Hi all,

I'm trying to buy a Cabelas 3 weight rod. I am trying to decide between the 3-forks and the Stowaway 5-piece.

I am not familiar with their rods, so I was hoping someone who is familiar with Cabelas equipment can be kind enough to answer some of my questions:

1. What is the action of the Three forks (slow, moderate?) What about that of the Stowaway5? (For the Stowaway5, the web site said something like "it's available in a variety of actions")

2. Does anyone have any experience with the Prestige Plus reel? How about the CSR reel? (both for 3wt line) I tried looking for reviews online but I couldn't find very many... (one said that the Prestige's drag is no good and gives backlash)

3. Consider the price of the Threeforks combo with a rod case ($25) The price between these two outfits become very close. What would you get?

4. Are the lines (I presume it's Prestige) that come with these combos anygood?

I'm trying to get back into flyfishing and looking for a rod for local streams around Pasadena, CA. I talked with a flyshop and it seems that all of the local stream fish are very small so a 3 weight is probably appropriate. It's been a while since I last flyfished, I can't say I'm a skilled fisherman but I'm not a complete novice.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you Rich for the reply. Are you saying that the 4wt Stowaway actually casts better than the 3wt Stowaway? If that's the case, I may consider the 4 wt.

I already have a decent reel (Orvis Battenkill 5/6) It's still strung with old 6wt line, I broke my 6 wt fly rod (Fenwick something) while hiking 3 years ago and haven't really flyfished ever since. Anyways, I'm trying to decide whether to go for the Cabela's combos (which seem like a great deal) or just to go for a rod and then buy new line.

The choice will be tween
- 3wt Stowaway 5 piece
- 4wt Stowaway 5 piece
- 3wt Threeforks

Being a student, I don't have a big budget for lots of flyrods. I'm leaning now more towards the Stowaway 4wt as it seems a more appropriate all purpose weight.

Any more suggestions/help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

The 4wt is a better all-purpose weight, but 7'6" is not an all purpose length. Don't know how big your local stream is, but if it's not tight quarters then you don't need to go that short.

But this discussion has been had many times. The general consensus seems to be 9' for all around and then if you need something for close quarters, short casts, and very little mending you go shorter (<8').

Sorry to complicate this, but you may be frustrated with a 7.5' rod when you try to use it for other applications. I was surprised at the difference a foot makes.

kfish,
I'd stay away from the combo's and just get the rod.The 3 forks 3wt feels more like a 4wt anyway so I'd go with the stowaway 5 pc.. A little more consisitent in it's quality than the 3 Forks. either rod is great for the money. I've started my sons, a brother-in-law and 2 friends on the 3 Forks. I agree with rich, use your battenkill reel and the money you saved by not getting the combo,put towards good line.
best,
Steve

Thanks "preast," you bring up a very good point... I'm actually not familiar with my local streams but when I stopped by an Orvis shop nearby and asked about local fishing spots, the first thing the person said was "these will be small fish." Probably most things are "close quarters." (Maybe someone from the near the Pasadena, CA can shed some more light)

I don't have much experience with light weight flyrods, will I really see a difference between the 3wt and the 4wt (this is probably another one of those frequently discussed topics)... I understand from reading that 3wt (or less) will have problems when the wind picks up or wanting to cast weight flies. Is this problem mainly due to the rod not having enough "backbone" or is it more with the flyline?

For small high mountain streams and beaver ponds, I've always taken my lightweight spinning rod (not really appropriate, or fun, to bring 6wt 9' rod for small Brookies). Man, I really miss fishing.

I'll search the forums' old posts a little more and come back with more questions

Thanks for all the helpful replies, please keep them coming.

(EDITED) Just saw "pelcrk" post. Thank you for the reply. So are recommending the Stowaway 4wt same as rich? Or are you recommending that I get the 3wt Stowaway and put a 4wt line on it.

