as there are personal preferences and unique casting conditions.

But man it can all be bewildering to a novice. Picking a first rod for bass fishing (or any other sort of fly angling, for that matter) it seems, is about as straight forward as interpreting a Zen koan.

Big rods throw big flies better. Big rods turn big bass better. If only we could predict the matchups before we got our feet wet. Of course yanking a ten inch bass from the water with an eight weight is not a challenge, but try to turn a four or five pound lmb with a five weight before it buries you in the hydrilla? Sometimes you're the lion and sometimes you're the lamb.

I had one of those Zen koans, the doctor removed it for me. Better now, thanks.

I think these various responses give you an idea why when Temple Fork does a rod demo at a conclave or such, they bring over 100 different fly rods that they make so you can try any you wnat to so you can see what you like.

Have fun with this stuff.

Big Dale

The question for some of these answers would seem to be: What are stiffest, hottest, right-now rods? It's at least possible that rods with a tad more flex might be more fun, more useful for the OP.

Here are some different recommendations: http://fiberglassflyrodders.yuku.com/reply/113680/Re-Favorite-bass-warmwater-rod-.

Fenwick FF85

The good news is whatever rod you pick, 1) the choice isn't irrevocable since someone else will surely want to buy the stick from you, and 2) it probably doesn't matter all that much (compared to fishing where the fish are) as long as the rod isn't so user-unfriendly that it's a demoralizing chore to cast.

I believe that the "best rod" question has been thoroughly addressed so I will add in my small portion to the mix. Baseline, one needs a baseline to work from. Otherwise its all a hodge-podge of theoretical input with nothing sold to hang one's hat on so to speak.

If it's possible to cast three or four or more of these rods that is ideal. Otherwise it will be a leap of faith. And that's not always a bad thing....

I couldn't decide on what rod to get... the Sage Large mouth, Small mouth, or the Bluegill rod... I fish all sizes of freshwater and saltwater fish....
So I got 2 of each... Problem solved.

Now that is cutting the Gordian Knot!

IMHO I would work with a trusted fly shop to get what is best for your casting style. Feel for the rod is the most important thing to me in fly fishing, I never buy rod without casting them. When you use a fly shop most of the guys at the fly shop will fish all the time and know what works for the species you intend to focus on. I work with the same shop here in Fort Worth and if I go in there with a budget discuss what kind of fishing I do MOST often they work to keep me in that budget. They have never provided me bad guidance.

I recently bought a 5wt TFO BVK based on the recommendation, for trout and the occasional pan-fish. I used it two weekends ago and it cast beautifully and I was able to land so whites and bluegill. In two weeks it will get its true test in NM and CO.

I should have also mention that I do not fish for big warm-water species all that often and when I have I usually have used traditional tackle because that what I know best for that type of fishing.

I would encourage you to join a group like FFF or a local chapter and get engaged. You can reduce the learning curves quickly and make some new fishing buddies in the process. I recent started attending a regular fly tying group as well, I really have enjoyed this and so have two of my girls. Which each of these groups have already begun to work on my to chose to use a fly rod for my next Bass trip. I see a possible BVK 8 in my future.

Robin, shame on you for making me search for a new fishing knot!!!

LOL! Did you find it George?

Robin, I'm larnin' big words and getting a educachum from a big city boy that's srainin' my vokabulary.

Yeehaw! Well, I'm off to spend today larnin' sum big wurds. Y'all mind the store fer me.