TFO Fly Rod Inquiry

[Houli]

I'm looking to add a 7 or 8 weight to the arsenal (currently fish a 5 wt Hydros) at a good price and I've heard positive things about TFO rods. I'd like to use the new setup for both fresh water and some salt fishing. TFO has many different models - anyone recommend one over the other? (BVK, Clouser, Kreh Signature, Kreh Professional, Kreh TiCr/TiCr X, Axiom, etc).

Would the 7 or 8 weight be better for steelhead?

Anyone have experience with TFO reels? Or any other reel recommendation for this setup.

Thanks for any and all input.

Ryan

 

[jayL]

Where do you do your steelheading? I'd recommend a larger rod for Ontario (8), as opposed to the smaller fish and streams of Erie (7).

I have an old TFO professional 8' 4wt. It's a decent rod, and a good deal for the money. The warranty is good.

I've got a TFO MKII reel, as well. It's not worth the asking price, but a functional and good looking reel.

 

[Ramcatt]

I have a bunch of TFO rods.

The BVK is a great rod!.... the axiom is a nice fast rod with lots of backbone (and might fish a wt heavier than marked)... both would be a good option for salt and fresh... with the BVK being the "lighter in hand" option of the 2

The new BVK reels are also very nice
i have also used the 425 and 375 Large arbor reels in both fresh and salt

 

[ryguyfi]

From Ryan to Ryan


I have a TFO TICR 9'8wt. It is by far my favorite rod. I use it for bass in lakes and large rivers, and steelhead. I've also used it in the salt for light duty work. It's a good all around heavier weight rod. It's very fast, as most TFO rods are, but it loads line like a rocket.

If I had the cash to buy different rods for all these situations I'd have something like a 9'7wt for bass, 10'7wt for Erie steel, a 9'9wt for salt, and a 10'9or10 wt for Ontario Steel and salmon. But this rod "can" do all of those together in one.

A factor that most people don't look into is customer service/warranty. I broke the tip off my rod a few years ago trying to clear ice off the top. I sent it in with the $25 rod fee and a note saying I'd appreciate it if they could send it back by a specific date so I could fish it again, and they had it back by around 10-11 days from when I shipped it out. I've heard nothing but similar results from others who had warranty claims from TFO.

 

[StudentofTheStream]

I also have owned quite a few different series of the TFO rods in the weight range you're looking for.

Getting something truly applicable for both salt and steel is a bit difficult. My favorite TFO rod is the BVK in an 8wt. I also own a TiCr in a 9' 9wt and had a 8'6" TFO pro. The TiCr series are beastly rods and my 9'9 is my go to salt,pike/muskie rod. Tons of backbone for fighting super strong fish and can cast a line as far as you're able to make it. The BVK is a fast rod as well but doesn't have the same lifting power. It's more of a pleasure to cast IMHO though. The TFO Pro in an 8 was a decent medium fast rod but it was a bit heavy in that weight, as many of the TFO lines are.

A middle of the road rod would be an 8wt but doesn't do both jobs the best. A bit light for the salt, unless we're talkin bonefish, but I'm assuming you're lookin more striper/blue fishing. A bit heavy for Erie steel but would work just fine.

Go out and toss a few different models to see which you like the best but my early season steel/salmon rod is the BVK. A nice all around 8wt.

 

[ryguyfi]

p.s. I hear the TICR model's are going to be discontinued. Potentially get a good deal here soon if it fits your needs.

 

[Houli]

Some background:

Most of my fishing is done on the Upper Potomac, Shenandoah, local lakes/reservoirs, and trout waters in MD, VA, PA (in-laws live in Altoona). I fish the Chesapeake with a friend on his boat 10-20 times a year chasing stripers w/ annual trips offshore to Ocean City, MD every August and CBBT every November/December. I'd like to add a good fall (steelhead) and spring (bonefishing) trip to the rotation. Any suggestions for a newbie to steelhead fishing would be more than appreciated. This is why I'm looking for a heavier stick.

Thanks for all the help - really makes a difference getting input from all the good folks on this site.

 

[elonDO]

I use TFO rods & love them. For trout I have Professional Series 4wt 9ft & 5wt 10ft. Great rods at a great price.

I also have 2 heavier rods for bass & steelhead. I have an 8wt 9ft TiCR that I use for bass & Great Lakes Steelhead. It's a very fast rod & you can really throw some line. Works great for Lake Erie Steelhead. I also have a 8wt 8'9" Clouser Rod that I use for bass. Very similar feel to the TiCR, but a little different. I've considered using it for steelhead, but I haven't gotten the chance to go steelheading since I bought the rod.

For the price I think TFO rods are great!

 

[Fredrick]

http://coltonfly.com/