New 4 wt combo

[Wharfrat]

I an considering buying myself a new Fast Action 4 wt rod and reel. I am looking to spend under $500 . I am considering a Battenkill Mid Arbor reel, a Cabela's LST 8'6" rod and probably SA Sharkskin Trout Taper line. I would like to hear some opinions of this combo and others that you would reccomend.

I really appreciate everyone's input .

 

[afishinado]

Wow, lots of work to do! I would never buy a rod that I haven’t test-cast and liked. These rods at Cabelas (+ the Cabelas LST) are all in your price range (+/-$300) and you can test cast these rods at the store:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat604920&id=0062746320775a&navCount=6&podId=0062746&parentId=cat604920&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat604916&id=0079771320819a&navCount=12&podId=0079771&parentId=cat604916&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat604918&id=0079802321156a&navCount=29&podId=0079802&parentId=cat604918&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true&hasJS=true

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat604921&id=0079945317232a&navCount=34&podId=0079945&parentId=cat604921&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true&hasJS=true

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat604922&id=0079846317213a&navCount=44&podId=0079846&parentId=cat604922&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true&hasJS=true

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20431-cat604919&id=0079906320648a&navCount=49&podId=0079906&parentId=cat604919&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true&hasJS=true


These reels are in your price range (

 

[gfen]

Battenkill Barstock and free line is $120.
LST 8'6" for $100.
$300 for hookers and blow.

Or, take advantage of the Allen & Co deal posted in "his" thread here, and buy the LA arbour reel he's selling for _$44_, and add a Cabela's Prestige WF ($30) or a Orvis DT (sale for $12), or one of his own lines ($15?).

I had the 8'6" LST once upon a time. When I finally decided I knew what I was doing, I didn't want it anymore. I've found better rods, but YMMV. Its a subjective thing. I do know that I was sold the rod without the opportunity or suggestion to test cast it or others, and I won't make that mistake again.

I'd test cast it before I locked in my choice.

Sharkskin line is $100. That's my review.

 

[albatross]

Get an Allen Alpha reel. Look for a good deal on a used or clearance fast action rod. Troll e-bay for a week and you are sure to find something you like (I'm partial to Redington rods). I've heard wonderful things about the sharkskin line, but nothing that would make me pay $100 for it. Look at an Airflo Ridge flyline http://www.thetroutshop.com/estore/details/22067/57305.

 

[Raven456]

You missed the Orvis $12 Wonderline sale, but for $19 check out the Orvis Silver Label line which is a good buy at that price:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=7259s&dir_id=1137&group_id=1157&cat_id=13350&subcat_id=13351

 

[troutslammer]

i would get the TLS pwr matrix 7'11 " 4wt on sale for $ 265 and another 125 for a orvis battenkill and line and backing . gives ya 100 for fly tying material and both are 25 yr guarantee