I own both the Three Forks and 5 pc Stowaway in 3 wt.
To me the Three Forks is a little faster rod and could be a 4 wt.
The Stowaway is a true 3 wt IMO....softish - for fishing 3 wt distances.
Fit and finish on the Stowaway is much better than the Three Fork although I don't care for the SP type winding check on the Stowaway.
Both rods are on sale right now.... $40 for the Three Forks - $85 for the Stowaway.

kfish,
sorry for being unclear. Go with the stowaway 4wt . When you have more money to play with get yourself a Diamondback diamondglass rod for those small streams. (they go for about 250.00 or so,) Except for bamboo,it's the most fun you can have for smaller water.
Best,
Steve

Ok, great, thanks everyone for all your advice. I will order the 4wt Stowaway 5pc later tonight. Perhaps someone could recommend a good line? I know Rich recommended the Rio (I think that's what I still have on my old reel).

I was thinking of buying everything from Cabela's to save on shipping... They don't seem to carry the Rio brand of lines. Are there any sales elsewhere on good flylines? They have the Prestige Plus line on sale for $30 and a ton of Cortland lines.

From scanning the forums, I recall someone giving the Airflo lines very high remarks. I don't think they said which one in particular. But I was searching on Cabela's web site and they sell the Airflo "Platinum Chalkstream XT Fly Line" Does anyone have experience with this line?

Thanks again.

(Edited)

What's the line that best matches the Stowaway 5pc 4wt? It seems that the Rio Grand is designed for faster action rods.

my buddy bought the stowaway 5, 5 weight last year, an 8'-6" i think. i was impressed with the rod's looks and feel for the price. although i haven't fished it on water. he got the combo. i didn't like the reel. i'd suggest buying just the rod if you can. the reel was too big for my taste, and felt/sounded cheap. for about 435, you could get an okuma sierra which feels nicer in the store to me. of course, both of these reels are compromises. i would REALLY suggest spending a bit more (you saved on the rod) and buying a niceer reel with extra spool capabilities.

i love my galvan OB3 (more than you need or want) but their standard model might be good.. ross flywater, orvis battenkill 3/4, lamson radius, are all nice options.

i bought a cabelas prestige plus 5 weight WF line 2 years ago. i think it's fine, never noticed any shortcomings, but back then, i had JUST started flyfishing seriously so i was new to it all. a redington WF from sports authrity for $21 was fine to me too. currently, i LOVE my rio selective trout WF4 in olive (i fish small sierra streams mainly, dry flies). hook and hackle offers a rebadged olive color line for about $28 if you order online, supposed to be good, speculation exists it's a cortland line. cortland has a "beginner's" line called Headstart for about $35. i'd spend the money and get as premium a line as you could afford, depending on model and manufacturer. airflo platinum chalkstreams get great reviews but the model you mentioned may be an improved version.

good luck! :-)

eric
fresno, ca.

k,
Angler's pro flyshop was selling the airflo for 50% off. I picked up the chalkstream in a 3 wt and 5wt. They are located in PA. A web search should find them. Just started using it but early report is fine.
Best,

Thanks a lot. That's a good deal. I googled them and here's the link:

http://estore.anglers-pro.com/cgi-bin/cat/10025.html

in case anyone else wants it. Do you know why they're selling it so cheap. Is this an older style? I am guessing flylines have very long shelf life if they've never been used.

(EDIT) I was about to order from them when I noticed that their ordering page is not secure... Normally other online sites will show the "lock" icon on the lower right hand corner of the browser.

Steve, how did you place your order with them? I guess they must be ok since you've already received your line and they're just fine... I'm afraid of sending my credit card number to a non-secure site though.

k,
try calling. 1-800-934-4862 they are in Sauderton PA. the platinum chalkstream lists for 24.95.
Best,
Steve

Ok, I've ordered everything now:

Stowaway 5pc 4wt (from Cabela's)
Airflo Platinum Chalkstream (from Angler's Pro)

I'm going to use my old reel, hopefully the old backing is going to be ok. Never had any fish run me all the way to the backing.

Thank you everyone for your advice and input. I look forward to fishing with my new outfit. (The rod is on back order I guess everyone is buying fishing equipment because of the sale).

Thanks again.