POND STALKER : Redington Cross Water Fly Rods

Recently, I wrote a blog post on "Budget Minded Fly Fishing Tackle - Fiberglass Rods" . I am very thankful for all the great comments that were left pertaining to the subject at hand. True, "Glass Is Not Dead", and is becoming more and more evident as the days and weeks pass in the fly fishing scene. Many fly fishers are in the process of trying the new generation fiberglass rods and tracking down models from yesteryear at auction sites, estate sales, and yard sales. Other fly fishers have already made a complete change and fish only fiberglass rods at this point in time. I would place myself in the group that is "curious" about all this fiberglass rod stuff. I have picked up a few on the very low budget end and have been learning to use them.

However, clearly I am not ready to adapt to strictly just the use of fiberglass rods. To be fair, most all of my experience has been with graphite rods, in my thirty some year fly fishing career. From expensive Sage, G. Loomis, Orvis brand rods to moderately priced rods like Lamiglas, St. Croix, and, TFO fly rods. I have owned and fished graphite models from each. They all had my attention at one time or another. What I would like to do with this post is take a look at some Budget Minded Fly Rods on the graphite side of the seen. Again, there are some nice ones available at a price that most any of us could get into without breaking the bank, so to speak. Again, as a senior citizen on a fixed income, I am always looking for good quality at the best price for what my budget limits are. Below are a few that have been well received and offer fly fishers an opportunity to enjoy the sport of fly fishing with a fly rod that doesn't cause you to take out a second mortgage.

Let's begin with

Cabela's Three Forks Fly Rod Series

$69 - $79 (Even less when on sale)

These rods are a great way to have a decent set up for under $100.

They come in 2 or 4 piece models with out the case.
One year limited warranty

Have had excellent reviews on this rod.

Another option

Redington Crosswater Fly Rod Series

$69 - $89

Redington offers these nice rods to fit in the under $100 price range, too.

They come in 2 or 4 piece models with out the case.
One Year warranty

I own this rod and have been very pleased with it and its responsiveness.

Or, how about a

This is TFO's Lefty Kreh Signature Series Fly Rods

$120

They come in a 2 piece rod with out the case
Warrantied for the life of the original registered owner with shipping and handling fee paid by user.

Lefty is a fly fishing legend. His expertise has made these rods a welcome addition

Again, I own this rod and I believe it is a delight to fish with.

Or a

This is the Echo Solo Series Fly Rods

$119

This rod is a 4 piece rod only (Great for the traveling angler)
Comes with a Lifetime Warranty

This series was designed by Tim Rajeff with the plan to be able to get more people out fly fishing. I think mission accomplished from all that I have seen.

Now all of these are fine budget minded fly rods, however, they are not the only ones that are available at a budget offering. Other fly rod company's have gotten into the scene with their offerings also. St. Croix, Ross, Allen, and a number of other companies have gotten on the bandwagon lately. Truth be told, there are other Cabela's, Redington's, TFO's, and Echo fly rods that are priced at another step up, yet, they also fit within the budget minded fly fishers approach. Just to be clear, I have independently chosen the $200. price or below for inclusion in my fly rod options.

I hope I have balanced my views on what is available for both the graphite and fiberglass fly rod leaners in this series on budget minded fly rods. You might be surprised at what spending a little "less" money will do when you shop for your next rod.

Happy hook ups!