Name brand fly rods

[SAfish]

What do you guys think of Abel Fly Reels?
http://www.abelreels.com/
My cousin in Cape Town use them for catching Yellowfin Tuna. Check out the photos of the monster he got on fly (5th row from the bottom - 2 photos). I think it weighed 51.7kg.
http://www.abelreels.com/wall-of-fame.html

[Hooch]

I only ise cortland in a tan/ beige colour. The cortland 444 DT WF works best for fishing the vaal.
Not a big fan of luminous fly lines.
My 2c

[tkei]

aBEL REELS ARE ONE OF THE BEST YOU CAN GET, AND THEY ALSO DO THE BEST TO TAKE YOUR HARD EARNED CASH FROM YOU.
I unfortunately dont have 1 (but wish i did) but when int he uk a guy came in tot he shop with 5 of them and was moaning like hell about them clogging up wuith dirt whilst on a trip. a small spring somewhere gets clogged with salt and sand etc and prevents something or other doing something or other. he prefered his tibor. Tibor also give nasty dreams.

[E.T.]

Is there a particular brand of line you guys use, and which ones should one stay a way from

I have always just bought what the guys in the shop recommend

Does one always need backing on your reel, the last guy sold me some nice expensive cortland backing and fly line

Does a colour make a difference, some are very bright colours, do they not put the fish off swimming close buy ?
The line on my rig is luminous orange

Also i was told to get a line slightly heavier than my rig, so if you fishing #6, you should use a #7 line, is this correct?

I am glad there are a couple of experts here to answer my questions, i am enjoying this thread

I will try and answer this one....

Lets start with colour. I can't see that colour makes a difference at all for Saltwater and even fresh. If you are fishing a crystal clear stream with spooky trout and you fish a floating line thats clear it's not going to make a difference cause it still casts a shadow onto the rocks or bottom. Its not the colour of the line that spooks fish, its presentation.

If the fish are skittish and you are fishing dry, I would suggest making your leader longer if you are sight fishing. Going into presentation is a whole article in itself, but always try and cast away from the fish but let the dry fly drift towards the fish and pick up slack.

Backing. Yes you need backing. Hooking a big fish it will not only run into your backing but it can also take your tackle with it, if you aren't geared for the big ones.

Line Wt : If you have a 7wt, fish a 7wt line. If you are targeting bass with big flies then one line up would do it, but its not necessary. You could go a line up if you want to star in the sequel of a "River Runs Through It", by casting down to the coast and hauling a tuna back while you are getting ready for the double haul as the line shoots past to Zimbabwe. The only time you would need long casts is if you are fishing for Bass or Trout in Dams/Ponds from a float tube and then obviously at the Coast on Saltwater rigs, but that is a topic on its own as well.

Line Brands: Well fishing the Vaal by Czech Nymphing you don't really need a fly line you can go without it, but that is another discussion for another day. The Fly line does not need to be expensive for this sort of fishing for the Fly Line seldom touches the water with this way of fishing. The only time it does hit the water, is when you are hooked into a fish. You can get away with a line of a R100-R200. For Smallstreams there is good lines out there that does all sorts of things, you choose the one that suits you and the same applies for Stillwaters. For Saltwater there is also a bunch of good lines available, but for the deep there are only a few tried and trusted and they are going to cost you a few Rand.

Here are a few brands that will serve you well : Cortland, Airflo, Scientific Anglers, Rio, etc.

[E.T.]

BigG this might interest you as welll......

http://www.troutlet.com/Choosing-Fly-Line-W19.aspx

Its about choosing the correct line...

[E.T.]

What do you guys think of Abel Fly Reels?
http://www.abelreels.com/
My cousin in Cape Town use them for catching Yellowfin Tuna. Check out the photos of the monster he got on fly (5th row from the bottom - 2 photos). I think it weighed 51.7kg.
http://www.abelreels.com/wall-of-fame.html

Abel is good for Fresh and Saltwater.
The Abel Big Game Reel is highly rated. Here is something else that is also interesting and it is that the new spools and parts will fit your 20 year old reel without any mods. "Plug & Play". Do I want one? Hell yeah!!!

