Opinions: 14 ft 8 wts

[Cal]

Gents,

I am interested in acquiring a medium sized rod to round out my CA collection which is flush with 5-6-7's.

I am interested in your opinions of rods in the range of 14 ft 8 wts or thereabouts.

So far my favorites are my Scott LS-2 12 ft 5 wt and my Gary Anderson (recent generation) 13'1" 6 wt, to give you a brief idea of my preferences.

Thanks for any information that you can share.

[aaron]

If you're budget allows it the Burkie 8139 is hard to beat. Stiff in the tip with some flex in the butt. Underload it for a crisp fast feel if you like to throw it off the tip. Overload it if you like a deep load with a relaxed casting stroke. Can't think of another rod in that class I like much more.

[Don Powell]

I echo what Aaron says about the Burkheimer 8139-3 but found "my little bit of heaven" with Kerry's 8142-4 because I find shorter rod tubes "travel" better.

My favorite lines on the 8142 are the CND GPS 7/8, Airflo NW Skagit 7/8, and Airflo Compact Skagit 510..."different strokes for different folks" but this gives you an idea where to start if you you are seriously considering this set-up...

I am so enamored of this rod that for the first and only time in my spey casting days (since 1994) I have two of these.

Hope this helps...

Don

[aaron]

Ah totally forgot about that rod Don. Had a chance to cast it a while back, and well, it's a burkie

[Adam Grace]

I've been out of the spey game for a while but I remember really liking those Scott LS rods. My favorite rod though is a Scott 12'8" 7wt, it's my baby!

[Terry Thomas]

Brian,
Tough to beat both Aaron and Don's suggestions. However, I'll throw out a few more, just for fun. A rod that has been out for awhile is the Sage VT-2 8139. A "work horse" for the price. A rod released last year: Sage Z-Axis 8134, a close cousin to the 8129. You might also consider the Beulah 1368-4. Very nice casting rod. A rod that is a little shorter, but is the benchmark in the 7/8 range: Winston B2X 1337-8 4piece. Finally, I can't leave out Gary Anderson's 1368-4. This is Gary's favorite 8 wt. and a fun one to cast. Talk to you at the shop...Go CAL!
T.

[Cal]

Thanks! for all the provocative information, lots to think about and many new rods to cast. Some of your suggestions I would not have thought of without your mention. One of the great strengths of this forum and the reason I enjoy it so much is the wealth of experience and everyone's willingness to share.

I may have to contact a few of you to see if I can cast some of your suggestions.

Thanks again,

Brian