Q&A | #27 - EXPENSIVE Fly Rods vs CHEAP Fly Rods ($$$ vs $) + MORE!

In this video, Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters calls out folks who claim that expensive fly rods help you catch more fish, he also breaks down the differences and histories behind the bamboo, fiberglass and graphite fly rod.
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Welcome to Mad River Outfitters, hosted by professional fly fishing guide, Brian Flechsig and his team of fly fishing guides at Mad River Outfitters. On this channel you will find honest fly fishing education, fly fishing tutorials and product reviews. We're passionate about fly fishing and that's what we hope to share here. More information about who we are can be found on our website (www.madriveroutfitters.com) and also on our Instagram (@madriveroutfitters).

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for tuning in and supporting! What type of rod do you fish with? Comment below.

[@thereallevel27]

8' #5/6 Shakespeare graphite I got at Kmart the day after I saw "A River Runs Through It"

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Adam Steffen Thanks for being here.

[@quinnkveps789]

Orvis h3f have you ever tried one? If so what do u think ?

[@derikdrinkle2084]

9 ft. 5/6 wt. Scheels combo.

[@alkinceratfafterthefly6284]

I have a few fly rods but the one I cherish the most is an old two piece true temper carbaloy (steel) that I restored about two years ago. Found it in the closet of a house that we bought from my wife's grandmother. I thought it was a curtain rod but low and behold I took it out of an old burlap bag and it was a beat up no guides, reel seat was rotten, fly rod. It's a little on the heavy side. But it's old. It looks like the ones they called the "professional" series or something like that. It has really slow action but it's almost indestructible. I only use 5 weight line on it and small flies

[@deerhunternate4304]

I like how he’s telling the truth about everything

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jacksonwilhelm2420]

Wow I wouldn’t ever expect someone to like the truth😐

[@christophergarcia636]

Jackson Wilhelm lmaooooo💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@MightyMorphinMatt]

For real. That's wildly refreshing. Integrity is a HUGE deal. I'd happily do business with this gentleman in the future.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Matt Foley Thanks so much for watching.

[@wronghandshooter]

Brian it is so refreshing to hear someone tell the truth these days than to hear someone BS you. I applaud you for your honesty and will continue to be a MRO customer.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. We appreciate the support.

[@badendings1733]

I loved that expensive rod rant Brian, your honesty and experience is incredible, you've probably forgot more than i'll ever know about fly fishing!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!

[@TheBeatenPaths]

I've been using a $40 6' Eagle Claw fly rod for 5 years now. 500 fish later, still working like a charm.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching.

[@frederickacerra7766]

I have had a 6wt Eagle claw for 30 years I have caught Bass Trout and a ton of Panfish .I will pull out the old man out again this year

[@TheBeatenPaths]

@@frederickacerra7766 That older one is likely even better than my newer one!

[@mmiller73]

An expensive fly rod may not catch more fish than a budget rod (and I think that is debatable contrary to what Brian says) but it absolutely can make fly casting more enjoyable. Anyone who has cast a premium fly rod such as a Sage, G.Loomis or Winston can attest to the absolute pleasure they are to cast and would have a very hard time going back to a cheap fly rod afterwards. Does that mean you have to buy an expensive fly rod to enjoy the sport of fly fishing and have success? No. Brian is absolutely correct about that. Get the best rod and line you can afford and then go practice and have fun. If you need to cut corners on cost do it with the reel. Unless you are going after big game like salmon or salt water you don’t need an expensive reel with a sophisticated drag.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for the input. That's pretty much what he said in the video.

[@Slickheadhunter]

I just personally hate 4 piece rods, then again I don’t travel outside New England anyway!

[@davidarnold9117]

And ladies and gentleman, that honesty, that openness, that transparency, is why I love Brian and Mad River Outfitters. Love the channel, love the shop, love the website. In short, I have grown to love all you guys. Blessings to you.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks a ton David. No BS here. We appreciate you.

[@alexandervolkov4064]

Honesty above greed - rare quality these days! Thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

"Integrity comes first. If you have that, the rest will come"- Brian Flechsig- President- Mad River Outfitters

[@alexwatson107]

it is actually an *awesome* hat... thanks for all you do guys. -Alex W.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Alec Watson Thanks! We should have more in stock soon.

