Hi all

First of all THANK-YOU for all the help and info here; both directly and indirectly you chaps have been very very helpful.

So, one more question: which is better the Fladen vantage 7' #3 or the Shakespeare XT Odessy 7' #3?

I'm just getting into this fly fishing thing and am after a cheap short light rod for a small river.

I've been out practising my casting on a set up my brother lent me but am looking to get my own kit as soon as possible.

Because I'm new to this and my casting isn't great yet I think I'll put a #4 line on one of those rods, but not yet sure whether to go DT or WF (I'll only be making short casts as the river is seldom more than six feet across and often a lot less).

So: the Fladen or the Shakespeare? Thanks in advance.

i've been having the same dilema, i've ordered the shakepeare from john norris though so i'll let you know how i get on, just hoping it arrives tomorrow so i can try it over easter!

I got the shakespeare odyssey, the greys g series reel and a john norris pro 2 stealth floating line for 66quid, seems like a bargain to me. i went for a #3 dt, figured start off with the recommended weight before overlining it.

Not much in it revo TBH, both good VFM.
Should be ok with a #3 I think, but I get your drift on a stream that size.
S.

__________________
"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Hi Revo.
Not had a flick with the Shaky but I used my Fladen 7 3# last night on a local small overgrown stream with a double taper 4# line. Amazing value. You could break 20 for the price of the tackle tarts good rods!! If you go with a DT you can cut it in half and have two lines to thrash for the price of one until you are more adept. Hope someone out there has experience of both rods.
Bob

I went out for a walk yesterday and took my Fladen Vantage with me for the odd spot of fishing as I walked along. Here's a few photos of the Fladen that my Daughter took.



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I use a DT#3, with this rod, bit softer action than that of the Shakespeare.

Thanks! And thanks everyone - this forum has been so good.

If I chop a DT in half I guess I just need more backing, right?

Sounds like a winner!

Looking forward to getting out on the stream today with my brother's kit and seeing what's what. I know it's well stocked and there's a lot of insects about so here goes. Syndicate subs should have arrived today and I'm taking the afternoon off!

Wish me luck!

The Fladden rod would take my money, i know 2 anglers who have these they are great rods for the cash