Looking for 8' (+/-) 5 or 6wt

[DavidFin]

Looking for a short, heavy rod for mousing/streamers on smaller streams.

Have cash or potential trades if the right rod comes up.

 

[Swattie87]

I too kind of like the idea of a rod with those type of specs, but have never bought one. Truth is there's not a ton of current rods out there made in that range. So you may not get a lot of hits from folks who have one looking to sell it.

To get shorter than 8'6 it seems like you usually gotta drop down to a 4 weight, and there's pretty much no one making a 6 weight shorter than 9'...unless you start looking at fiberglass, which probably isn't ideal for mousing or streamers.

A couple that I do know of that have models in that range are LLBean's Streamlight (8' 5wt) and Orvis's Clearwater (7'6 5wt). I have a Streamlight in a smaller configuration as a Brookie rod and like it, classic middle of the road med-fast...they're currently on sale ($80-100ish depending on model) as if Bean may be replacing them in their lineup with a newer model. Have buddies who have Clearwaters ($200ish) and they vouch for them too. Redington's entry level Crosswater line ($70ish) also has an 8' 5wt. Not sure on your budget, but just FWIW. May end up having to buy new.

 

[RLeep2]

Look on the bizarre, err, bazaar sites like EBay, etc. for either an older (80's vintage) Lamiglas G1000 in an 8' 6 wgt. or even the old Orvis Mary Marbury Premium in the same length and weight. The former was a durable workhorse rod and a good tool and shouldn't be expensive if you find one. Probably under $100 unless I have grossly mis-assessed demand/value. The latter is becoming more of a collector's rod and might run you up to $250 if you can find one. But it is a very nice rod

I'd think either would work well for what you have in mind. Both are slower, 2nd generation or so graphite...

 

[Jaybird]

Saw a vision 8ft 5wt on sale at Dette Shop .
Hope this helps. https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.detteflies.com%2Fcatalog%2F2&h=ATPQLhjGg9hLVqT89_GvtwEsCvD_b8ywHmdIcRToavt0ZdMHtKLbQeDGBDfIv007oOvRj9R3kFbfzYooBqz9aixkYreL_nWPr-d_icWy2CSDTYpn2TBthyYKwD9rE9hFnON1UJqb-M_KRdhv&s=1

 

[DavidFin]

Thanks for the input guys! I'm in no rush so I can take my time considering this stuff. I basically want something that will load quickly under these circumstances. I've been thinking about glass, though, just for the fun factor. It's a real oddball size so it wouldn't be something I'd use that often.

Funny thing though is that I've been using a 486 for mousing on a smaller river at night, and its limitations actually keep me from overcasting and limits snags in the dark. It really only gets bogged down once the fly sponges up water.

 

[HopBack]

I had a vintage st croix imperial 7' 4/5 wt that was really super stiff and I think would do the job your looking for. Hope that helps.

 

[eunanhendron]

I have an 3pc 8' 5 wt glass rod that needs a new home for $95.
Its only been used by me about 5-6 times (i bought it new from the builder)
Orange blank with red wraps. i believe the blank is from the Anglers Roost line of rods/blanks.

 

[Fenglass]

I would recommend an 8' 6/7 wt. fiberglass Fenwick. There are lots of models to pick from over the years, most are fairly cheap. The guys who buy these rods to fish are always looking for the 7 1/2' 5/6 wt rods, so these area a little bit cheaper on the ...bay.

Jesse

 

[Fenglass]

Look at post before mine, he has a nice deal too.

 

[moon1284]

Finally a thread where someone isn't looking for a long light line rod LOL. I have (7) 6 weights ranging from 6'10 inches to 9'6 inches in both glass and graphite. And have sold 3 or 4 more.

Here is I'd consider if I were in your shoes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272745330260

I have an 8'3 steffen glass 5/6 weight that is pretty much a prefect rod for what you're looking for. The best part about that rod is it will throw a 7wt line as well which allows you to throw some bigger patterns. I will not sell this rod, but you might be able to find one.

I fish both glass and graphite and have for a long time. I think they both have their place. I use graphite 80 percent of the time. With that being said an 8' 6wt will be a lot easier to find in glass. Most likely it will also handle 7 weight line which opens the door for larger flies. I have an 8'4 6wt graphite rod and an 8'6 6wt graphite rod, for streamers the glass beats them both because it will handle a heavier line better.

 

[nymphingmaniac]

I have a two-piece 8 Ft 6 wt Orvis Rocky Mountain series rod (bought mid 1990s). I've fished it with a 5 and 6 wt line. Very good condition.
I have an Orvis battenkill mid arbor reel (III) with spare spools (multiple) that could be sold with it.
If you are in the state college area you can take a look.

 

[DavidFin]

Thanks man, but I'm shifting gears, as is my tradition. I still want to get a rod like this, been thinking about it for a few years when I was fishing a medium/small tail water in Jersey with browns in it, but I'm moving on to a different direction that will involve spending all my cash on room and board, hah.

That said, anyone want to buy a Winston TMF or a silver label Whiting Cree saddle? Or need any yard work done?

 

[tracker12]

I have a st crouch avid 5 wy 8 1/2. If interested Pm me

 

[Wild_Trouter]

I have an 8' 4/5wt Cortland Brown Topaz rod in mint shape with cloth bag and metal rod tube if interested. This rod can throw streamers very well with a 5wt line.