Euro Nymph Rod?

[KRKaloz]

First let me say the "Brain Trust" on this board is second to none on the net. From well known guides to shop owners, US FF team members (youth and adult) to past and present US team coaches!!! Not to take away anything from the "average" poster but damn Aaron you put together a solid forum!

I only stumbled on this board a few days ago but the wealth of info on comp and Euro style fishing is incredible. I have gone through A LOT of the pages and posts on this board so far and just wanted to say thanks to ALL!!

Now for my question; I am looking for an "all round" Euro rod. With that said I realize that there are many techniques and styles. If I wanted to solely concentrate on Spanish I could opt for the 10-11' 2-3wt and for just Polish maybe a 10' 5wt would do. I will also caveat that if I were going to compete I would want the individual option that each of these rods adds to that particular style. However, I am very intrigued with the Euro style want to elevate my game to the next level! I know NOTHING is a substitute for time on the water but having the right tools makes the task a whole lot easier. Right now I am using a 8’9” 5 wt Winston LT and I am catching fish (seams I caught a whole lot more with Loren telling me set…set… funny how that works!!!) but like I said I am looking to take the next step.

With all that said I was leaning toward a TFO pro 10' 5wt. After reading many of the posts here I am thinking a Greyes 10' 4wt might be the middle ground I am looking for. Thoughts/ Opinions???

Most of my fishing is done on Central Pa waters in search of wild browns!

Thanks guys!


K2

[AaronJasper]

You would be ok with the Greys. The TFO is too stiff and does not do well with light tippets. The only problem with the inexpensive rods are that they are tip heavy and need a large reel to balance them properly.

[JUICE]

Glad you like the site. We have all those people on the site??? I thought it was a bunch of bums!

Actually, we are all lucky to have this resource in our lives.

[alanb_ct]

K2: I agree the Greys Streamflex 10ft 4wt is the best all around rod for the money. It will enable you to Euro nymph long and short line, but also roll cast an indicator if you need to. Plus, it is a solid value, at $300 and comes with a really nice cloth case. The build quality is at, or exceeds, that of Temple Fork. In fact, I believe that Grays is probably already taking away market share from Temple Fork. I also have the 10ft 5wt TFO rod, but it feels so heavy in my hand, I rarely use it!

[Adam]

I was just talking to Aaron about this last night. I own the 10 foot TFO...it is a great rod to learn on....but I am definitely going to get another rod. The Grey's is on the list...but I am looking at others. The TFO..is heavy, there is a definite limitation to its' sensitivity. If you are on the fence about the technique...it is a good rod to learn on without breaking the bank. Plenty available on the secondary market. I picked mine up for less than 100 bucks. I love the technique and am now upgrading the rod to suit my needs.

Net/Net...if just starting out...the TFO is fine. Long term you will want another rod if you stick with it.

Adam

[Dr. BlueDun]

I am little new to the Czech style of nymphing---however I have found that my TFO 10' 5 wt, with Ross 5/6 reel is about as balanced as any combo I own. The sensitivity is there for me as of yet, and I have enjoyed my first few times out with the rod. In fact this coming weekend I am on the Willowemoc, in Sullivan County NY, enjoying my club's property and surroundings. I will be using my TFO almost exclusively again this weekend to tempt the holdovers into battle. I suppose that I will eventually declare the rod not as sensitive as I prefer and may shift to a "better" rod. We often find on internet fishing sites the "new" kid (rod) on the street has people flocking to it by natural instinct (follow the leader syndrome). To me, right at the present, "sensitivity" refers to my eyes watching the leader and sighter as carefully as I can in order to spot the pick up. JMHO 8)

[dylanmjones23]

I also have a TFO 10' 5wt paired with a Redington SV. I have really enjoyed the combo and find it to be quite sensitive, especially for my first experience with a 10' rod. I am just getting into Euro-nymphing and this combo has been great. It also can turn over huge indicator and shot rigs when I need a rest from extending my arm or when the situation dictates. While it may not be the perfect niche rod it is a good all purpose one.

Dylan

[Jkilroy]

I'm in K2.

[Davyfly]

I many respect rod choice is a very personal thing, what works for one may not for another.
Saying that there are certainly rods that do have more practical use for given techniques that's for sure, and l am very much that way when it comes to rods for wet and soft hackle fishing, as l know it will make a big difference once you know how to handle that rod.

i for one can deal with heavy long rods for the simple reason l have fished with them for some 40 years and have the developed arm muscle.
But l also know new comers to long rods may well find them fatiguing at times to use.
A light rid is not either always the answer. If there is a weight balance of reel and line weight that balances the outfit many of the problems will be solved, however when a long rod is help at arms length for lone periods of time then again it does amount to getting used to doing it.

For those of you who are having some issues try this. Go get one of the low cost 10 lb dumbbell weights from Walmart, and learn to hold this out at arms length and while doing exercises to strengthen your arm muscles.

If you get real good you might even get to 20lb.

It was one of the ways l built up my casting arm when competitive casting interested me also.

Both rods talked about here are good uns.

Davy

[alanb_ct]

Davy,

Thanks for the exercise tip! I have also been using a Dyna-Flex PowerBall Gyro with excellent results. The gyro develops 38lbs of force from angular momentum and forces you to work and rotate your casting wrist to keep it going. It is more of a gentle, sustained workout. These workouts may also help if you have trouble with tennis elbow (tendonitis).