I really didn't want to spend more than $50 for a fiberglass rod. I scoured Ebay since the fly show and searched Craigslist. Nothing fit what I was looking for. I decided to give the Featherlight a try again. I tried this rod once in the past but I was only able to fish it once before it lost a battle with a car window. That rod was the 3wt version.
From most of the reviews I read the 7ft 5/6wt seems to be the most preferred. You can find the rod online for under $25, that's including shipping. The rod arrived today and I had a chance to look it over.
What I first noticed about the rod was how sturdy it felt. For the price I thought it would be chincy and fragile. If you're into cosmetics this isn't the rod for you. The paint around the ferule looks like it was done with a spray gun. Another spot had paint missing where it looked chipped off. The wraps aren't the greatest either.
You don't buy this stick for it's looks. For the price I don't think you can beat this rod. It's not the prettiest thing you'll cast but it does the trick. This part confused me a little.
I thought this rod was made in China. A sticker indicating that was on the bottom of the reel seat. So now I'm wondering if the blank is made in CO and everything else came from China. It would be nice to believe the rod was made in the US but in all honesty I don't care.
I'm looking forward to testing this rod out. It will be fun to see what white bass, crappie and bass do to this rod. It's going to be a spare rod and something I have the kids use. If they like the rod enough at this price they can both have one.
The company is based in Denver and started in that region, circa 1925. Yes, that rod was built overseas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Mike.
DeleteCompared to my first fly rod, an Eagle Claw that I was given as a kid, yours looks classy. That first rod met a similar fate-- in the slamming of a car door. But I still have lots of pleasant memories associated with that first rod of my youth, and I wish you good experiences in the realm of fiberglass.
ReplyDeleteLike your approach to the Featherlight. It is what it is. It's cheap, very functional and a hoot to use on Bluegill, Crappie, Bass etc. Many trout have been hooked over the years by this rod, too. You will enjoy it I believe, and if by some small chance you don't, you sure are not out much. I will bet my money on the fact that you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel, I'm sure I'll like it too.
DeleteThe current incarnation of Featherlights are much improved over some of those from the recent past. I had one briefly that actually had spinning rod guides instead of snakes... and no it wasn't a Trailmaster two-for-one deal... it was a dedicated fly rod with weird guides... that's just how they made them circa 2007. I think you made a fine choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jay, I think I've seen that style before. It's interesting how the guides can really change the cosmetic look of a rod.
DeleteC.M. from the fiberglass manifesto got you going on glass with his great presentation in Winston didn't he? I did the same thing. Went home and searched eBay but haven't pulled the trigger. Still have a beat up Heddon 5 weight in the rack though. Going to have to break it out again.
ReplyDeleteCameron's presentation definitely got me interested. There's a lot of nice rods selling on Ebay I just can't see paying $75 for an old Fenwick.
DeleteI don't think you'll be disappointed. The Featherlight will handle those fish well. Can't wait to see some posts.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see some too. I'm still fishless for 2014. I've been out 2twice and both times I didn't get as much as a bump.
DeleteHmmm that is quite interesting, didn't even know you could get a glass fly rod for that price. Not that I need another stick, but maybe....
ReplyDelete