I'm just going to ask a few questions in one topic post...


I am what you would call a step above beginner fly fisherman. I just started to tie my own flies and I have developed a sort of obsession for fly fishing. I bought an orvis battenkill mid arbor 5 wt but now I need a rod.
What do you all think about the orvis TLS power matrix? 8'6 or 9'?

I also am looking at some chest packs... Does anyone know about fishponds windwalker chest pack?


And lastly, does anyone know about white water fly shops chest high stalking waders? $99

All stated above are good...i love orvis products. Fishpond makes a good chestpack.

As for waders, i would spend an extra hundred dollars for a pair of simms. Great warrenty and company.

I don't know much about Orvis rods. I have primarily Scott and Loomis. To me the rod has less to do with manufacturer and more to do with what action fits your casting style. There are a lot of good rods out there and you don't have to spend a tremendous amount of money anymore to get one. I don't know where you are from but here in Maryland there will be some good shows coming up soon. If you don't need a rod immediately I would suggest going to a local show where you can try several. As for length I would stick with a 9 footer unless you are fishing in close quarters and need to go shorter.

I use a William Joseph chest pack. Whatever you chose make sure the pack is supported by your shoulders and not your neck. Two straps, one over each shoulder, is preferable to one loop that goes around your neck.

IMHO Simms has no equal when it comes to waders both in the quality of the product and service/repair (if you ever need them repaired). I would pay up for waders. There are a lot of good waders on the market and I'm sure you'll get very good recommendations from those that use them. This time of year and through the winter I am standing in water as cold as 33 degrees fishing for steelhead. I don't want leaky waders so I go with the product that has not let me down.

The Orvis TLS is a good rod. If you choose that rod, the decision on 8'6" or 9'0" really depends on the size of water you fish. The smaller the water, the shorter the rod. The 9'0" rod will help you cast further on larger rivers. I would also look at Echo, TFO, Scott, and Sage. The real decision is action. If you are a beginner a medium-fast rod will be easier to cast, and more forgiving than a fast rod.

I have the Fishpond Windwalker, and would highly recommend it. On waders, there are many good brands, Simms being the best. Just make sure they are breathable, and have a good warranty. Good Luck!!

I have always had a good experience with Orvis Rods from the TLS to a new 8wt Helios. My other favorite is RL Winston (I have a 6,9 & 10 wt BIIX) and I never see anyone mention their more affordable lines -- the Vapor or the Ascent. I had a chance to cast a Vapor 5wt and it is a wonderful rod, in their medium-fast catagory. I think the Ascent and Vapor lines are in the $199 - $299 range. I'd be interested to hear what other think of the Ascent and Vapor rods. There is so much good equipment in and around that price point.

Good luck.