I'm thinking of buying an Orvis Superfine Touch 7'6 rod, but am undecided between the 1wt or the 3wt.

Does anyone have any views? To be used for small streams. I must admit being quite taken with the idea of going as light as possible.

Haven't used the Orvis, but I use an RDP 7'6'' 1wt and it's a great little rod which will easily handle 2-3lb fish (and probably heavier but haven't managed to catch any of them yet).

Casting is very light and more about technique rather than force as there is little loading pressure which is prevalent even with the 3wt.

I fish small to medium rivers mainly, but also use it on wild and stock browns on reservoirs and it's so much fun, but don't be afraid to use the entire rod to fight the fish as it will put pressure on when used correctly.

http://www.rdpflyrods.com/flyrods.html

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Just My Tuppenceworth!!

Best advice.

Hi trouttickler,

I haven't fished the Superfine Touch but I have the Trout Bum 1wt and the old Sage SPLCA 1wt both of which I really enjoy fishing and have fished them in a variety of conditions without any real probs on the streams here in Devon

I've fished them a while now and don't think they are windless day rods and I'll fish mine with a duo set up when conditions dictate.

Don't get me going on the 2wt tho!

Pete

Eat, Sleep, Fish

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www.devonschoolofflyfishing.com - Fly Fishing in Devon

Thanks for the advice Stonepark, Steve and Pete. A bit more background:

I'm not the sort who collects rods, if you know what I mean. I currently only own 2 and look firstly for functionalism out of my rods. I own a 8'6 5wt and a 6' 2wt.

I love the 6' 2wt. In terms of sheer pleasure to cast and fish with, it is the best rod I have owned. I would say I do about 70% of my fishing with the 2wt and the balance with my 5wt.

The only problem with my 2wt is that it is a 2 piece rod and very difficult to travel abroad with as it does not fit into standard luggage. The attraction of the Orvis Superfine Touch rod is that it is a much more manageable 4 piece rod.

I settled on 7'6 because it's in the middle of the two rods I already own, and can therefore offer something different. I like the idea of going as light as possible and my preference for sheer fishing pleasure would be to acquire the 1wt. However, in terms of getting the most out of my rod when travelling abroad I think the 3wt may be the better option. I suspect the 3wt may suit a greater range of fishing options whilst at the same time will still be handy enough on any small waters where the 1wt may be slightly more ideal. So at the moment, I am slightly leaning towards the 3wt but the comments above have created a seed of doubt!

I am visiting the U.S. in a few months time and will purchase the rod there as it is much cheaper than here (a whopping £85 cheaper at present).

Hi Trouttickler,

It's a nice problem to have!

I guess it depends on how often you travel abroad and how often you would use the 3wt on those trips vs how often you would use the 1wt at home.

I have to admit I bought an 8ft 4" 2wt that DaranS who posts on here christened for me on Dartmoor with a 14 1/2 incher and I have used it ever since. It does everything for me and will cast a nymph with 2x 2.5mm tungsten beads on into the deeper holes with relative ease...just thought I'd throw that one into the mix too!

Pete

Eat, Sleep, Fish

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www.devonschoolofflyfishing.com - Fly Fishing in Devon

Here is a 1wt on eBay US:

ORVIS NEW SUPERFINE "TOUCH" FLYROD 7'6"' - ONE WT, FOUR PIECE, FULL FLEX | eBay

Even with paying import tax it'll work out cheaper (at the current bid, anyway!)

Brennan

Buy the one that you think you will enjoy the most. From what you have written it sounds like the 1 weight.....