Tibor is fantastic and is also highly rated.

Have a look at this link, its the top 10 Reel Manufacturers....
http://flyfishing.about.com/od/gear/tp/Top-10-Fly-Reels.htm

Makes for some interesting reading

[schloshd1]

Abel is good for Fresh and Saltwater.
The Abel Big Game Reel is highly rated. Here is something else that is also interesting and it is that the new spools and parts will fit your 20 year old reel without any mods. "Plug & Play". Do I want one? Hell yeah!!!

Tibor is fantastic and is also highly rated.

Have a look at this link, its the top 10 Reel Manufacturers....
http://flyfishing.about.com/od/gear/tp/Top-10-Fly-Reels.htm

Makes for some interesting reading

Strange, I don't see Xplorer on that list 
One day when I'm big I will buy a Ross or a Galvan. In the mean time my Stealth SLA, Vision and Kilwell are adequate for what I need them for.

[E.T.]

Strange, I don't see Xplorer on that list 
One day when I'm big I will buy a Ross or a Galvan. In the mean time my Stealth SLA, Vision and Kilwell are adequate for what I need them for.

Xplorer? Can't see them hitting the top 10 spot soon

[Eric Roberts]

A mate took me fly fishing a few years back.....tried to get me to take up the fly thing. This was the first and only time I've fly fished. He bragged about his setup ( Ross reel and Loomis rod) costing over R8000 and the rod and reel he lent me (okuma plastic looking reel and explorer rod) costing less than R500. Well guess who could the most fish. Remember the first time for me on el cheapo tackle. I caught 3 ( 250-300mm)trout to his one in a 3hr session.  Just proves you do not require the fancy expensive tackle to enjoy fishing.

[Ziggy]

Way back in 1991 (in New York) I bought:
1. a 8wt Sage with a for surf with a Lamson reel(never had a problem and still going strong)
2. a 5 wt Loomis with a System 2 reel - for still waters and larger rivers (rod changed for free three times becasue of lifetime guarantee (tip broke twice becasue of my stupidity) Last change was a free upgrade because out of stock of original model

In 1997 I bought a 2 wt Orvis and Battenkill reel (rod changed one becasue of tip breaking - again my stupidity) and the new rd was upgraded for free also - because out of stock of original model

OK, I may have paid a premuim at the time:
1. for the sage and loomis plus reels$220 including 2 lines each
2. For the Orvis - about R3800 with reel and 2 lines

I once bought my son a low cost 5 wt (R1500 with reel and 2 lines)- and it feels like i am casting with a piece of spaghetti!


  In all I  would say I got good value  - I would certainly go for some name brand - although not the premium ranges (usually same blank but with bling finishes)

[BigG]

BigG this might interest you as welll......

http://www.troutlet.com/Choosing-Fly-Line-W19.aspx

Its about choosing the correct line...

Hey ET, thanks for all the info, really appreciate it
Have some cred

[E.T.]

There is one thing I would like to add and its that you must make sure that when you buy a rod that you will have back up service when something goes wrong.

I will explain. Xplorer or Jandi Trading that brings them in changes their rods form time to time from 3 Piece to 4 piece the next season and then they change it around again. Now lets say you have a Guide Series 1 and you break the tip after 2 years. Are they going to replace it? NO!!!! They are going to sell you the new model at a discounted price. Doesn't seem right if it has a Life Time Warranty, now does it? It should then be replaced by a new model if your model is discontinued, right? Well it won't happen, sorry. How can I make a statement like this? Been there, done that got the T-Shirt!

Now I can go about and rant and rave over Brands, but I am not going to do it, except for the fact that if you buy the rod and something happens it will be replaced no questions asked.

Well here is a list of the Top 10 Fly Rods based on World Record Catches...

http://flyfishing.about.com/od/gear/tp/Top-10-Fly-Rods.htm

Still not sure if you want to spend money on a brand instead?

