Rod Advice for a Newbie

[Bruce Berman]

Got a buddy down here in southern AZ who is gonna ask his wife for a spey rod for his upcoming birthday. He asked me for advice but I'm worthless on this matter and told him I'd post the question.

John wants to use the rod in AK for silvers up to about 15 lbs and steelies that will generally be smaller than 12 lbs. He was quite frustrated on our last trip when the silvers were rolling about 5-10 feet past his casting range.

He usually fishes fast rods and I think the max he wants his bride to spend is about $400.

What should I tell him, switch or spey? Which models?

I have no idea where the hell he plans to practice, but I have some videos he can borrow. We have a lake about an hour away, and there's real grass in our city park.

Gracias.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Have them call our shop M-F and ask for Jason or Terry.

Toll free USA = 1-800-400-0359

I would say a 13' #7 Spey rod would be a good choice with a Skagit head and a selection of different sink-rate tips.

[Anne Vitale]

I agree with Bill that a 13', #7/8 would be a good start. However, for a line I would avoid a long belly line in favor of a Scandi line (Skagit lines are for deeper flows and not for rolling cohos) followed by a good running line and an assortment of sink tips. I'm sure the guys at the Kiene's shop will know all about this sort of thing and be glad to help with particulars.......Anne

[Willisbrow]

the tfo deer creek series are great rods and i think they start at 350.

[Terry Thomas]

Bruce,
There has been a lot of introductions in the industry in the last few years. When I think of AK and salmon, I would lean towards a rod with a little more "beef" than a 7/8. I would remommend something in the 8 range for sure and wouldn't hesitate to even go with an 8/9. In AK, you always need to consider weather conditions and a little more rod just might be a good thing. Since you mentioned that your friend prefers something on the fast side, here's a few ideas.

[B]Echo TR series: 13'6" 8wt. $350.
Redington CPX series: 13'3" 8wt. $399.
TFO Deer Creek series: 13'6" 8/9wt. $359.

A more deep loading rod, Echo's Dec Hogan series: 13'3" 8wt. $350

Less fast than the TR or TFO DC, however, just a super casting rod with a little more in the price range: Beulah Classic series: 13'6" 8/9wt. $435.

Lastly, Gary Anderson certainly makes one of the top rods in the industry. His Explorer series comes close to your price range and is more of a moderate flex pattern (IMO).
Explorer: 13'3" 8wt. $435.

I'll be in the shop next Tue.-Thurs.
Thanks,
Terry

[Bruce Berman]

We'll see if he actually does this. Now, if I can only get him to OR or WA, or better yet AK or BC for some steelheading.

[shawn kempkes]

We'll see if he actually does this. Now, if I can only get him to OR or WA, or better yet AK or BC for some steelheading.


I know a place to stay that is right on the river. lol

[Bruce Berman]

I don't get it, Shawn. PM me to explain.

[Darrin.Deel]

go with the deer creek or on of gary andersons rods