[@LP-gs3xj]

One of your best episodes yet. Don’t have a bamboo rod but made a few casts with my son-in-laws bamboo rod he inherited from his grandfather. Held my breath- no accidents and you are not kidding- SLOW. It is now hung up as a conversation piece in his office.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jimmyhinAK]

Love the fact you are in the business of selling not robbing people.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

You don’t stay in business for 31 years by robbing people. Simple concept.

[@jostafro4967]

The fact that you told the truth about the expensive vs cheap rods earned my respect and my business! Awesome video as always

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@joemeyeres769]

Love your videos, your honesty and all the time and effort you take to make these videos! Keeps me entertained and increases my knowledge base for a newbie into the wonderful world of fly fishing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jogger1987]

Your honesty is refreshing. I have learned a lot from you appreciate it man !

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@lensoversavannah8765]

I love the openness and honesty. I will be getting all my fly fishing gear from your website from here on out. Thank you again.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Feel free to call the shop anytime with questions about purchases. Always happy to help.

[@andomoon]

This dude answers everything the way I want it answered. Thank you! Love it!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@andreiocneanu7788]

I may have not seen all your videos, but this must have been the funniest so far! True to the bone, too! Well done! 👍🏻

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@Keydet1992]

Watch your videos and they've been very informative. I've gone out of my way to order from you guys on a couple occasions. It's the right thing to do! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We truly appreciate it. As long as folks keep supporting the shop, we’ll keep making videos. So far, so good.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

Brian, you are my favorite KZbinr. You’re just straightforward and knowledgeable. It’s like getting advice from a family member of very good friend. I have signed up to Mad River’s email list, subscribed to the channel and have items in my cart although I haven’t taken the plunge as of yet, mostly because I won’t be fly fishing until next summer. I look forward to watching more of your videos. ✌🏽🙏🏽🤙🏽🐟🎣

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Let us know when ready and we'll be happy to help.

[@davidbuck5695]

I'm VERY impressed with your honesty I will do my best to help support y'all thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@TheRealChetManley]

Appreciate the honesty from this channel and Brian. Best fly fishing channel on KZbin...i will spend money with Mad River in the future. You guys seem like good people.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

TheRealChetManley Thanks! We certainly try to be.

[@singlestarfarms4132]

This is one of my favorite episodes. Great Job!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!!

[@sickunit2096]

These videos are the best. Im loving this channel.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Glad you are here! Stay tuned and stay in touch.

[@jonathanstahnke5375]

A huge thank you for those questions! And especially for such to the point answers! I’ve been fishing for a while and those questions run my mind as well

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlieboutin3341]

Thank you very much for the honest answers on expensive flyrods. I have nice 4 and 6 wt TFO BVK rods I love (not inexpensive) and thought about a high dollar Sage. I’m gonna use that savings to buy some other gear from you guys🙂. You’ll be getting an order soon. Y’all are the Best! Thanks for all your help with Flyfishing🎣 👍👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@stewoutdoors3020]

I just love this channel ! I discovered it about a month ago and subscribed .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Glad you are here! Stay tuned.

[@Joseywales414]

I just discovered it this week.

[@christownsend2599]

Just ordered my first correct fly rod set from you this week! Can't wait to put your teachings to work and catch some trout! Thanks for your very informative videos! I hope to continue learning about the sport!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for the support and stay in touch!!

[@mikeobrien4437]

Great info. as always. So much to learn about this sport. This is THE PLACE to go for answers and info.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned. We are just getting started!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Oh...and hopefully THE PLACE to go for fly fishing gear, flies and apparel as well.

[@chonchburger9092]

I appreciate your honesty.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

chonch burger Thanks for watching!

[@victorcastle1840]

Thanks for the honesty , that is not seen much in sales. Will be following your channel, from here out. New subscriber.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

victor castle Thanks for the sub. The BEST salesman is an honest salesman. Integrity comes first above all.

[@gilleslafreniere]

Ive been fly fishing for the last 28 years and as I didn't have anybody to teach me and I'm a self learner, I'm finally starting to learn a bit about it. Thanks for the valuable information in your video. (From Québec city, PQ, Canada)

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Much appreciated.