[E.T.]

You can get a brand, but its not necessary to buy the top end brand that is going to cost you R10 000. Shop around and buy the one that suits you best.

[Ziggy]

There is one thing I would like to add and its that you must make sure that when you buy a rod that you will have back up service when something goes wrong.

I will explain. Xplorer or Jandi Trading that brings them in changes their rods form time to time from 3 Piece to 4 piece the next season and then they change it around again. Now lets say you have a Guide Series 1 and you break the tip after 2 years. Are they going to replace it? NO!!!! They are going to sell you the new model at a discounted price. Doesn't seem right if it has a Life Time Warranty, now does it? It should then be replaced by a new model if your model is discontinued, right? Well it won't happen, sorry. How can I make a statement like this? Been there, done that got the T-Shirt!

Now I can go about and rant and rave over Brands, but I am not going to do it, except for the fact that if you buy the rod and something happens it will be replaced no questions asked.

In my experience with Orvis - I was not asked to pay extra for a VERY upgraded rod. In the case of Loomis - the first time I asked for a replacement I was given an option to replace the exact rod at no cost - or to pay for an upgrade at reasonable cost - the second time, they could not replace the exact model (9years after I bought it) - and then provided me with a rod of equivalent performancce, but with upgraded trimmings - at no additonal cost). In both cases - no questions were asked as to how the rod broke

Well here is a list of the Top 10 Fly Rods based on World Record Catches...
I would assume that most of those anglers who go for world record catches will usually be those who have more $$$ than most - or would be a professional/sponsored etc angler....and  ost probably would not be buying their own rods - or will be able to afford the best (maybe do an anlysis of where they are resident and where they catch the records and then work back to see how much they "paid" to catch the record....it should be an indicator of what they can afford - or the level at whcih they are "sponsored" etc)




Still not sure if you want to spend money on a brand instead?

Maybe not if they dont replace without you paying extra! Also, many of the premium rods offer the same blank at a lower cost but not with the bling (oak butt, gold plated eyes etc)  - and I dont care what the rod looks like provided the performance is good - and any good blank - regardless of "brand" would be fine for me actually...lets not be like kids who will only wear designer clothes that perform as well as Mr Price - look at the pricing of NIKE  - and what do you get? the same shoes as those produced in the same factory in China for double the price...only differnce is the logo!

[E.T.]

Ziggy

You are spot on. The thing with premium rods is that its normally a no hassle exchange or replacement. With this thread we are discussing Entry Level vs. Premium. The entry level will catch you fish, no problem, but break a section by mistake or negligence and you will experience the Xplorer Saga. I know this for I had two entry level rods that broke and the Xplorer is the one that can't be exchanged for it is discontinued.

Now I am not spending money on upgrading to a new rod that will most likely break at some stage only to hear after two years that it can't be replaced, I must upgrade again. Now by doing this you can add the sum up and by just saving a bit I could have gone for a Premium Brand and I would not have had this problem.

The other rod was a Sensation Tempest Mark II. I broke the middle section whilst fishing and I took it back to where I bought it. Now this rod wasn't 6 months old. I gave up after 6 months of phoning and asking when will it be replaced. And this is where I decided that I am done with buying el-cheapos. Just for interest sake, the fault doesn't lie at the Tackle Store.

All rod manufacturers state their Warranties and this is the most important thing to know when you decide on that new rod purchase. Will I ever buy another Xplorer or a Stealth or a Sensation? No, I might pay the store to keep it without selling it to anyone else.

I do know of someone that went to an Xplorer Sponsored event and this oke took his rod(cause he had some problems with the thing and complained without being attended to) and broke it in front of the people representing Xplorer and said that they must take this junk and shove it up some alley.

Now I have no problem with someone bringing in rods from Korea and branding it like Stealth and Xplorer does, but what I can't stand is the poor service that goes with it, cause it seems like these people are making a lot of money and they just don't care about the few that has a problem that needs sorting out.

So yes I am now a converted Premium Brand Tart for good reason.

