Any Fly Fisherman? I Need Your Opinions!

[HLNichols]

I am an avid trout fisherman in search of a new fly rod and reel. I have been researching for the past few months, trying to decide upon which rod and reel to purchase. I had it narrowed down to three choices and was almost prepared to purchase when, in the newspaper, I saw a Cabela's sales ad announcing a "CLOSEOUT DOORBUSTER SALE," and, being the cheap person I am, decided to look through it. To my surprise, I found the Redington CPX Rod advertised for only $150 (my original price range) when it is usually around $300! What a bargain!! Does anyone have experience with this rod to know if it is a worthy purchase? If so, any input is appreciated! Thanks in advance, fellow fly fishermen/women!

 

Link to the rod: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Redington-CPX-Fly-Rods/711649.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dredington%2BCPX%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=redington+CPX&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[flyfisher]

Never fished or cast that one....sorry.

[gr8outdoorz]

I personally haven't cast one either, however most rods in the $300 range are quality rods . Im sure Cabela's has a good return policy. You could buy it, try it, and if its not the rod you wanted then return it. Good luck!

[HLNichols]

That's what I figured. Moreover, it has a lifetime warranty from Redington. From what I can tell, its an unpopular replacement to the CPS, a very popular model. Is this true? I have also heard it is basically a Sage XP, just rebranded.

[Bangin' Bucketmouths]

I have a friend whose father has that rod I think. It must be good because he uses it often and has never complained about it.

[flyfisher]

Now if you can confirm it is a sage XP, since they bought reddington, then I would get it in a second. I have a 7wt XP and I love that rod and actually would probably pick up one to add to my own collection as well

[HLNichols]

Now if you can confirm it is a sage XP, since they bought reddington, then I would get it in a second. I have a 7wt XP and I love that rod and actually would probably pick up one to add to my own collection as well

I spoke to a sales associate at Cabela's (whom I remotely know). He said after he casted one and noticed its similarity to the XP, he called a Redington sales rep who said, "Well I can't truthfully say it's NOT an XP, but I can't legally tell you it is!" So... I guess Sage didn't want to do away with a good product!!!

[flyfisher]

If that is the case, then i would go for it without hesitation.  I do wonder though if it is the exact same as all Sage rods are made in the US and Reddington are made in Korea i believe. 

 

For the price though, it is worth at least trying it out.

[HLNichols]

If that is the case, then i would go for it without hesitation.  I do wonder though if it is the exact same as all Sage rods are made in the US and Reddington are made in Korea i believe. 

 

For the price though, it is worth at least trying it out.

I suppose there is no way of knowing unless I try it out! I think I am going to purchase it and give it a shot. Any thoughts on a reel to purchase with it? I was looking at the Lambson Konic II and the Sage 1800.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I spoke to a sales associate at Cabela's (whom I remotely know). He said after he casted one and noticed its similarity to the XP, he called a Redington sales rep who said, "Well I can't truthfully say it's NOT an XP, but I can't legally tell you it is!" So... I guess Sage didn't want to do away with a good product!!!

 

I know exactly what sales rep. you are referring to (he told me the same thing).  I was at the Charleston store looking for a fly rod for musky and he referred me to a Redington Predator.  I asked him where they were on the rack and he said that Cabelas doesn't sell them.  I really liked his honesty and when I did find a place that sold the Predator, I was really impressed.  Though, I have not exactly used that rod, I can say that my experience with Redington Rods has been a very positive one.  Good luck in your search.

[flyfisher]

I like Lamson myself but there are a lot of good reels out there.  Honestly though in fishing for trout the reel is somewhat irrelevant as it will only store line in 99.9% of the fish caught.  

 

I am also surprised that someone liked the predator....when i cast it i hated it.  Had no feel and felt like a broomstick, was to stiff.  Now the Sage Bass II series...that is a different story and one of my favorite sticks of all time.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I like Lamson myself but there are a lot of good reels out there.  Honestly though in fishing for trout the reel is somewhat irrelevant as it will only store line in 99.9% of the fish caught.  

 

I am also surprised that someone liked the predator....when i cast it i hated it.  Had no feel and felt like a broomstick, was to stiff.  Now the Sage Bass II series...that is a different story and one of my favorite sticks of all time.

 

I agree with the Lamson recommendation.  I have 10 fly rods and everyone has a Lamson on it.

 

As far as the Predator goes (I have a 10 wt.), I am casting 10+ inch flies and I wanted a really stiff rod, which it fits the bill.  I don't think I would want one for anything else.

[HLNichols]

I know exactly what sales rep. you are referring to (he told me the same thing).  I was at the Charleston store looking for a fly rod for musky and he referred me to a Redington Predator.  I asked him where they were on the rack and he said that Cabelas doesn't sell them.  I really liked his honesty and when I did find a place that sold the Predator, I was really impressed.  Though, I have not exactly used that rod, I can say that my experience with Redington Rods has been a very positive one.  Good luck in your search.

The sales team in the Cabela's fly fishing department here in Charleston is phenomenal. All of them are seasoned, experienced anglers with a vast knowledge of gear and equipment. 