[@christopher-ace-azevedo5509]

Love the honesty~ Thank you! Great Video.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@al0324]

love the honesty about fly rods.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ericwilliamsfishing]

Enjoyed the video and you earned my subscription by hitting us with the truth about fly rod price point. Thanks for shooting us straight!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for that. We always try to tell the truth....at least as we understand it anyways. Stay tuned.

[@unknownartistbrebre]

Great video. Love the honesty.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@NorthWestBall]

Love this guy a honest fisherman who isn’t trying to pull the rod over your eyes, God bless.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Great Q - A video Brian 🎣👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Andy K Johnson Johnson Thanks for watching.

[@mufko77]

Thanks a lot for all details about fly fishing . I’m new in fly fishing with Cabelas 9/6/4 rod so far watching this guy videos he helping me a lot . Thanks again.!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Sounds like Cabelas is a bit confused on what that rod is though. Let us know if we can help.

[@StephenShreds]

@@Madriveroutfitters I’m guessing 9ft 6weight 4 piece rod

[@NWBushman]

Much respect for your honesty!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@gregblackmon2]

Wow. Honesty. Truth. You’ve earned my business.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Seems rare doesn't it? We appreciate that and kinda why we are here. Thanks.

[@offrodnolefmr7445]

So dang refreshing to hear the truth for a change. I subscribe, of course, so I get to catch them all. Thanks so much for the time you put in on the videos, I’m sure you’d rather be fishin!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@ronaldfisher5093]

Thanks Brian, good job with telling the truth.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

RONALD FISHER We always do our best to share the truth.

[@zackkelley5884]

Thanks for the info! MRO for life!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jared5862]

I love how you give no BS answers that help the customer and not just say what sells products. Keep up the great work. I personally use a few different rods. I have my vintage Horrocks Ibbotson bamboo, a Wright McGill Granger Special bamboo, a 8Rivers Cranberry Special 9’ -5wt, and a MaxCatch 7’ -3wt. They are all very nice rods but my two favorites that I love and use the most are the Wright McGill bamboo mainly for stock trout of various species but I do Native Brook fish with it some. And the 3 wt MaxCatch graphite even though it’s a cheap $80 combo is my favorite for catching Native brook trout. Which are my favorite fish to fly fish for. It cast great in these extremely tiny streams and makes these tiny fish so much fun. And it also has enough power for that occasional big fish. One day after I came out of a Native stream into the main river I made a few cast and caught a 17” rainbow on it. Now that was a fun fight 😂. Keep up the great work. I love the videos.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.

[@jamesdunn9714]

A great and informative video. I use 4 piece rods in part because I travel on motorcycles to fishing spots. The 4 piece is the only rod I can carry easily on a motorcycle.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

4 piece is pretty much all there is these days. And for good reason. Thanks.

[@thomasgebhart4574]

Super helpful. Thanks for all the insights.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@malee162]

Thank you very much! I've been watching your channel and have subscribed, and you've been the most helpfull! More vids please.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here! As long as folks keep supporting the shop, we’ll keep making videos.

[@leonha4069]

Thank you everybody at Mad River Outfitters for these great videos. They are an absolute pleasure to watch and just pure gold for beginners. That being said, I was wondering what you think about 6 piece rods. Will that affect the action in a negative way?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and we appreciate the kind words. As Brian states here though, please send any and all questions to the shop via e-mail. [e-mail]

[@nathanadams6633]

I really like your videos. Alot of info for us newbies.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

Brian, thanks for the honest answer on $$$$ fly rods. As a local Orvis guy told me, it’s all marketing driven, and that’s the way the world works. If you have the money, fine, you’ll enjoy having a top tier rod. I COULD get one, but I’m not going there. BTW, you forgot to mention that a handmade bamboo can run $2,500. Ouch!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Nothing wrong with a top tier rod. They are a pleasure to fish with for sure....but not a necessity.

[@brianmcgauley2664]

Brian, I’ve changed my perception of high-end rods after talking to a guy here in Dallas that I trust. He said that the accuracy of some is just incredible, so I’m going to make it a goal to look more seriously at investing in one. Keep up the great videos!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

AG, I stand corrected. I think the Orvis one is about $2800

[@ryanchambers8303]

Ive just started out fly fishing and i watch your videos all the time

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@FryFlier]

Love your honesty, and that is not BS.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@stevekennedy2451]

And that folks is exactly why I shop at Mad river outfitters, would be easy for them to sell you a high priced item just to make$$$$ , but they aren't that type of company, great dudes !!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here Steve. We are in business to serve and educate. That leads to profitability but that is not the mission statement of the company.....as you obviously understand. Stay tuned and stay in touch.

