Question:
Anyone ever use one? Looking for a rod in the 5-6 wt range. Something to stuff in the suitcase or backpack. Recommendations appreciated. Thanks Dave
Response:
Anyone ever use one?
Yes. I have several. Looking for a rod in the 5-6 wt range. Something to stuff in the suitcase or backpack.
A really good one is going to be hard to find, and by the time the dust settles, IMO, you’d be better off getting two rods. For example, I have a really nice bamboo setup that has about 15 pieces, all fitted into a rather bulky package. It can be made into 2 different sizes of fly rods, two different spinning rods, and a "bait-casting" rod. While it does so passably well, it does so with more of a "novelty" approach than a true savings of either parts, space, or money. To be done completely properly, you basically only share a grip and lowest section, but more because of the guides than the blank in the general range you ask about. Recommendations appreciated.
If you really want to pursue it, IMO, get one of the el cheapos out there. I think Shakespeare makes/made a complete, ready-to-go setup with both reels and everything. Something like that would work as a "good enough to catch fish" solution, or, if you just can’t bring yourself to go that route, be prepared to go to the other extreme and really put a hurtin’ on your charge card. IMO, there is no real middle ground on these, and I suspect one reason is the lack of demand. If it were me, I was determined to have a combo and didn’t have one, and I was ready to spend, I’d obtain a blank and parts to finish it myself, or have it custom-made. There is a third alternative, if you already like or would like to try bamboo. There are tons of Japanese combos out there, none that I know of that are particularly valuable or collectable. They were made in the late 40s to 60s or so and brought back by servicemen, sold mail-order, etc. They can often be had for around 50.00USD, plus or minus (less at garage/tag/charity sales, more at "antique" stores), even in new or like-new condition. If you like this idea, and want one NOW, check out eBay as they are often there for around 100.00USD (overpriced, IMO). These are not wonderful rods, but they do work well enough to at least fish, and IMO, they are a long time away from having any real "collectable" value, if they ever do, so the only particular to be concerned with is condition. If you get one of the ones with reels and all, check them carefully before use. And if it’s used, check the line, if possible. I’ve found really nice silks on crappy combo reels. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks Dave
Response:
Looking for a rod in the 5-6 wt range. Something
to stuff in the suitcase or backpack.< Orvis sells one for $200. 4 pc., 7′ for 5wt. Combo sells for $345. "Superfine" action, which means slow, right Dave? Harry never tried one (and i bet dave hasn’t either)
Response:
Looking for a rod in the 5-6 wt range. Something to stuff in the suitcase or backpack.< Orvis sells one for $200. 4 pc., 7′ for 5wt. Combo sells for $345. "Superfine" action, which means slow, right Dave?
IMO, not a particularly good choice, but it is an option. It’s not much of a fly rod to start with (a 7 ft 5 wt. is a bit on the short side), and for that same 200.00 (rod only) at Orvis, you could get an Eagle Claw ("Trailblazer" or "Trailmaster," IIRC – maybe try www.eagleclaw.com) combo rod for about 50.00USD, and two fairly decent reels, if you needed them. IMO, once you get down to 7-7 1/2 in a 5/6 wt., the rods are going to be similar enough that a 4-fold increase in price would be hard to justify…as always, however, YMMV. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Harry never tried one (and i bet dave hasn’t either)
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