Thanks to the folks who weighed in on our “What’s Your Favorite Trout Rod?” post last week, we’ve got some somewhat interesting, statistically sort-of-significant, semi-scientific data to present today!
Actually we got some great input across the board. Here’s how the results broke down across the not-publicly-disclosed, non-GAAP categories that we decided to study. In case you missed the original post, we just asked the completely non-specific question, “What’s your favorite trout rod?”.
Which Brand?
- Everybody asked for this one, so here you go. People apparently like Sage rods.
- Sage – 54.2%
- Scott – 12.5%
- TFO – 8.3%
- Cabela’s – 4.2%
- Diamondback – 4.2%
- Lamiglas – 4.2%
- Loomis – 4.2%
- Orvis – 4.2%
- Winston – 4.2%
What Weight?
This is another obvious question, and we’re good at answering obvious questions. Not surprisingly, 2s and 7s are not applicable as ‘faves’, and 5 weight trout rods are pretty popular.
- 5 – 41.7%
- 6 – 25%
- 3 – 16.7%
- 4 – 16.7%
Currently Available?
Can you walk into a fly shop and buy this rod today? Here’s where we were surprised. Don’t worry – we’ll pontificate below.
- No – 70.9%
- Yes – 16.7%
- Not specified – 12.5%
Commentary
According to our EPO-adjusted, anglers’ union-despised, highly-controlled study, the vast majority of the ‘favorite trout rods’ out there are not available today. Why is that?
There’s been a pretty serious trend over the past few years towards producing fly rods that are really fast and really light. There are definitely some applications where fast and light are important – long days on saltwater flats come to mind.
On the other hand, there are lots of situations where feel, predictability, and ease of use seem to matter quite a lot – like your typical day fishing for trout, maybe? We’ve cast more than a few recent-model trout rods that are amazingly fast and mind-blowingly light, but somehow wind up with a feel that’s mighty similar to the proverbial 2×4.
Call to Action
Attention fly rod manufacturers! When we’re fishing for trout, we love our old SPs and LLs and glass rods and old-school slow graphite sticks!
Maybe think about focusing on moderate action and a nice feel, and not as much about lightning speeds and feather weights.
Thanks.
—
He he he you said “pontificate”.
Great roundup great way to get the builders to listen to the anglers.
Interesting results as I expressed my true trout choice more then the rod BRAND I own the most of.
TNT!
I guess fly rods are kind of like cars. Every year they have to make a new model. They don't make the old classics that we loved so much! Cabela's FT, Loomis IMX & IM6, 65' Chevelle… Bring em' back!
Love the 8'9" 5wt Winston LT. This rod is stunningly beautiful, versatile and smooth!
Have really been impressed lately with the S4 905-4 from Scott. Unbelievably smooth and versatile, as well.
every one has a favorite rod but i agree on winston 5 weight lt for bows
try winstons 3 wt on dollys & arctic grayling
i also love my winston 7wt & 9wt
see all of you soon
Hi Chris,
Yep! I know what you mean. I wish I could get my Sage 9′ 3wt LL in a 4 pc. It would be my favorite rod hands down. Unfortunately it is not to be and I find travelling with a 2pc awkward.
The Winston BIIX is a fantastic rod and wins as favorite simply because it is 4pc and easy to travel with.
Cheers,
Steve.
Sorry,
The stick that I was refering to in my previous post and addressed to Chris is the original Sage GFL389LL being a 3wt 8’9″ and not 9′ as previously mentioned.
Steve
I love my 3 weight Winston 5 pc rod. I also have a 4 weight SP that was hand wrapped as a gift. DePuy, Hot Creek, Heaven…perfect rods for Trout on dries and a joy to fish. I will say that I would not float Big Montana water without my 6 weight XP or my 5 weight Z axis.
Steve E