Carol Northcut | Wednesday, 13 July 2022
Other than the obvious differences of price and complexity, buying a new fly rod is a lot like buying a new home.
As a couple of you know, last month my Scott Radian 6 wt. was stolen with my well-used Ross Evolution reel, leaving me with two orphaned spools. I was heartbroken and still am. It had become so much a part of my life, practicing with it every day for more than two years as I “retooled” my cast and worked to prepare for the CI exam. It had become my comfortable go-to fly rod for practicing and teaching. For a few reasons, I will not be able to get another, including the fact that they are not made anymore. I’ve begun the process of trying new rods: This one is too stiff; this one is too noodley past 40 feet; this one’s tip flex isn’t quite what I want; this one is great but not meant to be cast beyond 65’ and besides it’s too expensive; this one is just junk. So, for now, I am settling until I can save and have the budget to buy the one I want.
Two weeks after my beloved rod was stolen, we went up north almost to the Canadian border, to look for our next home and adventure in life. We took all our fishing gear, but never wet a line. We spent our time looking at homes, which was very interesting: We found ourselves saying “This one is the right house, but the wrong location”; “this one is the right location but the wrong house”; “this one is close to the ‘Great Bear Wilderness’ and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad”; “this one is too expensive”; or “this one is just junk.” So, we ended up settling for the best we could that met our most important criteria. Nothing is perfect when your budget it limited. Regardless of what you get, you become accustomed to it and it becomes home. And the same is true of many fly rods. Buy the best you can that meets your most important criteria.
Our current home is under contract and we hope to be moved by September, and starting a new adventure in more northern climes where there is plenty of water.