[Derek Mckay]

1st post here but long time lurker.

Looking for opinions on a good french type nymphing rod.  Been using an 8'6" #4 and been working away quite well although at times feel I lack range/control.

Have been considering something in a 9'6"-10' #3, budget would be in the £200 range, £300 as an absolute max.

Look forward to everyone's opinions.

Derek

[Liam Stephen]

Hey Derek 

I recently put a client onto a 10' 4wt Hardy Jet for £200 (£167 now, if they are still in stock at John Norris) a 10' 3wt was also an option. I was blown away by it and I've never been a fan of hardy.

I was chatting with a well known river guy last night and he swears by the new GR70 Streamflex plus #3.  A few local guys love the Snowbee prestige 10' 2wt and 9' 6" 3wt, these can be had fairly cheap as well.

Good luck in your search. Let us know how you get on.

 

[Derek Mckay]

Thanks for the reply Liam. Had a look for the jet but think all the lightweight 10's are gone. Hardy has never been a brand I've been drawn to either. 
Was wondering about the Hends GPX or Hanak Czech nymph champion.  Like the idea of adjustable length but wonder if that ends up being a master of none situation.
Wondered about the Vision onki as well but I think that's just because I quite like its weird colour and have always gotten on well with other Vision rods I've owned.

[Liam Stephen]

Did you try John Norris? The 2 in 1 thing isn't a bad deal. My MKII streamflex plus 3wt was pretty decent. Okay for the dries at 9' 6" and was sweet with the nymph at 10'.

Tr and play around with a few if  you can. The new Orvis Recon 10' 3wt is very very nice. Maybe just a little over budget though.

 

[Dave Robb]

I've got a 10ft #5 Orvis Recon and think it's the dogs doodas as an all rounder, so I reckon the #3 would be a great choice.  I actually want another but was thinking of the #4.

They are £379 with the new Orvis pricing, but if you check out Uttings.co.uk, you can get 10% off your first order.  This is what I did under the old pricing and got it for less than £300.

It's a very light rod with very good reviews across the board, plus a 25 year guarantee.  I've  got a couple of Mikes lines for it and I can ping a cast out accurately with minimum effort.

The problem I now have is that it's so much lighter and better than my various other rods, including a couple ofHardy's, it's put me off them.

[Rob Brownfield]

Another option is to build one.

I built a Nymphing rod from a PacBay "Quickline" blank and its a lovely rod to fish with. It is a 10ft 4 weight and I use it for French Nymphing as well as Czech.  Blanks is £90, I built mine for way less than £200 and I think its lovely Full custom handle, special guides and some fancy thread work.

Also on Ebay you will see Mick Bell from Bloke Rods selling several different Nymphing blanks right up to 11 foot 3 weights.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bloke-fly-rod-blank-XL50-11-3wt-5-piece-Czech-nymphing-Matt-green-/292097827709?epid=916793606&hash=item440263237d:g:bc8AAOSwIWVZAMAF

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bloke-fly-rod-blank-XL50-11-4wt-5-piece-Czech-nymphing-Matt-green-/292097828224?epid=863768996&hash=item4402632580:g:bc8AAOSwIWVZAMAF


Lastly, NEXTackle on ebay sell very cheap blanks that make very nice rods. I have spoken to a couple of folk who built the 10 foot 3 weights and think they are perfect.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEXTackle-Fly-Fishing-Rod-Blank-SL-Nymph-12ft-4wt-5pc-IM6-30T-Carbon-/302391297794?hash=item4667ed0702:g:6qIAAOSwNRdX7NPF

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEXTackle-Fly-Fishing-Rod-Blank-LL-10ft-3wt-4pc-IM6-30T-Carbon-/302391297803?hash=item4667ed070b:g:bEIAAOSw2s1UuA40

[Derek Mckay]

I think an Orvis rekon is pushing my budget to far really. I'm sure it would be a great rod though.

I've replaced broken guides in the past but don't really fancy building from scratch  maybe some day I'll have a go but for now I'd rather just buy off the shelf. 

Great ideas so far it's much appreciated.

[Hamish Young]

Sticking with Orvis try the Clearwater 10' #4wt instead which is closer to your budget spend at £199 I've cast one and it's a nice rod, would have been considered a premium rod not that long ago.
They're not built to the same spec as the Recon but they're fine rods and they come with that 25 year guarantee..... 

[Derek Mckay]

With a discount I can get the Hanak Czech nymph champion 4 in 1 #3 for £210 just now a saving of £70.  I've never seen 1 or any Hanak rod in the flesh though so don't know if buying blind will be a mistake. Any1 have or have used Hanak rods have an opinion on them?
I'm tempted to head to Orvis for a look at the Clearwater  but I'm sure this will just end up in me  wanting/buying a Recon.
Maybe I should work away with what I have this season and look for offers over winter?  Are Orvis in the way of doing specials or sales in the quieter months?

[Derek Mckay]

What are everyone's thoughts of a #3 for versatility? For french nymphing I guess it will excel but what about turning over an indicator or if fishing the duo is required? 
My other thought has been that it is regularly quite windy would the #3 only work on the calmer days? 
For versatility is it worth sacraficing some sensitivity for a little extra back bone?  Would a 10' #4 be the more practical rod?

[Derek Mckay]

Well a trip to Orvis was had and a recon was taken home.  Only had time for a test drive so far but very pleased with it.

Thought the Clearwater range looked very nice for their price also.