Boogle Bug Bassin' |
USA Built Under $500 - Article 12262016
This article series is intended to review Fly Fishing Rods and Reels under $500. The criteria for these reviews is that the actual product is tested in real world fishing conditions. They are not just wiggled in the showroom or cast in parking lot / show pond setting.
In doing some research I realized there are a few rods that demand our attention. They fit a budget, provide fish-able actions and are made in USA by top well known manufactures such as Sage, Scott and Winston. My goal is to fish a few of these rods and report what I find. In this article I will review the...
Scott Tidal 890-4
$495 (Scale Weight 4.2 oz) (Weight not published)Handcrafted in Montrose, Colorado |
This statement describes the Scott Tidal. I had to slow my stroke a little and "wait for it" but it recovers strong and delivers the goods with authority. I feel this rod action is ideal for situations such as winter redfishing, bass bugging and large streamers. It loads progressively deep while providing the angler with ample feedback to adjust one's stroke to match the required cast. The same action is super friendly with a short cast so often associated with winter redfishing. I would consider the Tidal to be a great rod for less experienced casters but not at all disappointing to a seasoned parking lot champion.
Deer Hair & Toothy Critters |
Is the Tidal a 100 foot tight loop pro casting stick? No! If that's what you want/need then get the Scott Meridian. The Tidal is a rod that will let you relax, breathe and take in the scenery and don't fret over making "the cast". Just reach for it and let it happen. It probably is a stick that fits more anglers than most anglers are willing to admit.
Feather Game Changers |
A bit about line choices
For the upcoming 2017 year you are going to see many new articles from us on this subject of line choices. No longer is it as easy as just buying the weight line that matches the rod. Most lines today are bumped in size, some as much as 2 line sizes and I even know of one line that is bumped 3 sizes. It's not all a bad thing. Modern high modulus graphite rods work over a wider grain range than ever and we as anglers further push the limits of fly size that places greater demands from rods and lines.
I'll write more about this subject in the near future but for now I challenge you to try something. If you have a few rods and line choices in similar sizes I want you to take a 7 weight line and try it on an eight weight and vice versa. Or a 5 on a 6 weight or a 6 on a 5 weight. Whatever you have to test this out with. You might be amazed at the results. You might find a new personality in your favorite rod or you may find a love with a rod you previously couldn't connect with.
Ditch the Yarn...
Aluminum Tube |
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