7 or 8wt for Susquehanna and farm ponds

[PennsylvaniaJesse]

What 7 or 8 Wt. fly rod would you recommend for fishing the Susquehanna and farm ponds, occasionally Penns? I like to throw everything from wooly buggers to #2 cork poppers and Clouser Minnows. That said, I need a rod that will launch the weight but still roll cas effectively.

I want to keep this under $250.00 if possible.

Thanks

Jesse

 

[Dave_W]

I'm not in the camp that thinks you need high end equipment for this game (or really much of any fly fishing). Pick something you like.

I tend to prefer fighting butts on the smaller side for 7WTs. If you can't decide, I'd suggest erring on the side of an 8WT. An 8 will serve you well on the Susky and might be better for farm ponds, especially if you are targeting largemouth bass with frog flies in weeds.

 

[jifigz]

Deleted. Misread post.

Anything you like. I fish cheap gear most of the time, and I'm happy with it..

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Get a kit from Hook & Hackle for under $300. It might take you about 4-5 days (to allow for the lacquer or epoxy to dry on the windings).

 

[guzfish]

I use an older sage DS-2 8 wt. But there are several new options available that would be well within your range. Douglas makes its base ERA model in an 8 wt. Cabelas/bass pro carries it for around $169. Also one of Temple Fork’s 7 or 8 weight (would be a good option.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear PennsylvaniaJes,

A 9' 8wt Redington Vice combo with a rod, reel with line and backing, and a cordura case runs about $ 210.00. It's all you need to get started and may be all you ever need.

If you want to stay around $ 100.00 you can get a Maxcatch rod and reel loaded with line on Amazon for about $ 100.00. I have a 7wt Maxcatch rod that is perfectly usable that I use float tubing or kayaking and I am happy with it.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[PennsylvaniaJesse]

Thanks for all of the replies. Ive been fly fishing for trout and bass for a long time. I have great tackle for trout and cheapie stuff for bass. Im just looking to get something a little better without breaking the bank.

 

[poopdeck]

For big river (Susquehanna/Delaware) I have 2 TFO Lefty Kreh Signature II 8 wts with Cabelas RLS3 reels. One has Cortland 444 WFF line and the other has Rio outbound short intermediate sink line. Lefty always recommended an 8 wt for river SMB so who am I to argue differently. I use a St. Croix imperial in 6 wt for small stream bass fishing. I do zero pond fishing but recall the ponds I once fish typically had stunted bass.

 

[Forestfishin]

I was just about to post a similar question except for smallies in the Yough and upper Allegheny. I’ve tried throwing bigger clousers and poppers with a 6wt Orvis Clearwater but definitely struggled. Wasn’t sure if it was lack of skill or wrong tool for the job (guessing both). I was thinking 8wt would be the way to go. I mostly spin fish for smallmouth but love catching them on a fly rod. So much fun.

 

[krayfish2]

Another vote for the Redington vice. I have a 790-4 and it's surprisingly good. Lots of used options that will fall in under the $250 mark. Taylor dynamix is in that price range and gets a lot of praise.

Where you might make the biggest jump is in a line. I've had enough friends and clients cast my gear and they have to know what line is on the rod. "Easy" is the typical description. You'll spend $75-$100 and don't let anyone convince you a $24 line will cast as well or be as durable..... not even close. 3 lines I've really enjoyed, SA bass bug taper, Rio smallmouth elite as well as Airflo Bass / Musky taper.

I'll echo the suggestion for the Cabela's / Bass Pro RLS 3. Have 3-4 of them and it is solid for $100 or less.

 

[Tiogadog]

Don’t sleep on Echo rods. I bought an Echo 7 weight for this year’s Boundary Waters trip and found it to be more than capable.

 

[hooker-of-men]

Thirded on the Redington Vice. The combo that @TimMurphy described is more than passable, with the exception of the preloaded budget Rio line (no welded loops, started sinking within a year, etc.).

 

[caddisflyer]

I got an older used Orvis 7wt., 9ft at a fly shop for around $100.00 and I am super happy with it. It is my main streamer rod for bass and trout. I also own a Reddington 8 wt., 9 ft. I bought as a combo with reel and line at Bass Pro and it is very nice. It is very powerful for casting and lifting line off water. It's just a bit heavier and my arms are getting weaker.

 

[bringthepain]

Another vote for the Redington vice. I have a 790-4 and it's surprisingly good. Lots of used options that will fall in under the $250 mark. Taylor dynamix is in that price range and gets a lot of praise.

Where you might make the biggest jump is in a line. I've had enough friends and clients cast my gear and they have to know what line is on the rod. "Easy" is the typical description. You'll spend $75-$100 and don't let anyone convince you a $24 line will cast as well or be as durable..... not even close. 3 lines I've really enjoyed, SA bass bug taper, Rio smallmouth elite as well as Airflo Bass / Musky taper.

I'll echo the suggestion for the Cabela's / Bass Pro RLS 3. Have 3-4 of them and it is solid for $100 or less.

How did you end up liking the Fenwick Aetos 8wt? I bought a 6wt at the same time when Sierra had them for 100 bucks. I didnt get around to using it much in the spring

 

[krayfish2]

How did you end up liking the Fenwick Aetos 8wt? I bought a 6wt at the same time when Sierra had them for 100 bucks. I didnt get around to using it much in the spring

Never out of the case. LoL. Keep saying I'm going to take out but have trouble putting the current rods in the bullpen.

 

[PennsylvaniaJesse]

Well, I pulled the trigger and bought an Orvis Clearwater 9' 8wt. Love it. Definitely worth more than the $249 sticker price. I am pleased. Thanks to all who posted.

 

[krayfish2]

Congrats. Post a pic of your first bucket mouth