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<9536>
My dad gave me a 2 piece St. Croix Imperial 8 weight, 9.5 feet fly rod, for Christmas. I have to choose: keep the 2 piece, or exchange it for a 4 piece 9 foot rod. All other characteristics are the same. In general, I prefer 3 or 4 piece rods because they are easier for hiking. But I like the length of the 2 piece. I'm torn. Can anybody offer me some comments that will help tip the scales so I can decide and get out there and use the thing? Much obliged, Derek.
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<9537>
Derek - The difference would be that the 4 piece generally has less action and it will probably cost you a little more.
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<9540>
My advice is go back to the shop that your dad purchased the rod from and ask to test both rods -see if you can have both for an afternoon etc. if the 4 piece is comparable to the 2 piece - take that one. A 9 1/2 footer offers slightly better line control fishing a river but OTOH will be a bit heavier.
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<9617>
I'd say keep the 9 1/2 footer, as you have two fewer potential breaking points, and better action, plus better casting power - the half foot makes a huge difference.. If you hike, I would suggest that you get a case for transport - I got a 5 foot case, and I use it all the time - it has saved my rod in numerous falls while hiking some precarious slopes.. An 8 weight is pretty heavy - are you using it for salmon and steelhead?
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<9645>
Nicole: Yes, the 8 weight is mainly for salmon season. I don't hold out much hope of hooking or landing a steelhead on a fly rod any time soon. I flailed away for 8 or 9 days last winter on the Vedder and got nada. I'm saving up for a float rod and level wind for Derek's Revenge on the Vedder. My one steelhead on the Vedder, caught 2 years ago, was on a spinning rod and pink worm. My only concern with the 2 piece is that it will be a bit cumbersome on my mountain bike if I want to bike up to the fly-only section of the Seymour with the thing. But mainly, I would be using it on the Chehalis, Harrison, Dewdney, etc., all of which have easy vehicle access. I have noticed the 9 footer to be kinda short, and once on the Chehalis, while playing a huge chum, the tip section of the 4 piece I was using slipped off and down the line!!! It was a borrowed rod and I was horrified. Fortunately it was low water and the fish was weary, so I managed to jump in, wrestle the fish to the beach, remove the hook, release the fish, and finally, reaffix the tip section of the borrowed rod. The owner of said rod was fishing one run down, and I was trying to act cool so that she wouldn't notice what had happened. So maybe the 4 piece isn't the greatest for salmon. I do have a 3 piece 5 weight I could use on the Seymour. If I am so lucky to hit something big, I can always jump in and wrestle with it so as not to break my rod. Catch, pounce, wrestle and release, or CPWR :)
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<9717>
you should try below the vedder bridge during the fly fishing only period May 1-31... There are a few fish still in the river at that time, however i've never fished for them. This way, you can try the vedder in an uncrowded situation, and have the best pieces of water to yourself. I've never had any luck with the flyrod on the vedder either - but I never really bother anymore, due to the number of anglers, plus the fact that I don't get out there every morning like I used to... I baitfish that river and leave the flyfishing for summer runs, which are much easier to catch. Ever caught a steelhead on a dry trout fly? It'll take your breath away...
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<9735>
No, but I'd love to try. Sounds like the Thompson in the fall. I've never had the courage to try it. I hear I need to buy some cleats.
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<9765>
Definitely sole felts at the least. The Thompson is dangerous. The Bulkley (hope I haven't offended anyone on spilling the beans) is also another river that's a dry fliers dream. It's just like jaws seeing the fish come up for the fly. What a rush!!!!!!!
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