Just wondered what rod you guys are fishing with at the moment?

I'm looking for something around the 13ft #9 mark, but want a rod that is 4 pieces or more and has a through action, not fast.

Can anyone recommend the Scierra Ferox (13' #9) or Matuka (12'9" #9)? They seem to be on sale at the moment so the price is pretty good.

Please let me know anything else you recommend looking at too. I think there's quite a lot of good deals on new rods at the moment, everywhere seems to have discounts so now is as good a time as any to buy.

Cheers,
John

Have a look at this
Daiwa Signature Salmon Fly

Lunesman

I have just bought a 14ft 10wt vision gt4 catapult. What a great piece of kit it is, I fished for 3 days on the spey with a new guideline reaction rod which is around £850 and imho the vision is a far better rod and its more than half the price at £400. It was also recommeded to me by the gillie and severel others.

John.

For 850Pounds ($1300USD?) I would definitely consider a Meiser. If you like a deep load (through action not fast as you mention) consider the MKS series.

I have the 14' 9/10 and 13.6' 7/8. Wonderful rods and workmanship is first rate. His rods can be completely customized with feather inlays and wraps that make you want to hang it above the fireplace rather than fish.

I realize it's over the pond but when you talk about that kind of money that's the first thing I thought of.

My 2 cents.

I do love the rods Vision make but unfortunately the GT4 Catapult is only 3 pieces and just not portable enough for me, it wouldn't fit in the boot of my car and would be difficult to carry around when walking any distance to different bits of river. I'm not sure on the action either, I've heard some say its very fast actioned?

In higher water - A double-handed Fenwick 'silver Wing' 15ft 10-11#

In lower water - A Shakespeare Odyssey 12ft double handed 9-10#

Also have a 14ft Shakespeare Oracle 10-11# I sometimes use when it's still a little high for the 12'

For what you pay for them, you can't fault Shakepeares salmon rods & they are both 4 price and short enough to fit sideways in the car boot.

Just can't see the point in blitzing £4-800 on a rod I can't cast any better with than a 'cheap' version.
For a mere amateur like me a pukka £800+ rod would just be wasted


The Fenwick, I'm not sure you can buy them over here. It's about a £2-300 rod normally and for that the build quality is exceptional, I expected it being far more than the price I payed!

Yes you are correct it is only in 3 pieces, and is a fast actioned rod, it works well with the afs style lines, not so good with long headed spey lines or dts.

John

You might like to have a look at the ECHO Dec Hogan 13'6" #9 they have a full action and are very sweeeet to cast

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Vision Cult.........Try it...you wont be dissapointed....but expect to cast a LOT further...........................WITH EASE

Lochan

I have a slightly sideways interest in this, coming down to the line. For some years I've used an early (3-piece) Guideline LPXE. It throws a lovely floating line but isn't so happy spey-casting a heavy sinker & tube flies. It works very well with a Snowbee Spey 2 floater. I've recently also got a Loop Opti Spey (the one with the adjustable reel seat). It's a heavier more powerful rod. The Snowbee doesn't seem to load the Loop properly. It loads well with Michael Evans intermediate and sinking lines. I suppose the obvious punt is either a Loop floater or a Michael Evans floater, but both would be a guess. Anyone able to offer any hands-on experience re a floater for spey-casting the Loop?

Many thanks if you can.