I fish alot in missouri, and there are alot of situations that call for a short, light weight, dry fly rod. As of now im considering a sage launch and a St. Croix avid (Both in 3 weight). I was wondering if you guys had any opinions on these two rods, or a better suggestions.

Thanks alot

What length do you want for a 3 weight. Do you want a 2 piece rod or a 4 piece rod?

AbelBoy

7 foot 6 is preferable...2 or 4 piece really doesnt matter, but i would probably prefer 2 piece

I casted the 7'6" Sage Launch and the 7'9" St. Croix Avid on the casting pond at a fly fishing show. I can't say that one is better than the other. Both rods feel very predictable. They aren't fast or slow. Both rods have a mellow tempo although the Sage is just a touch stiffer in the midsection. Presentation seems good although I am sure I can get a softer presentation out of a higher end rod. But for the $200 range, you get a lot of rod for the money. I suggest casting them to see which one you like better.

AbelBoy

you are right, that you would get better preformance out of a higher end rod...but This wont be my number 1, 2, or #3 rod, so im just going to get a decent rod, for small streams. Ill probably just end up testing them both out.

Thanks for the reply

Make sure you cast a TFO Finesse Rod. At $180.00, it is a helluva rod for the money. They have a 7'9" 3wt. that should fit your needs. I have a 5wt., and it casts very much like my Scott G, which many people consider the best presentation rod ever made.

You might also consider an Echo Classic for $150.00. They have a 7'6" 3wt. that has a medium-fast action.

Just my two cents, but I have had an Avid 3wt, and our fly fishing club has a Sage Launch setup as a loaner for our beginners, and both of the above rods are far superior to the Avid or Launch. Everyone is different, though, and the bottom line is that you should cast any rod before you buy it. Good Luck!!

I've owned the Sage Launch 7'6" 3 wt rod. It's a great little 3 wt rod. Perfect for small streams. I fished it everyday for a month on my small streams and it performed as well as a higher end rod. Very precise when you need an accurate cast, and plenty of power to bring in an unexpected large fish when you get lucky. It also gets a nice bend when you get those little fellas.

I got a deal on a cane rod, or i'd still be using it. Give the Sage a try. You won't be disappointed. Made in the US with lifetime warranty is a bonus too.

I went to a local fly shop and gave the TFO finesse a try. Wow....that really was preformance. I still want to try the sage launch, but they didnt have it in stock. Ive got it narrowed down to those two. Thanks for all the replies guys, ill let you know which one i get.

oh, and i also figured out the TFO is not made in america, so there is my only downside on that rod.

Small Stream 3 wt = Diamondglass 7 ft 3piece.

If you really want it to extend to larger streams and fish, save up and get a 3wt Helios.

It's time to tie. Let's see some action on the tying forum!

PA

Wow....The St.Croix Avid was by far my pick of the bunch, Medium Fast action, very ligh and smooth, and made in the USA. Excellent warrenty.

Strange problem....There wont be any dry flies where I fish for the next 6 months ...Oh well, glad to own this rod