Best all around rod for distance

[Rodonthefly]

Ok, after thinning my rod collection I'm about ready for a big boy rod . Those that know me, know that I fish mostly large waters. So I'm looking for something powerfull enough to cast 70+ feet all day and not feel it the next day. I was thinking along the lines of a 9' 5wt but also would like to hear pros and cons on say a 9'6" as well in the 5 wt line up. So if you all would please feel free to add your comments on these rods I have listed.

Sage One

Sage Z Axis

Hardy Zenith


Feel free to add others.

[Heavynets]

For all day distance casting it's going to be hard to beat a two-handed rod. I use a 7 wt switch rod that I built on a Batson Rainshadow blank. It has become my goto rod. A 5 or 6 wt would probably be a better all around rod. Redington, Beulah and Sage make some excellent switch rods.

[DarrinG]

Casting 70 plus feet "all day", you're gonna feel it the next day no matter what rod you use (if you're not used to doing that all day, alot). Out of the rods you listed, the only one I have casted is the Z-Axis, and would be a good choice I would think. Or, I'd look for a used but in good condition Sage XP 9ft 6wt. Powerful rod. And on a tighter budget, look at a TFO TiCr-X. I'll tell ya, those X rods got some horsepower. A little heavier swing weight, but man, they can flat throw some line with ease. Impressive when it comes to raw power and zinging line thru the guides.

[Randy Ratliff]

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[MadisonBoats]

Rod,
I guess my input would be similar to the other responders. What are you going to be throwing and how are you going to fish it?

I believe about any rod will throw out to 70' with its correct line weight and with most flies.

I am not that experienced with throwing streamers all day; but, that seems to give me some arm trouble after a couple hours.

[narcodog]

It's not the rod it's the caster. I have a friend that took my Cortland Enduro 10ft 4 wt and emptied the reel, he was able to do this time after time, without a fly attached.

[Knothead]

corbo, very interesting information. Thanks. I underline a 7 wt. bamboo rod with 6 wt. to stiffen the action. Could probably go down to 5 wt.

[waterwolf]

Others have made some very good points, and 70 feet is not that far to cast in reality. The problem with 70 feet is effectively fishing with that much distance between you and the fly. Drag becomes a huge issue, and getting good hook sets as well.

From what I know about you Rod is you fish the Clinch primarily, and if you are looking a for a rod to handle "clinch distances" then I would look at a 9' 5wt. Z-Axis or One.

I fish a 9' 4 wt SP or Z-Axis on the Clinch every time I am out, and can cast as far as anyone on the river with it. However, that is just me, needless to say I might have a little different skill set then the majority of others on the river.

That is the reason I usually suggest and always suggest others stick with a 9' 5 wt, and it should do everything you need it to.

I would not look at the 9' + rods, when you add extra graphite they get clunky and heavy in the hand. I have never been a fan, and the longer rods are more useful for mending then they are distance casting IMO.

[Wilson10]

Has anyone cast the Sage TCX? That claims to be the "extreme distance" stick according to Sage.

[waterwolf]

Originally Posted by Wilson10

Has anyone cast the Sage TCX? That claims to be the "extreme distance" stick according to Sage.

I thought it was awful. Nothing I hate more then a rod which is so fast that you have to up line it to make it load.

It might be great for some, but for me it is a non-starter. I bet it would break 6x faster then lightning as well.