I've just joined a fishing club that fishes a streach of river approx 1.5 miles long. They fish for sea trout up to 4lb and brownies. Best fishing is very late in the evening after dark.

What is the best rod for a small river/ big stream? I was thinking of a 7'6" #3.

Any comments?

Regards,

Ray

How much do you want to spend Ray ... might give folks a little more steer towards input?

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Lets not let money get in the way. Joking aside, I like the Sage alot as I already have a Sage XP 10' #7 and a Sage Z- Axis 9' #5.

Regards,

Ray

Only ever played with a short Sage for a short spell, so over to the 'casters and masters' on that one!

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The new Flextec Streamtec is a class rod for the money and they do a 7ft 6 weight 3#

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YOU DONT NEED EYES TO SEE YOU NEED VISION

I recently got a set up for the small rivers i fish. The beginners set up I got just wasn't cutting it and was far to heavy (10' #8).

Got a 7ft shakespeare odyssey 4/5 weight and I'm fishing it with #5 line. It is a great rod for the money I spent (£23 for the rod) and I am having great fun with it. It a nice light rod so doesn't really tire the arm. It is also very forgiving with good flex and easily loaded with a minimal amount of line out. It casts well and I can actually get quite a bit of distance with it despite my technique being less than perfect. Rivers I'd fish would be around 20m at the widest and due to bankside vegetation you are usually in the middle of it.

edit: TBH rods are so subjective. I know guys that rate a rod by price and won't consider anything less than £150 as being able to catch fish. A expensive rod in my hands isn't going to make me better. In fact it makes me worse. I so worried about damaging the thing that I start to freeze up. I think you need confidence in your gear. If you aren't happy with it you'll not be successful fishing it. Same as the fly you may choose. I've caught fish on rods that where not far above a stick with a bit of mono attached when others using highly priced gear blank. Go figure.

I don't think the fish will be saying "Hey that's a really expensive rod that guy has, better take his hook so he doesn't feel so bad"

...and the fun begins.

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Now, second thoughts this end as that sounds a little cynical ... what are we defining as a small river?

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The Vision Cult 7ft 6" 3wt is a cracking rod for the money, around £200.It's smooth action is perfect delicate presentation on small rivers.

Seconded, nicest 7.6ft around, IMO, makes me smile every time I use it.
S.

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"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.