I need a rod for the river and small fisheries. Ive £150 to spend. What rod would you recommend and what length and weight. Im not sure but does a fast tip cast futher but then does that affect it any other way?

For me can't go wrong with the Greys GRXI for the money, think I paid about £100 for the one that I had which was 10' #8 if memory serves (didnt use it long bought another Hardy rod). The GRXI has a middle to tip action.

A fast tip rod has a bit more beef to help you cast into winds but you have to be precise with your timing while casting, as for the casting further I would think that is down to the skill of the fisherman. If you are new to fly fishing I personally wouldnt go with the fast tip.

9' #5wt would see you well for using on rivers and stillwaters. Maybe slightly on the heavy side for rivers but you wouldn't want much less on the stillwaters. I just bought a Loop AEG 9' #5 for £175, it's a cracking rod. You need to try before you buy though, i wouldn't listen too much to other people's opinions. Build up a list of rods that suit what you want then try them all to see what you like best.

As for faster and softer actioned rods - your technique is what's going to decide what casts further. Get something you are comfortable with, not just because it says fast on the label.

Ive heard people say before that you should try the rod before you buy it but i have never been in a fishing shop yet in northern ireland where they will let you try how a rod casts. If i asked my local fishing shop he would laugh at me.

Then that is one shop you should'nt give your custom to.Try elsewhere.

Try before you buy and more importantly see if you can try it for a day or so from a someone you know and not only at the carpark. If you are starting out then I'd say buy some cheap gear (all in one packages that you see in the catalouges) before you finally decide on what you want on your way to becoming a tackle tart. Because somone like a fast or medium fast rod does not mean that you will also like it.

i'd look at the grxi range.great rods for the money

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fishing in scottish waters

Try a St Croix 9ft#5,weight!!! Contact "Grommit" (Ian Woods) for a good deal!!

My choice is a Bloke XL50 9' #6 or his #5 for small water work.

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Carl

http://www.wandlepiscators.net/
http://teiseangling.co.uk/index.htm

TOMORROW THE TRENT COULD BE YOUR FISHERY! When are YOU going to JOIN THE ANGLING TRUST?

orvis helios 3 round that figure, but the helios 2 which came out laste year,exactly the same rod and you can pick one up for £80 or greays streamflex.