Greatly appreciate all of the suggestions! I will definitely check out a few of the great shops we have local.

If “Custom Made” is in fact a brand they may have a very generous warranty like Orvis does with their no questions asked 100% replacement. I have used their warranty on 2 different occasions…(don’t ask!).

In the first place, nothing you buy today is going to be anything like your Grandfather's fly rod; today's rods are going to be infinitely superior. Even fairly inexpensive ones. Some older rods had a certain feel and/or action that modern rods might not be able to replicate, but it would be a very individual and subjective judgement if you liked a very old rod, and it would be based upon a lot of experience with it.

I've been fishing for over sixty years, most of it including fly fishing, and I have a lot of fly rods, most of them high-end. But none that I have bought more recently than about five or six years ago, and most were bought about twenty years ago. So I am not really up to date on the latest developments. That said, I think YellowJacket is spot on with his assessment. I think St. Croix does a good job with moderate-priced rods (I have a few of their spinning and saltwater rods), and Lefty Kreh, who knew a thing or two about fly casting, was instrumental in the development of TFO's rods. Both of those companies have a good reputation for moderate-priced rods. And, as much as I like Orvis, (I had an Orvis Battenkill split bamboo fly rod when I was a teenager), I think there are better places to look than their low-end rods.

All this said, the simple way to do it, as others have suggested, is to go to a good local fly shop and try them out. It's the only way to know how they will feel to you, and that's what counts. Good luck.

Jay, my brother said to call him if you would like. I can give you his number if you wish to do so. Email me if you want to talk fly rods with him. He will steer you to the best person. He has connections. And is a great guy. If not, no sweat. Thanks, orc

I fished a Orvis Clearwater a month ago when my tip on the Sage broke. It was great for the price. I have several, high end and lower quality rods. Unless you fish a lot, high end doesn't make a difference. I have several 2 PC rods, unless it was bamboo, I may have a cheap match. Let me know.
BG

If it was that old it was probably fiberglass. If you like the slow feel of a glass rod, check out Redington's Butterstick. It's a cool rod with a classic glass tempo and feel. And right at $250.

Graphite rods are lighter and most are faster, though you can buy different flex rods.

Buy a used Sage or Winston or G. Loomis off Craigslist. Get a $500-$900 rod used for 200-300. It will be much better than any $200 new rod.

Personally I fish with Winston rods, although I still have some Sage rods from years ago. Great rods either way.

I like the shop in Sisters. Good current info on the Metolius, Deschutes and Crooked rivers.

quote:

Originally posted by amals:
In the first place, nothing you buy today is going to be anything like your Grandfather's fly rod; today's rods are going to be infinitely superior. Even fairly inexpensive ones. Some older rods had a certain feel and/or action that modern rods might not be able to replicate, but it would be a very individual and subjective judgement if you liked a very old rod, and it would be based upon a lot of experience with it.

I've been fishing for over sixty years, most of it including fly fishing, and I have a lot of fly rods, most of them high-end. But none that I have bought more recently than about five or six years ago, and most were bought about twenty years ago. So I am not really up to date on the latest developments. That said, I think YellowJacket is spot on with his assessment. I think St. Croix does a good job with moderate-priced rods (I have a few of their spinning and saltwater rods), and Lefty Kreh, who knew a thing or two about fly casting, was instrumental in the development of TFO's rods. Both of those companies have a good reputation for moderate-priced rods. And, as much as I like Orvis, (I had an Orvis Battenkill split bamboo fly rod when I was a teenager), I think there are better places to look than their low-end rods.

I agree that St. Croix makes a nice rod. I have a spinning rod and a casting rod from them - very good for a reasonable price. I don't know much about their fly rods, but would look at them.

Well, did you make a decision yet?

Take a good luck at the Temple Fork Outfitters offerings. They have great rods at your price point and come with a lifetime warranty. I have friends who are NH licensed guides and they use and recommend TFO. I have another friend who owned a fly shop and he swears by them. I have them in 2,4,5,7 and 8 weights and use them in small streams, to salmon in Scotland to stripers in the ocean. If you can, get out and try casting a variety of rods. The one that best fits your stroke likely won’t be the most expensive.

Dont know if you have decided yet but I have been very happy with my St. Croix Imperial as well as Sage 690. Sage is a little pricey though.