 

Thanks for the input about the rod and reel, everyone! Good to know that even on a bass forum, there are fellow fly fishermen who know a lot about the sport. I am fairly new at it; although I have fly fished for 2-3 years, I have only purchased one rod before. I appreciate all of your opinions and suggestions. I think I will go to the sale at 8 a.m. Saturday and try to nab one before they're all bought up. I'll let you guys know how it works out, since closeout sales are common though this time of year. Perhaps a review of it (which I have failed to find ANYWHERE) will be needed. 

[flyfisher]

Also be sure to check out www.sierratradingpost.com for deals.  They always have great deals on reel in there.

[HLNichols]

Cabela's has a Scientific Angler's System 4 reel on sale for $150. I had no clue SA made reels. Decent product?

[flyfisher]

I have an older one that was decent but not worth 150 so not sure what this one is like and the one i had is probably pushing 15 years old now.

[HLNichols]

Didn't seem like an impressive product. SA should probably stick with lines, floatants, and the like. 

[flyfisher]

Fly reels for trout and even bass fishing are a curse. You really don't need anything fancy because it is nothing more than a line storing counterweight for the rod but a well made fly reel is a thing of beauty....my sage bass II just wouldn't look right without a lamson and my 7wt XP would feel wrong without my Galvan

Good luck and get what you want and like and you will be more than happy

[HLNichols]

Thanks for all the input! I really appreciate it. You've been extremely helpful with information about these products!

[gr8outdoorz]

Thanks for all the input! I really appreciate it. You've been extremely helpful with information about these products!

 

I am partial to Ross Reels. They are built for a lifetime of use. I use Ross Evolution Lt's on almost all my rods, however they are about $325. Ross does make a reel called the FlyRise that is about $125-150 that is a good reel. I agree with everyone else about not needing an expensive reel for small/medium trout, bluegill, and bass. I hunt trophy size (25"+) Browns so I tend to put them on the reel as I am usually using light lines (6X & 7X tippet).

Good luck & welcome to the addiction!!

[HLNichols]

I am partial to Ross Reels. They are built for a lifetime of use. I use Ross Evolution Lt's on almost all my rods, however they are about $325. Ross does make a reel called the FlyRise that is about $125-150 that is a good reel. I agree with everyone else about not needing an expensive reel for small/medium trout, bluegill, and bass. I hunt trophy size (25"+) Browns so I tend to put them on the reel as I am usually using light lines (6X & 7X tippet).

Good luck & welcome to the addiction!!

How about the Sage 1800 series reels? Are they decent? 

Link: http://www.sageflyfish.com/fly-fishing-reels/all-water/1800/

On sale at Cabelas for $90

[gr8outdoorz]

How about the Sage 1800 series reels? Are they decent? 

Link: http://www.sageflyfish.com/fly-fishing-reels/all-water/1800/

On sale at Cabelas for $90

 

I have never fished the 1800 but the Sage reels I have fished were nice and Sage stands behind their products 100% with great customer service. That seems to be a good price for it.

 

The one thing you want to make sure of on a fly reel is that the frame is all metal construction which that one is. For what you will be using it for I  doubt you would be unhappy with it.

 

Also take a look at the Temple Fork Outfitters BVK reel. I have the BVK III on my 8wt St Croix Legend Ultra and it is a sweet reel. You can probably find the BVK I (it is sized for 4wt/5wt) for around $135-160.

 

As long as you get one that is machined metal frame you are going to be happy with it for a long time. I used a $40 reel for about 15 years before I started purely hunting trophies and upgraded to stronger/smoother drag systems.

 

Good luck!

[HLNichols]

I have never fished the 1800 but the Sage reels I have fished were nice and Sage stands behind their products 100% with great customer service. That seems to be a good price for it.

 

The one thing you want to make sure of on a fly reel is that the frame is all metal construction which that one is. For what you will be using it for I  doubt you would be unhappy with it.

 

Also take a look at the Temple Fork Outfitters BVK reel. I have the BVK III on my 8wt St Croix Legend Ultra and it is a sweet reel. You can probably find the BVK I (it is sized for 4wt/5wt) for around $135-160.

 

As long as you get one that is machined metal frame you are going to be happy with it for a long time. I used a $40 reel for about 15 years before I started purely hunting trophies and upgraded to stronger/smoother drag systems.

 

Good luck!

Thanks for the help, good sir! I'll definitely check those options. Like you said, the like basically just holds line unless you hook a big fish. I like the idea of having the availability of extra spools in case I switch tapers or go to a weighted line for any reason. 

[Lucky Craft Man]

The one thing you want in any reel (low cost or not) is a sealed drag system.  There is nothing worse than dipping your reel in a turbid stream and have fines around your drag disc.  I think the Sage 1800 has a sealed drag, which will serve you sell. 

[flyfisher]

I am partial to Ross Reels. They are built for a lifetime of use. I use Ross Evolution Lt's on almost all my rods, however they are about $325. Ross does make a reel called the FlyRise that is about $125-150 that is a good reel. I agree with everyone else about not needing an expensive reel for small/medium trout, bluegill, and bass. I hunt trophy size (25"+) Browns so I tend to put them on the reel as I am usually using light lines (6X & 7X tippet).

Good luck & welcome to the addiction!!

Ross does make a nice reel....I had a Ross Colorado that was given to me by a guide and that thing lasted forever. Still have it and even break it out once in a while.