[@raymondmichaellarkin6455]

Such an honest bloke explaining expensive rod choice-top man Brian

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@peteweimer2546]

Great video information and thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for being here.

[@lukemorrow5131]

Love your honesty 👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@philipdelhagenphilip9786]

That’s for your honesty.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jonathans.9488]

Brian: "I'm pretty sure the plague was cured..." 2020: "challenge accepted."

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Good point! He spoke too soon!!

[@grinninggoat5369]

The plague (at least the famous Bubonic plague of medieval times) was never eradicated but, antibiotics are effective in treating it now. There are cases every year on multiple continents, to sometimes include North America but, are easily treated if diagnosed quickly & not allowed to progress to end stage. It's just mid 2020 now and in some 3rd world countries people have already died from Bubonic plague due to no speedy diagnosis and lack of antibiotics. Sadly, it is usually children.

[@sageslarres]

@@Madriveroutfitters well that statement aged well :D

[@omnivorouscarbon4234]

Grinning Goat r/wooosh

[@grinninggoat5369]

@@omnivorouscarbon4234 , at least 2 cases of bubonic plague in the Western USA so far just since my post a month ago. I think 1 of the people died from it. Maybe New Mexico or Nevada if I remember right.

[@triumphrider9396]

So good. Thanks for the honesty. I believe that many of the modern rods in the $175-250 category cast just as well and accurate as a $800-1000 rod.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@mariorivera6609]

Love your honesty

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned. More to come!!!!

[@schadowolf]

LOL Butter Stick! Like slicing through hot butter? :) Loved the video! One of the best yet!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks.

[@davescheer5038]

Luv the straight forward answers, and honesty, and its true I saltwater fish all the time my set up cost was under $150 bucks, but I find deals on fly rods and reels at garage sales, second hand stores, even pawn shops I got a Berkeley 8wt rod for $12 bucks had to put a Forward tip on it $5 bucks total $17 brand new still had the labels and stickers on it ! , so I have the deepest admiration bro you live the dream that most of us would love to have , to be able to fish , enjoy , and get paid to do it ! Keep up the great videos 👍🏼.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully you still support a good ol' fly shop every now and then?

[@VirginiaHighlandsOutdoors]

Respect on calling out the BS. One I laughed but you nailed it

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@richardfisher3656]

Thanks for the honesty...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheStratfanatic]

Thanks for the help on my casting. I now look like I know what I'm doing...lol Big help from you in that...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldromberger1777]

Thank you for your honest answer about fly rods

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jonmiller6320]

Can't wait to make it up to Columbus and see you guys!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Hope to see you soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out our website. Entire store is on there.

[@JLM_Fishing]

I appreciate your honesty! I recently bought an entry level fly rod setup to give fly fishing a try, and see how it goes. What I’ll learn from this setup should help me moving forward or heck I might love the rod setup and keep fishing with it regardless of the $100 dollar price tag I paid 👍🏽

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Fish with what you got!!!

[@69JJV]

Brain I can’t say enough what you do for the fly fishing industry. With the honest info you and your crew putout. The thing I think would also help with a decision on rod purchase. Is going to a shop like yours asking for help choosing a rod. With someone like you that can help with the person mechanics to match the rod. There was no You Tube when I started. I was frustrated trying to learn on my own. Went to a shop named Kaufman’s fly shop. No longer open. No high pressure sales. Out back casting some rods. Purchased a rod and signed up for their class. Tight Line.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No better resource than an actual fly fishing pro shop to help you make the right decision and get you the right rod for what you need/want. Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@pranabsingh287]

Great respect to you Mr.Brian Flechsig for your GENUINE & HONEST answer {regarding the question for 50 $ or 1000 $ rod which ones will make you catch more fish} 👍

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@Thebreadedfurflinger]

Awesome video & information, glad to see an honest opinion on cost & material,if you're getting started in fly fishing, I always say go to a fly shop & explain what your fishing for,a good fly shop will guide & help you buy the proper gear & your time on the water will be far more enjoyable,tight lines & screaming reels 🤟

[@Madriveroutfitters]

A good fly shop is gold. We agree.....of course.