The World Records are not my opinion, but it should be a good guideline to work by when purchasing that new rod. The thing with Records, etc. is that these people that chase IGFA records are sponsored by Brands. Why? Cause just about anything sells when someone famous is using it. Would Pepsi sell if they had a fat ugly guy drinking it in their commercial? No! But it will sell when Jennifer Aniston is sipping it ever so preciously.

[Herman Jooste]

Ziggy

.I do know of someone that went to an Xplorer Sponsored event and this oke took his rod(cause he had some problems with the thing and complained without being attended to) and broke it in front of the people representing Xplorer and said that they must take this junk and shove it up some alley.

I remember that little episode very well.  

Needless to say I have never been invited back to attend any Elgro LM, or SM festival since.

No worries, there;s always Christiana, as well as the Sterkies festivals.

[E.T.]

Ja-nee my Oompie that move sure as hell takes guts. No wonder Elbe is so glad to sponsor you. Bring those new samples to the Vaal on the 5th, cause I would like to see what the guys in the white cloaks are up to at Elbe with regards to their ground breaking technology.

[schloshd1]

Ziggy

You are spot on. The thing with premium rods is that its normally a no hassle exchange or replacement. With this thread we are discussing Entry Level vs. Premium. The entry level will catch you fish, no problem, but break a section by mistake or negligence and you will experience the Xplorer Saga. I know this for I had two entry level rods that broke and the Xplorer is the one that can't be exchanged for it is discontinued.

Now I am not spending money on upgrading to a new rod that will most likely break at some stage only to hear after two years that it can't be replaced, I must upgrade again. Now by doing this you can add the sum up and by just saving a bit I could have gone for a Premium Brand and I would not have had this problem.

The other rod was a Sensation Tempest Mark II. I broke the middle section whilst fishing and I took it back to where I bought it. Now this rod wasn't 6 months old. I gave up after 6 months of phoning and asking when will it be replaced. And this is where I decided that I am done with buying el-cheapos. Just for interest sake, the fault doesn't lie at the Tackle Store.

All rod manufacturers state their Warranties and this is the most important thing to know when you decide on that new rod purchase. Will I ever buy another Xplorer or a Stealth or a Sensation? No, I might pay the store to keep it without selling it to anyone else.

I do know of someone that went to an Xplorer Sponsored event and this oke took his rod(cause he had some problems with the thing and complained without being attended to) and broke it in front of the people representing Xplorer and said that they must take this junk and shove it up some alley.

Now I have no problem with someone bringing in rods from Korea and branding it like Stealth and Xplorer does, but what I can't stand is the poor service that goes with it, cause it seems like these people are making a lot of money and they just don't care about the few that has a problem that needs sorting out.

So yes I am now a converted Premium Brand Tart for good reason.

The World Records are not my opinion, but it should be a good guideline to work by when purchasing that new rod. The thing with Records, etc. is that these people that chase IGFA records are sponsored by Brands. Why? Cause just about anything sells when someone famous is using it. Would Pepsi sell if they had a fat ugly guy drinking it in their commercial? No! But it will sell when Jennifer Aniston is sipping it ever so preciously.

Koos, I find it strange what you say about the service from Jandi and Stealth as my experiences with them have been very positive.  When ever I have to deal with them I have found their service excellent. I have never waited more than 4 days for replacement sections from Jandi and with Stealth I have just gone to their office near Linden and collected replacement sections.
Maybe I just got lucky with regards to service?

[E.T.]

The force is strong with you

Maybe its because you smiled and waved or maybe they felt intimidated by you somehow?

I had my fair share of ups and downs with both and I really can't see myself going through that again. Yes Jandi will replace a section on a new rod. They won't if its a Classic I or one of their older models. This I have in writing from Jandi themselves.

If you love it and you got good service, I am really glad for you, cause you are one of the lucky ones.

[E.T.]

Andrew remind me to tell you something about the crap I have gone through to get a skew blank replaced, when we fish the Vaal on the 5th. I will show you how it came out though.