I decided not to build the fly rod for a couple reasons.

#1: I just don't trust myself to build a solid rod since this would've been my first one

#2: I have precious little time because of School and work, and I want to spend that time fishing, not building a rod!

So I returned the blank to Loomis and the components back to REC. Once the money goes back to my credit card, I'll buy a rod.

I've decided to go with something a little more affordable, too since I'm still a poor college kid. So I went to a fly fishing specialty shop here in Louisville and casted a 5 weight Scott V2. I was COMPLETELY surprised at how much better I casted with this rod than my el cheapo! It casted great, felt VERY smooth, and I could really feel the rod load, helping me with my timing since I am a beginner to this.

I know there are better rods out there (with a price tag to match). However, I'll just be fishing Smallmouth and trout streams. I won't need to hurl out 100' casts to bonefish. Just need to get my fly out to a Smallmouth at that rock 20' away, or that trout feeding on mayflies 50' out.

It seems like this rod fits the bill nicely. Great performing rod for the beginner (but something I probably won't grow out of), affordable (I'm probably gonna get the 4 piece which is $190), and an impeccable warranty.

They seem to really like this rod for the buyer like me (and even said that they would be very happy with an entry level Sage or Scott- though they probably spend the big bucks on the top of the line stuff probably). And I actually believe 'em too.


Before I buy, I want to get your all's opinion on this rod.


Also, the lady who helped me recommended a 5 weight. This is the first time I've been recommended a 5 weight. I want to have the most fun possible with stream Smallmouth (and Largemouth), but still have enough control for the occasional 2-3 lb. surprise. And if the average size of the fish caught with a 5 weight is the same as on a 6 weight (though I know 6 weights can cast flies a size or 2 bigger), I'll probably get the 5 weight. What are your all's thoughts on the 5 wt. vs. 6 wt?

I don't know anything about that rod but I do know that I have a 6wt. St. Croiz rod that I really like a lot. St. Croiz are nice rods too and I know you can get one in that price range.

http://www.stcroixrods.com/rods/default.asp?section=fly

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...MainCatcat20431

Just something else to think about.

I haven't casted the v2, but I do own an A2 in 5w & I haven't hooked on to anything that has destroyed it yet. I've hooked some nice stripers & 4-5 lb bass on it and had nothing but fun doing it. Don't let the rod companies fool you..you rarely need a "super fast action" rod that will send 120' feet of line out. Most people (including myself) couldn't cast anywhere close to that much line, anyway. You will learn to cast whatever size flies you enjoy fishing with after using the rod a little. I highly recomend the Scott because the last rod I broke was replaced by them in 2 days! That's pretty good "peace of mind" when you start getting close to a big fishing trip.

that Scott V2 will serve you well. Scott rods don't feel great to everybody, but if you like it, get it. I agree with your thinking that the 4 pc version is the way to go.

On the 5wt vs 6wt question, I'd go with the 5wt. The 6wt will cast bigger/heavier/fluffier flies better than a 5, but you don't generally need to do that. I cast bead-chain eye clousers on my 5 all the time with no trouble. With the lead-eye version i just wouldn't try to cast it as far. The 5wt line will land on the water more delicately than the 6wt and this will help when trout fishing. The 5wt rod, reel and all will also be lighter, which can be a good thing at the end of a hard day.

There is an ongoing debate amongst trout fishers as to whether a 4wt or a 5wt is more ideal for general trout fishing. It used to be a 5wt, but improvements in the technology of both rods and lines allows today's 4wt's to do what you needed a 5wt for 15 years ago. I prefer a 4wt as my primary trout, and most everything else rod. I also fish a 10' 5wt as either a big-water rod or when I want its reach for nymphing. (I do NOT recommend starting out with a 10' rod, however.)

hey, if you cast it and were pleased with it, that is a strong argument right there to buy that rod. Heck, even if everyone else hated it but you were happy casting and fishing it, buy the thing

It's the only rod I had time to cast. I'll probably try a Sage FLi next time I'm there, though it's a bit out of my price range ($100 more than the Scott V2). Just to see how it feels compared to the Scott. They carry the Sage Launch (Sage's competitor to the V2), but it's backordered through August.

All I know is that the rod helped me cast SOOOOO easily. As far as feel, that's why I'm gonna try the Sage. Just to try something different and compare.

I actually casted better with the Scott V2 than the G. Loomis GL3 I tried out last month.

I also own a Sage Fli 8'6" 3w. Ijust got back from a 4 day trip to the White/Norfork rivers and used it almost the entire time. Caught more than 100 13"-16" fish on it...Tons-o-fun!!! Also landed 19" & 21" cutthroats at Norfork handicap access. I enjoyed fishing with the lighter weight tackle much more than I thought I would.