[@secretweaponevan]

@11:00 , Love the honesty. I have played paintball for 30+years and my favorite eliminations were with my cheapest ($30) markers vs my more expensive ($600+) markers. If you master your technique, you can use almost any tools.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

So….very…..true. Thanks for watching.

[@larrysiers9369]

great video....love all your videos...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@timmcarthur9220]

I really appreciate your honesty. I have Scientific Anglers rods and an Orvis combo and I catch equal amounts of fish on both. The more I learn and the more I fish the more and bigger fish I catch. This is why I watch your videos. Thank You so much for your knowledge you share with us.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Glad you are here. Stay tuned.

[@brucehaley3651]

These answers are why I support MRO, if you watch these videos make sure to call in an order or order online. Great customer service!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks Bruce. Customer service....and honest customer service....is what we do for a living.

[@farmfishandfreedom2933]

Had a lot of luck with my TFO rod and it wasn’t overly expensive. Wish it wasn’t a 5/6 wt though. Makes it kinda confusing in which it is. But it works for what i use it for. Great video as always!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Just pick a number and go with it!!! Thanks for being here.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

I found the tfo 5/6 is closer to a 6/7. I catch silver and pink salmon on it. 🤷‍♂️ and 6-7wt casts better in it than a 5. That fast action is what I think it is. But get the right line and it’s a rocket. I had to switch around till I found what worked best with mine. But ive found that with other rods also. Weight forward also. Send it!

[@juanesparza2516]

Great information! Thanks Couldn't stop staring at the crab shirt

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@raewyncook7360]

Hi Brian Lindsay from New Zealand. I have come across a couple of your Mad River presentations and find interesting them very informative.I have recently retired and switched from saltwater boating and lake spinning, to fly fishing our NZ rivers and lakes. Never been the greatest fisherman, but joined a club, put aside an old 2 piece NZ fiberglass rod for a moderate priced carbon #8 4 piece and had some success. Wish I had done it sooner.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@docm4034]

Late to the game here, I just recently started fly fishing after many years of large mouth fishing heavy tackle . You got my sub the second you started speaking truth about the high end fly rods. I am sure they are very nice, but I have had some of my best days fishing on Walmart specials . Great video, great info, keep up the good work.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@mattier3030]

Oh my crab shirt! Love that color way on the “Butterstick”

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@Joseywales414]

Well let’s hear the or see the fly fishing for CRAB show.

[@budshure3183]

Just found you Brian. LOVE the videos. I've been FF for over 15 years, but I still find myself watching your more basic videos. (I can always learn something new.) You're an awesome presenter and I'll be looking to you guys for future online purchases just to pay it back. Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks a ton. We really appreciate that and it helps us keep the fire burning (making new videos).

[@mrg8056]

Your a good bloke, video’s are great cheers buddy

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@levishaw5266]

I’m Watching in may 2020 and when he said the Plague was over I was like wait when haha

[@Madriveroutfitters]

He was just kidding.

[@swagdaddy6954]

Bruh it better. I would like to go outside without getting the China flu

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Good answer, the right rod and fly line for the right application is what really matters.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@C-Smith-87]

New to your channel I'm glad I found your channel btw I subscribed immediately also. You teached me a lot already. I have to say I love your honesty. Of course I want a 1000 dollar fly rod but it's not in my budget the ol lady wld skin me alive lol. I'm in for about a 100 dollar range myself. Thanks again

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. We all WANT at 1000 dollar fly rod but reality is typically different than want.

[@benstilson7353]

You guys should come out and fish Utah, it’s a great time!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We do that pretty often. Regulars on the Green River to be exact. Thanks.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

Hi, Thank you for doing this. The perfect fly rod to me is a 1960's #4 Wright and McBill Sunrise that was my dad's which I'm currently restoring.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@isaiahstillmanlpn6245]

I went went to a local fly shop a few yrs back and I was looking at the new sage spey rods. The owner came over and we talked rods, river systems, patterns and technique. In the end, he told me one of his all time favs is the echo swing switch, because he's caught more steelhead and large trout on that rod than any other. It happened to be the one I purchased, and saved me almost 700 bucks. To this day, I now own a lot of sage rods, but that "cheaper" rod, has still landed more steelhead and lake browns than anything in my fishing kit. I was thankful for the honesty, and it is still one of my best go to rods.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Happens in a good and honest fly shop.

