WFS 133 – How to Choose A Fly Rod with Travis Duddles – Gorge Fly Shop, Hood River, Deschutes, Trout Fishing, G Loomis, Echo
Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/133
Travis Duddles who owns the Gorge Fly Shop describes how to choose a fly rod. Travis, who opened the fly shop at age 17, shares his story of how he has built a great local fly shop out of Hood River.
Find out what the first thing you should be thinking about when starting to need a new fly rod. We break down each of the different levels and price ranges of rods and what you get from each.
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Show Notes with Travis Duddles
– Travis notes the Echo Carbon in $150 range and the Redington Vice in the $200 range. The Sage Foundation is in the $300 range and a first step in the US made rods. Click here to get a free fly line with your Sage Foundation Purchase
– The Sage Pulse, G Loomis IMX Pro, the Scott Flex and the Thomas and Thomas Zone are great rods in the $500 range.
– Winston Air, The G Loomix NRS+, The Sage X, The Sage LL are good rods in the $900 range.
– The Loomis Asquith is a great rod in the over a $1000 range
– I noted George Cook and Tom Larimer who were both on the podcast in past episodes. George is the Sage Rep. and Tom is the sales manager for G Loomis.
– The RIO Gold and RIO Grand are two great lines that can be used with some of the rods we covered today.
– The Scientific Angler Amplitude Smooth lines up with medium fast or fast rods.
– We talked about the Cortland 444 line that was the all around line back in the day.
– The Sage Spectrum C is a great line for the trout rod setup we are covering today.
– We talk about using the wrist in a cast and Steve Rajeff and other great fly casters.
– The Gorge doesn’t carry fly materials anymore but Hareline is nearby.
– Here’s the link to the outfits that are pre built that Travis notes.
– Steelhead Bum is still up and running and was the goto spot for the steelhead fly angler.
you can find Travis at the Gorge Fly Shop
Resources Noted in the Show
The Rod Packages Noted
Videos Noted in the Show
Conclusion with Travis Duddles
Travis Duddles shares his best tips on choosing a fly rod. We focus on a number of rods that would work great for you if you’re in the market for a new rod. Travis tells the Gorge Fly Shop story and how he opened the doors at the age of 17.
Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/133
