Thoughts on a combo

[littlefish]

Hey guys,

Going up to Portland area next month and I'm thinking of getting a heavier rod good for beginners. Looking at the Reddington combo. Either Path or Crosswater because I really don't want to break the bank here.

Path offers a saltwater option. Can I use a salt water reel on the Columbia or is that a no no? (I hate the idea of changing lines/rigs because I'm horrible at knots still)

Also, these combos break down to 4 and 2 piece. What is the difference there? Does it change the strength of the rod or Reddington just wants to charge me more for a 2 piece?

[Benny]

The 4 piece is always nice when transporting. For saltwater rod, one with a fighting butt is nice as well.

I sometimes use my TFO TiCr X 6wt while float tubing crowley, especially when stripping streamers. There's no rule that says you need to use certain rods and reels. We use what we can afford and what works for us.

I say go for it and use that reel and rod as a multi use rod, fresh or salt water. It saves you money.

[WanderingBlues]

"Salt" gear can get expensive because you're looking at sealed bearings, high quality drag systems, etc. However, there are some viable options as long as you wash down your gear after use.

For price and quality, check out Echo Fly Rods and reels. $190 for a salt worth stick, and about $80 for a salt worthy reel. PLUS, they are based just across the river from Portland in Vancouver.

http://www.echoflyfishing.com/html/rod_category_details.php?category_id=3&page_id=15&product_type=1

There's no fax paux about using 'salt' gear in freshwater because it all has to do with weights. My 8wt has been in the surf and sees use on big Cutt lakes, as well as steelhead waters. Just take care of what you get and avoid reels with plastic parts, unsealed drags, etc. And 4 piece is way better for transport.

[briansII]

First off, welcome to the asylum.

I think either one of the Redington combos will work fine. Without knowing exactly what water you plan to fish in Or., generically speaking, I think an 8wt outfit is a good step up. It'll be an all purpose, big water/fish rod for freshwater, and a light to medium duty saltwater rod. You can use it for big water trout in the Columbia, off the beaches in PNW for cutties and salmon, or back home on the SoCal beaches. What others said about 2 vs 4 pieces, and salt vs fresh.

briansII

[littlefish]

Thanks guys! Will definitely consider those options.

Do I need to wash my line and take extra steps after fishing the surf?

Hopefully Redondo/Torrance will open soon. Darn tar balls!

[87TT]

I don't get to saltwater as often as I like but do enjoy it. My rig is an Echo II 9' 8wt rod and a Cabelas Three Forks 789 reel. The reel has been discontinued but can still be found on Ebay and such. It's carbon and has a decent drag. The best thing is it has sealed bearings. Just wash it off with fresh water and your good to go. My thought is spend a little more on the rod. As was said, get a fighting butt on the rod.

[Ants]

I have a few 2-piece rods and have found no big difference between using them and the 4-piece rods. Since the 2-piece seem to be less in favor, the prices may be significantly lower. One of the 2-piece rods will go as a hurricane tamer (if needed) on the FFA high country opener trip.

I also built an 8-foot one piece fiberglass rod since the blank was available. The logistics of using that rod are notable. However, there is the option to add a splice and make it into a 2-piece, but the one piece is an interesting option.

After the first rod or two, you may become more selective since the "gotta have it now" impulse may cool. Some rods are better suited for different fishing, but I would never hesitate to use what you have.

Ants

[littlefish]

Hey guys!

Ended up getting the 4 piece 8wt Redington Path with a fighting butt from ReelFlyRod.

I'll let you guys know when I catch a whale with this!

Thanks again for all tips and suggestions!

[k9mark]

Take a look at the TFO Mangrove

[littlefish]

Got my combo in the mail yesterday and tried it out this morning just 'down the street'

Didnt catch anything, but had so much fun! Definitely need to take a surf clinic to figure out what the heck I should be doing!

[Wildman]

Nice rod and great beach. Looking forward to seeing your first fish.

[BrownBear]

That's a worthy combo! Just be aware that salt fishing is at least as addictive as inland fishing!

The surf clinic is a very, very good idea. Not only will it help you find and catch fish, it will help you sort the challenges of waves and constantly changing currents out where the fish are, but also around your legs where your fly line gives free macrame lessons!