Fly Fishing

NJtrout · Posted: Wed 03/22/06 10:24 am Post subject: Orvis Fly Rod Review

Hows it going everyone? I am looking into picking up a new 5wt and was wondering what everyone likes. I am most likely getting a Orvis TLS Power matrix but can't decide if I want a 9ft or 8'6" and if I want a 4 piece or 2. Open to any suggestions.
Thanks

ChrisR · Location: Southeast Massachusetts

What kind of fish are you targeting and how big or small is the water you'll be fishing?

NJtrout · Posted: Wed 03/22/06 11:07 am Post subject:

Sorry, forgot to put that in there. Guess that would help. Trout and on the Delaware, Beaverkill and many NJ trout streams. (Kenlockwood gorge, Big Flat brook)
Thanks

ChrisR · Location: Southeast Massachusetts

Personally if it was me I would go for the 8'6" if your using it for that much of a variety of different waters. The 9' would be a better option for larger water like the Del. But it wouldn't be much fun fishing in the smaller stuff. I have an 8'6" rod that does pretty good for most of the north east stuff. As far as 2 or 4 piece it's really a matter of convience when travelling. The 4 piece is a lot easier to travel with. You may also want to look for a rod that is good for 2 different weight lines. A 5/6 would be good. That way for days on the Del when there is a bit more wind you could throw on a 6 wt line.

NJtrout · Posted: Wed 03/22/06 11:26 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice Chris. Think I am going to go with a 8’6” 4 piece. What would you do as far as flex?

ChrisR · Location: Southeast Massachusetts

Fast. You'll always have a day with wind where you'll need the punch. That's me though. I prefer fast for roll casting and other unconventional casting techniques also.

NJtrout · Posted: Wed 03/22/06 11:50 am Post subject:

Thanks again for you help man.

AvidDavid · Location: Long Island, NY

Regarding length, I know that this is the totally wrong reason for picking a particular rod, but, I can't fit my 2 piece 9 foot rod in the trunk of my car. I think that I would be more prone to considering a 4 piece if 9 foot is the decision.

patm · Posted: Thu 03/23/06 7:15 am Post subject:

I have that same rod in a 4 piece. I like the convenience of the 4 piece. It can be carried on airplanes, easy to hide out of site in my truck.
Mine is a 9'. I float tube fish small ponds, and Maines rivers. I do not find the extra length a problem and often am glad to have it.

JoeD · Posted: Fri 03/24/06 9:50 pm Post subject:

NJtrout,

A four piece is great for travel. Over the past two years I've switched all my rods over to four piece.

The nine foot rod will give you a bit more line control and in reality, anywhere you'd use an 8' 6" rod, the 9' would be fine too.

The flex of the rod depends upon your casting style and likes and dislikes. I may like fast or medium/mid flex actions and you may like something different. Try the rod out before you buy it.

Good luck!

Joe

NJtrout · Posted: Wed 03/29/06 10:07 am Post subject: Thanks

Thanks again for your guys help. Ended up picking up a 8'6" 4 piece med action rod. Casted it and loved it. Going out tomorrow with it, let ya know how it is.

JoeD · Posted: Fri 03/31/06 6:12 pm Post subject:

NJtrout,

Good Luck! I hope you break it in the first go around.

Joe