[@mintdb8365]

Thank you very much!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

I love the action of fiberglass . It is as I call it a modern bamboo imposter in it's action . What I have waited to see is a monocoque design composite .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@javieracosta8884]

Yes! To hear someone say the high-end rods are over hype. Love it.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@scottadams1061]

To BRIAN and ALEX: Brian, I really appreciate your refreshing honesty. Generally I don’t trust salesmen but I’d buy from you based on your advice any day of the week! Wish I lived closer, I’d drop in to meet you and see your store. Love the videos. Alex, Brian is right. My first fly rod was around $50.00. I was perfectly happy with it until I tied a hopeless wind knot one day. A friend I was fishing with handed me a $500.00 rod and I finished the evening fishing with it. I could tell the difference right away but didn’t fully appreciate it until the next day when I went back to my $50.00 rod. Suddenly I felt I was casting with a baseball bat. It was Soooo heavy compared to the nice rod. I now own several rods in the $150 to $300 range and will never go back. I still own the $50.00 rod. It comes in handy as a spare or for young anglers but I’ve nicknamed it “the club” because it will wear you out over the course of a day. To me that’s the difference between a cheap rod and an expensive rod. So butter up your wife and put a nicer rod on your Christmas list. And you don’t have to spend $1,000. Look around Mad River Outfitters web site. They have lots of rods in the $90 to $200 range. Get their guidance and I promise you will be glad you did. Tight lines and stay off the couch :). PS, if you buy a rod of the same weight as your $50.00 rod you can use the same reel and line that you already own. -Scott from Maine

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks Scott! Appreciate the kind words. Our employees are fist and foremost fly anglers. Second, they are customer service representatives. When you sell great products, at a variety of price levels, you don't need to be a salesman.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please note also that you can still buy from him at www.madriveroutfitters.com. That's actually how this arrangement is supposed to work!

[@dylanmccallister1888]

I have my great grandfather's bamboo fly rod. We used to keep it above the fire place. It's still got silk line on it. Has it's original cardboard tube case and is now in storage.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Super cool! Thanks for being here.

[@manuelabella7760]

Thank you for your honesty and integrity. I have the $1400 custom fly rod but could not agree more.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

If fishing is your passion I’d say the money is worth it. Some guys buy $20,000 motorcycles. Some people take bong hits from $10,000 bongs lol . I’d never spend more than $1,000 bong and 500$ fishing rod and reel 🤣😂

[@makcatchem9614]

This was a great video

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@slippinslidewayz]

I have a few fly rods. All pretty budget models but my favorite is my orvis starter rod/reel. I got it as a kit when I first started and it splits the middle in length/weight. It is perfect for steelhead and large mouth bass.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@crappiejosh]

That's awesome I love mad rivers outfitters honest

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Integrity. If you don't have that, you don't have anything.

[@crappiejosh]

Amen....

[@hobbyoftheday4017]

I've Fallin in love with fiber glass rods, I had two graphite rods that were ok but I broke then easily ( I run a surface drive out board because I tore up a regular out board). Anyways I use two fiberglass rods right now and love them, the shorter length is nice were I fish, most cast are under 40 feet for me and they are a joy to fish. And I'm catching bass and pike and bowfin on them ones an 8 wt and ones a 10 wt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.

[@LucasKellis]

Brian also touches on this in episode four of the intro to fly fishing series where basically some people just want to cast slow and some want to cast fast. For myself I like having the extra time in between my my casting strokes, it just feels more natural.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Exactly! Thanks for watching.

[@challengerfirearms3260]

Thanks for doing this video. I must say I just bought a $600 Orvis Recon 7wt.. (Made in America) I used to build rods 35 years ago. Either things have changed a LOT or Orvis does not know how to build rods. The spline is way off on all 4 sections. I have not used it yet but no second chance for a first impression. Thanks again for your videos and knowledge.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@dougwebster8868]

I hear you. I used to build my own rods, starting with a kit from Herters. I could make just what I desired. Ever hear of a 10' 2wt combo fly/spin combo? It worked well for canoe fly fishing and for crappie spinning. I use FG for general fishing, for spey graphite.