Might be looking for a new rod

[Sandspanker]

I may be in the market for a new rod. Thinking of going to the clearwater this next winter. possibly up to the skeena system as well. I own a Redington 7 wt 13-4 and a Echo solo 8 wt 13-0. Will either or both these rods work for the rivers I plan on going to?? Or should I buy a longer 8 wt or maybe a 9wt?? Looking at staying with the either of the 2 companies or maybe a tfo deer creek. The rs4 comes in a 9 wt as does the dec hogans or the tr spey form echo. Thanks for any and all the help. Does anyone have these rods??? What are your thoughts??

[shawn kempkes]

your current rods are more than adequate for both bc and the clearwater. If you want to try long belly lines i would suggest you look for a used sage 8150 rod or get the echo decho or deer creek 15 ft 8 wt.

[obfg]

I've fished the Bulkley, Kispiox, Copper, and Kalum the last two years with a Scott ARC 1287 and a Burkie 8134. Your rods will do just fine. As Shawn says, if you want to try long belly lines, you might want to try something a little longer. My two rods throw skagits just fine, and when I want to throw smaller summer patterns closer to the surface, I just switch to a scandi head with long leaders. It's a simpler on-the-water change-out, and not as big a jump in casting technique.

[Rick J]

as others have mentioned, it depends a bit on what line systems you are using. You certainly don't need anything heavier and if you are using short belly line systems you are good. You are probably good even with intermediate length line systems.

Due to arm and shoulder problems I don't do much long line systems anymore but I used to use the original xlt on my Scott 1287 and it had close to a 90 foot head.

[jcanger]

Rick,

I picked up this rod used a while back, and have been using a skagit line and tips for this past winter. Was wondering about pairing it with a mid-belly line/head. What are your thoughts about how the rod would handle such a setup? What's grain mid-belly is compatible with this rod? Was thinking of getting a Nextcast FF 45 for summer steelhead - any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[aaron]

Nextcast FF would probably be a very nice match. The CND 6/7 was tits on that rod.

[Rick J]

I have used the original xlt 7 (Note that Way Yin who was instrumental in developing the xlt built it around the 1287), the Delta and Delta Long 7 and they all handle nicely on that rod.

It absolutely rocks with the Skagit RIO 575 short

[jcanger]

Good to know about the CND 6/7 and the xlt and Delta lines. Thanks Aaron and Rick