need opinion's on a chuck-n- duck fly rod

[nuts4steel]

After damaging my fly rod last fall, I need to start searching for a new fly rod for salmon fishing this fall. I mainly c&d when it come's to fly fishing so I need some opinions. I would like to stay at $200.00 or less,so lets hear it ! note: as a thank you to Steve for all the great reports over the years and the great new forum I will spending my money at BB&T.

[flynpick]

The under 200 club limits your options somewhat. St. Croix does a decent job of putting out a 9' 7-8 weight rod for modest price.

I have actually had decent luck with a rod by Cabela's. Its no *****, Scott or Sage, but for a kick around rod it gets the job done.

I beleive it has a decent warranty as well. They go for $150 on up for a faster action 7- 9 weight. I dont think they make much over 9' however, if you looking for a little more tossing power.

Try the 4 piece pac 8 wt. rod Guide Series by Cabela's. Due to the extra ferills it gives it a little more back bone for hauling a Salmon. Doesn't cast all that well with the light loads sometimes required in the fall.

[Steve@BBT]

Either the St Croix 9'6" 8wt Imperial for 160.00 or, even better, 9'6" Avid 8wt for 210.00 either way it'll fit the bill for both Salmon and Steelhead and you won't find a better rod for the money!

P.S.- Thanks!

Steve :)

[steeladdict]

St Croix is the best value for the $ and a great warranty.

[SpanishFly]

I have to be honest....I us a Gander Mountain house rod. 79 bones. It is a 9' 8 wt. I bought it thinking I would use it and save up for a good rod. But it has held up really well for salmon. It only has a 1 year warranty, but at 79 bones, I am not concerned about it breaking. I do have a Harris Reel from BBT attached to it....no penny pinching on the reel!

ALL of my buddies have *****/Sage/Loomis rods and someone breaks a rod every year. I think the higher end rods are too stiff (IM8 graphite and up). My IM6 is very forgiving!

I know my rod will break eventually, and I will buy one with a 20 year warranty if the price is right.

Oh yeah, I had a ST. Croix rod. I had a bad experience with it and wasn't too thrilled to find out it would have to be sent out for repairs (1 month process) without a loaner. Hence I like the disposable rod....

[nuts4steel]

Steve : do you have the avid 9 1/2 foot in stock? if so I'll see ya at the end of the month while I'm up turkey hunting.....thanks Jeff

[Salmonater]

I got a G loomis adventure 9' 9wt for $180. It came with the lifetime gaurantee. I have had no problems with it at all

[woodpig]

I was in the same situation recently--needed a steelhead rig for < $300. Ended up with the Temple Forks Outfitters "Series 1" 9' 8wt. rod and have been very impressed with it. I was actually all set to pop for their "better" rod, the Signature series for $149, but it wasn't in stock where I was and the cheaper rod was so impressive for the $$ I just went with it. These rods are all designed by Lefty Kreh. Very crisp and smooth actions for actual fly casting; plenty of backbone for C&d. I highly recommend checking them out.
Cheers, Woodpig

[Steve@BBT]

Yes, right now we have it in stock, but give us a call the week before you are there to be sure we still do! If not we'll be sure to have one on hand for you to check out. There are some other good options as well, but it would be better suited to speak with you in person and let you feel the rods and we can explain the differences...

Steve

[nuts4steel]

Thanks steve, see at the end of the month

[Redleg]

Picked up a St Croix myself from BBT Tuesday. 9'6" 8wt Premier. Took it right out and broke it in. Didn't land any Steely's, I was complacent on the 3 hits I had towards the end. Did get a rainbow. I looked at a couple TempleForks and wasn't impressed, the wraps had bubbles and a couple ends were close to being exposed. Looked at a couple others too, but wasn't interested. I had pretty much decided on the St. Croix but none were in stock down here. I gambled and decided to head to the PM anyway and see what BBT had in stock. If they didn't have it, I'd just get another disposable for now. The Premier came with a nice case and warranty. I intend to build a Sage down the road, but I'm in the middle of a 5 wt right now and got thebug early this year. I don't know anything about GLoomis built by the factory, but have heard horror stories of guys that built them without wrapping "just right".
Don't want to offend anybody, JMHO, I did enjoy the rod though. ;)
Don

[nuts4steel]

Thanks for your opinions Don, some good info in there...............